For Liliana Mars, February was a reminder that leadership and personal wellness often go hand in hand. As the Northeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Liliana spent the month reconnecting with culture, strengthening relationships, and supporting youth councils across the region.
At the start of the month, Liliana traveled to Hollywood, Florida, to attend the Seminole Tribe of Florida Powwow, held January 31–February 1. Powwows bring together tribal members, dancers, singers, and families from across the country, creating a space to celebrate culture and reconnect with community.
During the powwow, Liliana spent time visiting with family, friends, and members of many different tribes. She also had the opportunity to dance throughout the weekend and ultimately placed fourth in competition, an achievement that made the experience even more meaningful. Seeing dancers wearing regalia she had created—including a traditional dress, jingle dress, and couples set—was another moment that filled her with pride.
Beyond the dancing, the weekend offered time for connection and exploration with family, including watching alligator wrestling, visiting nearby beaches, and even holding an African grey parrot—something Liliana had always been excited to do due to her love of birds.
But for Liliana, the powwow represented more than just a gathering.
“Attending the powwow truly helped with my mental health in ways I can’t explain,” she shared. “When they say dancing is healing, they truly mean it.”
After returning home, Liliana briefly traveled again for family responsibilities before shifting her focus back to youth leadership work in the Northeast.
Later in the month, she was invited to attend the Mashpee Youth Council Winter Ball in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Although the event was postponed to March 14 due to a major winter storm that swept across the East Coast, Liliana remained in communication with the youth council’s advisors and leaders.
During these conversations, the youth council requested guidance on how to raise funds to help more youth attend UNITY events. In response, Liliana began exploring ways to support the council by organizing UNITY 101 sessions and fundraising workshops that would provide youth with tools to organize events, raise funds, and prepare to attend UNITY gatherings.
She is also working to coordinate a potential in-person regional gathering for the Northeast, with hopes of bringing youth councils together later this spring.
Reflecting on the month, Liliana shared that both the powwow experience and the outreach from youth councils reminded her why she serves as a regional representative.
“Having a youth council reach out to me and ask for my help truly warmed my heart and made me feel like I’m doing right as their representative.”
Through cultural connection, mentorship, and regional organizing, Liliana continues to uplift Native youth while helping strengthen the UNITY network across the Northeast.
