This month, Nizhoni Deschene stepped into a powerful leadership role at the University of California, Berkeley, serving as the Director of Indigenous Advocacy within the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC). Working alongside Senator Reg Macarro and fellow student leaders, she has been at the forefront of efforts to uplift Native voices and strengthen Indigenous presence on campus. Through her work, Nizhoni is proving that advocacy isn’t just about representation—it’s about action, strategy, and creating lasting change.
At the heart of her work are community-driven initiatives designed to celebrate and sustain Indigenous identity. Nizhoni has helped organize efforts to highlight Native and Indigenous professors, ensuring their contributions are recognized and visible across campus. She has also gathered student testimonials to support critical funding for the Native American Theme Program and Native Community Center, amplifying the voices of those directly impacted by these spaces. “Our department works towards protecting Native and Indigenous programs, spaces, and values by listening to our community members and taking actionable steps towards improvement,” she shared.
Her civic engagement extends into event planning and community building, where she has played a key role in organizing participants and coordinating logistics for the upcoming Native and Indigenous Night Market. This event aims to bring together students, artists, and community members in a space that celebrates Indigenous culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Through collaboration with her team, Nizhoni is helping ensure that Indigenous presence on campus is not only visible but thriving.
In addition to her organizational work, Nizhoni has been deeply involved in communications and outreach, working closely with a social media team to ensure proper marketing and awareness of Indigenous programs. By shaping how these initiatives are shared and promoted, she is helping build stronger engagement and connection within the campus community.
Her work reflects a broader commitment to service—one that centers listening, collaboration, and long-term impact. By advocating for funding, visibility, and safe spaces, Nizhoni is helping create an environment where Native students can succeed, feel supported, and stay connected to their identity. “Ensuring the longevity of Native representation at Berkeley,” she emphasized, is a responsibility she carries with intention and pride.
The UNITY Earth Ambassador Program continues to uplift leaders like Nizhoni Deschene who are driving change in academic, community, and environmental spaces. This year’s cohort represents a generation of Indigenous youth who are not waiting for opportunities—they are creating them. Through advocacy, leadership, and cultural pride, they are ensuring that Native voices are not only heard but sustained for generations to come