The sweetness of fresh berries and the wisdom of elders shaped a month of growth for Earth Ambassador Marla Mesarina of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. August became a season of firsts—her first time berry picking, her first teaching video, and her first regional gathering as part of the Earth […]
Laughter, music, and the smell of good food filled the air as youth and elders gathered for a circus-themed luncheon hosted by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Youth Council. At the heart of it all was Gabriel Loonsfoot, Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, who sees leadership not as a title, […]
The early morning air was still and sacred in southern Colorado as the sun began to rise over the ancestral lands of the Kiowa and Southern Cheyenne people. For Earth Ambassador Codie Horse-Topetchy, camping out with relatives before a buffalo hunt was not just a return to tradition—it was a step into leadership grounded in […]
The sound of jingles echoed through the Woodland Bowl as Menominee Earth Ambassador McKaylin Peters stepped out in her new regalia—dresses she had sewn herself with care. Dancing old style jingle at her tribe’s powwow, she felt grounded in tradition and proud of the work of her own hands. Her family’s drum, the Smokeytown Singers, […]
The scent of smoke hung heavy in Minnesota this August, a reminder of how climate change impacts every corner of our lives—even in the cornfields, where young leaders bent to pull weeds. For Shinnecock and Onondaga Earth Ambassador Néepa Hyde, the month was her busiest yet, filled with hands-on lessons in food sovereignty, cultural teachings, […]
The first weeks of school are often filled with nerves, excitement, and anticipation. For UNITY Pacific Region Representative Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), fall has become a time to spark connection, pride, and purpose in her community. Whether she’s welcoming students with coffee and warm smiles, singing traditional songs to honor Native culture, or […]
Mahiya Ramirez Inspires Awareness in Her Community When Muscogee (Creek) Earth Ambassador Mahiya Ramirez stepped into her final semester at the University of Central Oklahoma, she did more than open textbooks—she opened hearts and minds. Her exhibit, Saltwater Sovereignty, now on display on campus, bridges art and activism, reminding viewers that water is not just […]
This month, Jizelle Juan (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community) demonstrated how culture, service, and community wellness are deeply intertwined in her leadership journey as an Earth Ambassador. From cultural practices to civic engagement, she continues to embody stewardship of both the land and her people. “Every Saturday throughout the month, I continued to gather willow […]
The month of August brought both transition and triumph for Navajo Earth Ambassador Vydell Willie. Between packing for his first semester of college and presenting at local chapter meetings, Vydell discovered that true leadership often means learning to balance growth in both personal and community life. Early in the month, he introduced himself as a […]
This week, UNITY’s very own Executive Director, Mary Kim Titla (San Carlos Apache), has been spotted halfway around the world—in Auckland, New Zealand! Partnering with the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), Mary Kim is carrying UNITY’s mission across oceans, showing that inspiring hope for Indigenous youth is a truly global movement. And […]
