Native youth from across the Midwest gathered with UNITY Earth Ambassadors for an intensive training on environmental leadership. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the program blended traditional knowledge, scientific approaches, and youth-driven advocacy to prepare participants as leaders for climate action. Some youth drove over 11 hours to attend […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The UNITY Earth Ambassadors (Midwest) Gathering, held August 21–24, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, brought Native youth together for an immersive training rooted in the stewardship of the four elements—Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the event combined cultural traditions, environmental science, and […]
The start of a new school year can be intimidating, but for Ethan Hedgepeth (Cherokee & Tuscarora), it came with an important realization—he’s not alone. As a Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan carries the responsibility of serving Native youth in his region while also navigating college life at East Carolina […]
Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi took part in a panel titled What is Food? at the Arizona Good Food Forum. Alongside intergenerational Indigenous leaders—including her grandfather, Robert Valencia—she discussed food as relationship, memory, and a vision for future generations. Sharing the stage with her grandfather was especially meaningful, planting seeds of inspiration for her ongoing commitment […]
After ten weeks of dedicated work, Pascua Yaqui Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi concluded her internship with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals this August. Partnering with the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians and the University of California Cooperative Extension, she contributed to a climate change and natural resources needs assessment. Her final presentation to the […]
This Fall, UNITY Earth Ambassador Nizhoni Deschene (Navajo Nation, Turtle Mountain Chippewa) began a new chapter at the University of California, Berkeley, stepping into his role as the Director of Indigenous and Native Advocacy in the ASUC Senate office. His leadership is already shaping initiatives that prioritize Native student representation and cultural visibility. “We are […]
Jada Allen (Lumbee Tribe) is tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing Native communities—climate-driven natural disasters. Through her Earth Ambassador platform, she is creating workshops for Lumbee and other Native youth in North Carolina that focus on disaster preparedness and resilience. “Participants would learn how to create emergency plans, assemble disaster kits, and develop […]
At the National UNITY Council (NUC) Business Meeting on June 30, 2025, during the National UNITY Conference in San Diego, California, more than 130 Native youth leaders representing over 60 affiliated youth councils across 23 states gathered to identify the most urgent challenges facing their peers and communities. Guided by both regional discussions and survey […]
Watson Whitford, known by his spiritual name Wapanatak, meaning “Morning Star,” stands as a beacon of cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership. Representing the Diné Nation and enrolled in the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Watson bridges two vibrant Indigenous communities, calling both Rocky Boy, Montana, and Red Mesa, Utah, home. Deeply rooted in his heritage, […]
Early August found Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi at the UC Berkeley Indigenous Mini-Camp, where she joined peers and Mountain Maidu knowledge keepers to learn about Indigenous stewardship, LAND BACK, and TEK. The camp offered both lessons and community, reminding her of the strength of shared space and stories. She also attended Native American Heritage Night […]
