Throughout November, Tia Butler of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Executive Committee Member for the Northwest, spent the month deeply engaged in relationship-building, cultural celebration, and advocacy work across the region and beyond.
One of the most meaningful moments of the month was celebrating the Siletz Tribe’s Restoration alongside the Siletz Tribal Youth Council and Siletz Tribal programs. This gathering honored the resilience of the Siletz people and reinforced the importance of carrying history, teachings, and responsibility forward through youth leadership.
Beyond her home community, Tia traveled and connected with Native youth and leaders across Turtle Island, including participation in national-level convenings such as the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Seattle and gatherings with organizations like the Minneapolis American Indian Center. She also strengthened relationships with Northwest youth councils, including the Grand Ronde Youth Council and the Suquamish Youth Council, building bridges between communities through shared experiences, dialogue, and collaboration.
Throughout the month, Tia participated in workshops, conferences, and policy-focused spaces that addressed issues Native youth face today. These opportunities allowed her to learn directly from strong Tribal Leaders and advocates while bringing youth perspectives into conversations that shape decisions impacting Native communities. At the same time, she remained grounded in cultural work—honoring traditions, teachings, and intergenerational knowledge that continue to guide leadership in the Pacific Northwest.
Reflecting on November, Tia shared that these experiences strengthened her growth as a young Native leader and reinforced her responsibility to bring what she learns back to her community and to Northwest youth. By balancing cultural grounding with advocacy and relationship-building, she continues to help create spaces where Native youth voices are valued, respected, and centered.
A month rooted in culture, strengthened by connection, and driven by purpose.
