Honoring Heritage at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Evelyn Enos, an Akimel O’odham and Tohono O’odham youth leader, exemplifies servant leadership through her active participation in cultural and national events. As a UNITY 25 Under 25 honoree, Evelyn recently took part in the Native American Heritage Month celebration at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona. Alongside her youth council, she performed traditional Akimel O’odham songs and dances, sharing the stage with members of the Santa Rosa community.
“We had the honor of presenting our traditional Akimel O’odham songs and dances in front of one of our most tribally significant sites. Sharing the floor with other O’odham from Santa Rosa was even more exciting and getting to see our sister tribe share their own stories as well.”
The event at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, a site of profound cultural significance, provided a platform for Indigenous communities to celebrate and share their rich heritage. The monument, known for its ancient structures built by the ancestral Sonoran Desert people, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Native American civilizations. Western National Parks
Amplifying Indigenous Voices at the White House Tribal Youth Forum
Evelyn’s commitment to advocacy and cultural preservation extended to the national stage as she participated in the White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The forum brought together over 100 Native American youth from across the country to engage with federal officials on key issues impacting their communities, including food sovereignty, climate change, mental health, and missing and murdered Indigenous persons.
“This event is and always will be an amazing opportunity to learn and listen to individuals who aid in the growth and development as nations within a nation. I love hearing from other youth representatives voice their concerns and sharing wins from their community, whether it’s promising legislation or a climate action plan.”
Evelyn’s participation in the forum underscores the importance of Indigenous youth voices in shaping policies and initiatives that affect their communities. Her engagement reflects a broader movement to address systemic challenges and promote the well-being of Native populations through inclusive dialogue and collaboration.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through her actions, Evelyn Enos not only honors her ancestors but also paves the way for future generations to lead with cultural pride and a commitment to community empowerment. Her dedication to both cultural preservation and civic engagement serves as an inspiration to other Native youth, demonstrating the impact of embracing one’s heritage while striving for systemic change.
Evelyn’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of Indigenous youth leadership in fostering resilience, unity, and progress within their communities and beyond.