This October, Nizhoni Deschene created powerful spaces for Indigenous students to reconnect with culture, history, and one another at the University of California, Berkeley. In collaboration with ASUC Senator Reg Macarro, she organized and led a Native Community Center (NCC) group outing to the Berkeley Powwow, transforming what could have been a simple event into a meaningful act of community-building. “This community event was special because it was the first time many Natives came together without their respective communities and chose to connect with one another over the same song and dance,” she shared.
The powwow outing served as more than a cultural event—it became a space of visibility, belonging, and intertribal connection for Native students navigating campus life. Through intentional planning, Nizhoni ensured that students not only attended but engaged deeply with the experience, learning, connecting, and celebrating together. While there, she and fellow NCC members also took time to network with vendors and sponsors, laying the groundwork for their upcoming Indigenous Night Market, a future initiative designed to uplift Native entrepreneurs and creators.
Her civic engagement extended beyond campus into spaces of historical and cultural significance. Nizhoni also participated in the Alcatraz Sunrise Gathering, an event that honors the legacy of the 1969–71 occupation of Alcatraz Island and the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights and land sovereignty. Surrounded by prayers, songs, and dances from diverse Native nations, she joined others in reflecting on resilience and responsibility. This experience connected past movements to present-day leadership, reinforcing the importance of continuing the work.
Through these efforts, Nizhoni’s service projects centered on creating access to culture and community for Native students, many of whom are far from their home communities. By organizing spaces where students can gather, celebrate, and learn, she is helping build a stronger, more connected Indigenous presence on campus.
Educationally, her work highlights the importance of experiential learning through culture—where powwows, gatherings, and shared spaces become classrooms that teach identity, history, and belonging. These initiatives ensure that Indigenous knowledge is not only preserved but actively lived and shared among younger generations.
Nizhoni’s leadership this month reflects her commitment to uplifting others and creating spaces where Native students feel seen and supported. By blending cultural engagement with strategic planning, she is building pathways for continued community growth.
The UNITY Earth Ambassador Program continues to uplift leaders like Nizhoni Deschene who are creating meaningful change through culture, connection, and advocacy. This year’s cohort represents Indigenous youth who are reclaiming space, strengthening community, and ensuring that traditions remain alive in every environment—from campuses to ceremonial grounds.