Kahmussa Green is using her voice, leadership, and platform as a student-athlete to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) while uplifting Native representation throughout the Northwest Region. Based in Warm Springs Reservation, Kahmussa has become a visible advocate for Indigenous youth, cultural awareness, and community healing through public speaking, film participation, athletics, and storytelling.
One of Kahmussa’s earliest advocacy efforts included participating in the “Missing Murdered Indigenous People/Path Finder” documentary project in June 2024 on the Warm Springs Reservation. Invited to speak as an advocate, Kahmussa shared her experiences fighting for the right to spread awareness about MMIP through athletics and public visibility. The project helped bring attention to the ongoing crisis affecting Indigenous communities while also highlighting Native youth leadership and activism. Kahmussa noted the importance of incorporating UNITY’s “Wear Red” awareness message into the work and expressed pride in contributing to a project centered on education and awareness.
Kahmussa’s advocacy continued beyond film projects and into athletic spaces. During her time competing in cross country and track, she consistently wore a red handprint while racing to honor MMIP awareness. After concerns were raised by the Oregon School Activities Association regarding the handprint, Kahmussa respectfully advocated for the importance of awareness and cultural expression. Her persistence led to greater understanding and support for her message, and over time, fellow athletes and spectators came to recognize her efforts and the awareness she brought to every meet. She later expanded the movement into a project titled “Running for Those Who Can’t,” continuing to use athletics as a platform for advocacy and Social Wellness.
In April 2025, Kahmussa participated in a film conference at the High Desert Museum, where the “Path Finders” documentary was screened. During the event, she spoke publicly about the film and the MMIP crisis while continuing to educate audiences about the importance of Indigenous representation and awareness. Her advocacy was also recognized through a museum portrait installation featuring a red handprint across her face, symbolizing the ongoing movement for awareness and justice.
Kahmussa’s commitment to representation also extended into media and tourism initiatives. In December 2025, she was selected by Travel Oregon to represent Native communities and Tribal Nations in Oregon as part of a magazine feature. Through the project, Kahmussa helped showcase Native youth, community life, and the strength of Indigenous identity and culture throughout the state.
Reflecting on her leadership journey, Kahmussa shared that reviving her youth council after a six-year absence came with challenges, including limited leadership support and resources. However, attending the United National Indian Tribal Youth conference for the first time motivated both her and fellow council members to continue building stronger opportunities for youth in their community. Seeing other Native youth councils supporting one another inspired them to stay engaged and advocate for their tribe, youth, and future generations.
Looking ahead, Kahmussa hopes to continue learning more about community leadership and advocacy surrounding issues impacting Native communities, including mental health, cultural rights, wellness, land rights, and domestic violence awareness.
Through courage, visibility, and determination, Kahmussa Green embodies UNITY’s mission of empowering Native youth leaders who create positive change through advocacy, cultural pride, and community leadership.
