The sweetness of fresh berries and the wisdom of elders shaped a month of growth for Earth Ambassador Marla Mesarina of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. August became a season of firsts—her first time berry picking, her first teaching video, and her first regional gathering as part of the Earth Ambassador cohort—all moments that deepened her connection to the land and her role as a learner-leader.
With guidance from her mentor, Jeff Harper, Marla ventured into berry picking for the first time, recording the experience to create a short teaching video. The process was more than harvesting food; it became a hands-on lesson in storytelling and a way to preserve knowledge for others. Soon after, she spent time with elder Elaine Fleming, who welcomed her into her garden and shared teachings rooted in care, patience, and respect for what the earth provides.
Later in the month, Marla traveled to Michigan for the Midwest Regional Earth Ambassador Gathering. There, she engaged in conversations about how communities are working with the four elements—earth, wind, fire, and water—in their efforts to be environmentally stewardful. The gathering provided her with the opportunity to connect with peers and draw inspiration from the various ways Indigenous communities are addressing climate and cultural resilience together.
Marla’s ongoing platform as an Earth Ambassador focuses on using digital storytelling to uplift traditional Ojibwe food and medicine gathering practices. Through social media and video, she hopes to inspire Native youth to reconnect with the land, their language, and ancestral teachings. By documenting these practices, she ensures that knowledge passes on in accessible ways to the next generation.
As part of the UNITY Earth Ambassador cohort, she is joining other Native leaders aged 14–24 in sparking discussions about climate change, creating educational opportunities, and empowering peers to step into environmental leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, Marla shared, “I love learning things and being a present learner.” Her words reflect not only humility but also the spirit of servant leadership—showing how listening and learning can inspire others to take action.
The UNITY Earth Ambassador program uplifts youth like Marla, who are turning cultural teachings into community education and environmental action. Together, this cohort is proving that Indigenous youth leadership is rooted in tradition, yet always reaching forward toward a resilient future.