“Liliana Mars: Championing Native Voices and Community Engagement”
“Being able to attend the White House Tribal Youth Forum will always and forever be a blessing I am truly grateful for,” shared Liliana Mars, a proud Narragansett and Navajo youth leader and the Northeast Regional Representative on UNITY’s Executive Committee. Reflecting on her November experiences, Liliana highlighted the significance of connecting with Indigenous youth leaders and federal officials in Washington, D.C., where she represented her community and region with pride. “Learning about the diverse challenges each tribe faces and what officials are doing to help was truly eye-opening.”
Leadership at the White House Tribal Youth Forum
The 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum, hosted by UNITY Inc., the White House, and the Center for Native American Youth, provided a historic platform for Native youth leaders to engage directly with high-ranking federal officials. Held at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the forum featured roundtable discussions and interactive conversations on issues affecting Native communities. Leaders like Liliana were selected for their impactful community service and dedication to fostering change.
Liliana reflected on the power of the event, stating, “Hearing what various Indigenous youth had to say was truly inspiring and eye-opening. Although the future for Native Country is unknown, seeing the determination of these young leaders gives me hope.” Her experiences at the forum underscored UNITY’s mission to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth while promoting civic engagement and cultural preservation.
Strengthening Community Roots
Beyond her role at the forum, Liliana continued to uplift her community through impactful initiatives. She assisted with her tribe’s November food distribution event in Charlestown, Rhode Island, held at the Narragansett Longhouse. These monthly distributions provide essential resources such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, and honey to families in need.
“Although I couldn’t participate due to illness, I’m proud of my tribe and youth council for their dedication to making these events successful,” Liliana shared. The food distributions exemplify how grassroots efforts contribute to the well-being of Native communities and reinforce a strong sense of unity and belonging.
Cultural Connection Through Powwow
Liliana’s leadership extended to celebrating cultural traditions at the Poarch Creek Powwow in Atmore, Alabama, during Thanksgiving weekend. Attending the powwow provided Liliana with an opportunity to connect with her family and immerse herself in the rich traditions of dance, song, and storytelling. Events like these highlight the importance of maintaining cultural practices that foster resilience, pride, and identity among Native youth.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As a UNITY representative, Liliana’s commitment to her community embodies the values of servant leadership. She leverages her platform to promote social, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness among Native youth while fostering collaboration across regions. Through her participation in transformative events like the White House Tribal Youth Forum and her ongoing local efforts, Liliana is paving the way for the next generation of Native leaders.
“Hearing about the work being done by other Native youth leaders inspires me to do more,” Liliana said. “I want them to know I will always have their back.”
Building a Legacy of Leadership
Liliana Mars represents the power of youth leadership rooted in culture, community, and collaboration. Her journey reflects the collective strength of Native youth working together to bring meaningful change to their communities, whether through national advocacy or grassroots initiatives. As she continues to inspire and lead, Liliana embodies UNITY’s mission to create a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America—one youth leader at a time.