Tia Butler, 21
Tribe: Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Youth Council: Siletz Tribal Youth Council
Tia Butler, a proud citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, carries with her a rich and powerful lineage as a descendant of the Yurok, Northern Cheyenne, Yankton Sioux, and Iñupiaq peoples. Raised on the coast of Oregon, Tia is currently pursuing a Pre-Law track at the University of Oregon, where she majors in Political Science with minors in Law and Policy, and Native American Studies.
Tia’s journey is deeply rooted in advocacy, cultural preservation, and environmental justice. Her passion for climate justice has driven her to participate in numerous youth-led climate organizations across the state. She served as the community liaison for the University of Oregon’s Coalition Against Environmental Racism and was selected as a fellow with Our Climate, where she followed the state’s 2021 legislative session, gaining hands-on experience in policy work and grassroots advocacy.
In 2023, Tia’s leadership was nationally recognized when she was named a UNITY Earth Ambassador. The following year, she was honored as a 2024 Brave Heart Fellow through the Center for Native American Youth. These roles have allowed her to amplify her mission of promoting community wellness through cultural revitalization, especially in relation to traditional foods, plants, and medicines.
“Attending conferences and events for Indigenous youth has shaped me into the person I am today,” Tia shares. “Having the opportunity to connect with other Native youth and share our cultural teachings has helped create spaces where we can grow together as young leaders.”
Her work emphasizes the importance of cultural teachings as a foundation for healing, health, and intergenerational strength. Through her preservation efforts, Tia works to uplift the voices of other youth leaders, recognizing that today’s Indigenous youth are boldly initiating hard, necessary conversations around identity, trauma, wellness, and sovereignty.
Tia believes that cultural knowledge is more than heritage—it’s a vital part of our overall well-being. “The wellbeing of Indigenous youth is deeply interconnected with the preservation of our cultural knowledge,” she explains. “Moving forward, it’s crucial that we strengthen our community ties and build accessible spaces where cultural teachings can thrive.”
With a vision rooted in tradition and a future guided by justice, Tia continues to advocate for Indigenous youth, climate equity, and community healing—paving the way for future generations to walk proudly in their culture and purpose.