Native youth from across the Midwest gathered with UNITY Earth Ambassadors for an intensive training on environmental leadership. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the program blended traditional knowledge, scientific approaches, and youth-driven advocacy to prepare participants as leaders for climate action. Some youth drove over 11 hours to attend this unique training opportunity.
The gathering began with cultural grounding, featuring songs from the Dusty Bear Drum Group, a pipe ceremony led by Elders Tom Peters and Arlene Kashata of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and welcoming words from UNITY staff. One participant shared, “The elders made this more meaningful; being with them gave me a stronger sense of why this work matters.”
Earth Ambassadors McKaylin Peters (Menominee Tribe), Néepa Hyde (Shinnecock Nation), and Marla Mesarina (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate) set the stage with icebreakers. Their leadership illustrated the “train-the-trainer” model in action. “I loved the little activities to keep my mind engaged while learning,” shared Kaya Rose (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe).
Saturday workshops divided the youth into element-based groups. The cultural and scientific teachings were shared in each of the sections, led by Loren Ashley Buford for Earth, Marla Mesarina for Fire, Néepa Hyde for Water, and McKaylin Peters for Wind. These sessions guided youth in identifying challenges and designing solutions for their communities. “Go into the community and collect research will be my next steps after this training,” wrote Néepa Hyde in her project plan, showing the readiness to put training into practice.
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians panel featured Elders Arlene Kashata, Tom Peters, JoAnne Cook, and Eva Petoskey, joined by attorney John M. Petoskey. Native youth had the unique opportunity to engage in deeper conversations with an environmental attorney who is currently fighting against the impacts of Line 5 on surrounding tribes with Earth Justice, a Native non-profit. Their insights linked cultural teachings with legal and policy advocacy. One youth wrote, “I felt proud to share my voice and ideas with others.” These moments affirmed that youth voices are vital in decision-making spaces and gave examples of current legal battles. Other Native youth included continuing their education and their interest in environmental law in their commitments to Mother Earth.
Hands-on project planning sessions provided participants with a platform to design initiatives such as recycling bins, environmental workshops, and cultural preservation projects. “Making more people involved is my first step when I return home,” said Payton Benak (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians), illustrating the emphasis on community engagement. The Native youth from the Grand Traverse Band focused their action plan on launching an awareness campaign to address youth apathy, aiming to engage more young people in environmental efforts.
On Sunday, a Water Ceremony led by Elders JoAnne Cook and Arlene Kashata closed the gathering in prayer and reflection. For some, this was their first time attending a water or pipe ceremony, and they expressed gratitude for being able to learn about these ceremonies in a safe and inclusive environment where they could ask questions. Youth then presented their action plans, receiving peer feedback and advisor support. The confidence displayed underscored the program’s success in preparing the next generation of leaders.
UNITY thanks the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Dusty Bear Drum Group, Elders Tom Peters, Arlene Kashata, Eva Petoskey, JoAnne Cook, Hank Bailey, Earth Ambassador alumnus Hunter Genia, Leilani Defoe, Ecologist Brett Fessell, and Attorney John M. Petoskey for their guidance. As UNITY affirmed, “It was truly an honor to help facilitate alongside the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.”
