Néepa Hyde of the Shinnecock Nation Named 2025-26 UNITY Earth Ambassador
UNITY is proud to announce Néepa Hyde of the Shinnecock Nation as a 2025 UNITY Earth Ambassador representing the Northeast Region. At only 14 years old, Néepa is already a powerful voice in Indigenous environmental advocacy, blending creative outreach, traditional knowledge, and hands-on stewardship to strengthen the connection between Native youth and the Earth.
“An environmental ambassador is someone who acts to protect the environment,” Néepa shared. “It’s one thing to be an advocate, but it’s another thing to act and do the work to change the environment for the better.”
Néepa’s work is deeply grounded in both local and global Indigenous movements. She is an active youth leader with Dream of Wild Health, a Native-led organization in Minnesota that promotes seed sovereignty and traditional agriculture. For two summers, she’s worked on the organization’s farm in Hugo, helping to grow, harvest, and distribute produce to Native families in the Twin Cities. “I also learn about Indigenous farming ways and all the plants in Native Minnesota,” she said. “They have taught me many healthy, organic meals that I still currently make for my loved ones.”
She also participates in the Shinnecock Ethnobotany Project for Seed Rematriation, where her work supports the restoration of traditional seed varieties that are critical to both cultural and environmental resilience. Through these experiences, Néepa is not just protecting biodiversity—she’s helping restore knowledge systems that nourish both land and community.
Her leadership expands into the international arena as well. Selected as a Youth Ocean Leader by the Earth Law Center, Néepa has contributed to the creation of a Universal Declaration for Ocean Rights and participated in global dialogues on Indigenous climate resilience. “Her selection as a Youth Ocean Leader further illustrates her capacity to engage both local and international audiences in Indigenous-led environmental advocacy,” wrote her nominator, Dr. Kelsey Leonard.
A key part of Néepa’s work is educational outreach. “I address environmental concerns in my community with social outreach,” she said. “I travel to events with Dream of Wild Health and prepare meals to give to people and inform them about the program. I’ve also helped plant trees across Minnesota to create more biodiversity in the soil.”
As a 2025 UNITY Earth Ambassador, Néepa will launch a creative and culturally inspired initiative to combat food insecurity through a community-wide Seed Bracelet Project. Her idea is both practical and symbolic: after gathering community input on which plants to grow, she will turn seeds into beads, following the tradition of seed beading. Community members will then gather to make their own bracelets, planting them afterward to grow food.
“The idea of making a seed bracelet can increase engagement,” she explained. “It can be seen as an interesting craft, but also a way to teach people about cultivation and reduce their carbon footprint.” The project will include a public workshop where participants make bracelets, learn about food sovereignty, and gain the tools to grow their own gardens—planting cultural knowledge and environmental action, one seed at a time.
Néepa embodies the values of reciprocity, responsibility, and resilience. “She uplifts traditional knowledge systems, strengthens community ties, and centers Indigenous perspectives in climate adaptation strategies,” her nominator wrote. “She is already a leader, and she is just getting started.”
As she joins the generations of UNITY Earth Ambassadors across the nation, Néepa steps into a powerful lineage of Indigenous youth working to heal and protect the planet. Together, they are addressing climate change, restoring ancestral practices, and building a movement grounded in culture, courage, and collective care. “Their actions can inspire others to do the same,” Néepa said. “As we build a stronger community, the issues become easier to tackle. The actions we take today will create a healthier world for everyone.”