Nizhoni Deschene of the Navajo Nation & Turtle Mountain Chippewa Named 2025-26 UNITY Earth Ambassador
UNITY proudly announces Nizhoni Deschene, a 17-year-old changemaker from the Navajo Nation and Turtle Mountain Chippewa, as a 2025 Earth Ambassador representing the Northeast Region. Living in Maryland, Nizhoni is bridging traditional teachings and modern technologies to advocate for energy justice, climate action, and Indigenous-led environmental solutions—all while empowering Native youth to take part in the growing movement for a sustainable future.
“Being an environmental ambassador means more than just advocating for the planet—it’s about fostering a deep connection between people and the ecosystems that sustain us,” Nizhoni shared. “It requires education, leadership, and a willingness to bridge the gap between communities and conservation efforts.”
Nizhoni’s journey into environmental stewardship began in the deserts of the Navajo Nation and continued through the forests and waterways of the East Coast. His deep appreciation for the land—and the challenges it faces—has fueled a diverse resume of action. From counting frog croaks in Maryland wetlands as a Frogwatch volunteer, to educating youth about salmon health at the Columbia River’s CRITFC Salmon Camp, Nizhoni has built a career that already reflects an unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy.
Currently serving as a youth intern with the National Inter-Tribal Energy Council, Nizhoni produces the Tribal Energy Universe podcast—an educational platform focused on renewable energy, tribal sovereignty, and climate adaptation. “I collaborate with industry professionals throughout Indian Country to highlight the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy,” he said. “This platform educates and empowers Indigenous youth to become informed advocates for their tribes’ energy sovereignty.”
His leadership is not limited to the airwaves. In Washington, D.C., Nizhoni founded the DMV UNITY Chapter, organizing Indigenous youth to tackle local issues like water quality depletion through watershed cleanups, community gardens, and youth-led education initiatives. “I’ve encouraged my peers to engage in environmental initiatives,” he noted. “Whether it’s Outdoor Education programs or the Little Falls Watershed Alliance, these grassroots efforts build a foundation for lasting change.”
Nizhoni’s unique upbringing—rooted in traditional Dine ceremonies and shaped by experiences in both reservation and urban settings—gives him a powerful lens on justice and sustainability. “I was blessed and ordained under the traditional ceremonies of the Navajo people,” his nominator Chris Deschene wrote. “He understands the fight ahead of us and is preparing to serve with current leaders as we work together to save our planet.”
As a 2025-26 UNITY Earth Ambassador, Nizhoni will expand his podcast initiative into a new project titled “Voices for a Just Transition.” This dedicated audio series will focus on environmental stewardship and sustainable energy development in Indian Country. “These episodes will feature tribal leaders, environmentalists, and policymakers discussing the challenges and successes of renewable energy projects on Native lands,” he explained. “By amplifying these voices, I’ll provide culturally relevant information that empowers Native communities to make informed decisions about their energy futures.”
The goal is to educate and activate Indigenous youth to advocate for clean energy solutions that respect tribal sovereignty and sacred lands. Through digestible podcast episodes and multimedia storytelling, Nizhoni aims to make environmental education more accessible to both youth and community leaders. “This isn’t just about information—it’s a call to action,” he said. “We can’t afford to be passive. We have to be the ones who lead the charge.”
From teaching fish monitoring on the Columbia River to reshaping national conversations on tribal energy sovereignty, Nizhoni’s work blends traditional ecological knowledge, scientific literacy, and peer-to-peer mentorship. “Whether it’s leading watershed cleanups or sitting at policy tables, I am committed to ensuring that environmental stewardship is woven into our collective future,” he said.
Now joining a powerful legacy of UNITY Earth Ambassadors, Nizhoni brings a visionary voice to the next generation of Indigenous climate leaders. Together with his peers, he will help confront the urgent climate crisis with courage, compassion, and connection—amplifying the voices of Native nations and the lands they protect. “Protecting our sacred species and lands is not just a responsibility—it is a calling,” Nizhoni said. “And I’m ready to answer it.”