Pacific Region

Manahuu! ii na-nia-nai Ashley Johnston Payahuupu-wae nuu kima du, Bishop a wae nuu novi-du. she is a lifelong resident of Bishop, California, and a proud member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe. Ashley is the daughter of Carrie Brown and Tony Brown, and has 4 siblings, Leticia Gonzales, the late Carlos Gonzales Jr., Kaytlynn Johnston, and George Brown.

The Pacific Region is California and Hawaii, there are 110 federally recognized tribes in California and 81 seeking recognition.

Ashley is 17 years old and entering her Senior year at Bishop Union High School. She has previously served as the secretary for the Bishop Tribal Youth Council and is presently a general member. Ashley is also involved in various activities and projects to represent the Bishop Paiute Tribe such as cultural craft and tribal language programs, with our local cultural center and the Bishop Indian Education Center, she feels that it is important to continue our traditions and practices. Part of what has been an inspiration for her to pursue this position is my involvement with the Bishop Tribal Youth Council and volunteering for our Bishop Paiute Tribal Community. Ashley has been an active member of the Bishop Tribal Youth Council since her sixth-grade year. She is very honored and humbled to have the opportunity to represent the Pacific region and the UNITY organization. Ashley hopes to serve her community in the best way she can.

Natalie Battiest, 21, Choctaw, California

School: Master’s Degree in Global Medicine (2024); Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (2024), University of California

Platform: EmpowerED is a transformative initiative designed to support Native high school students in navigating their educational and career pathways. This program will offer a series of workshops and career panels focusing on essential skills such as study techniques, college applications, and career exploration. By collaborating with guest speakers, including Native students in higher education, the program aims to provide participants with practical insights and inspiration. The initiative will unfold over several months, beginning with program planning and curriculum development, followed by workshop preparation and guest speaker recruitment. The core phase will involve implementing the workshops and career panels, with the final stage dedicated to evaluating the program’s impact through participant feedback and tracking post-program outcomes. As the project leader, I will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of EmpowerED, including curriculum design, guest speaker coordination, and logistical arrangements. The goal is to empower Native youth with the tools and knowledge to pursue higher education and career opportunities, fostering a supportive environment for their academic and professional growth.

Racquel Jean Oliver-Britton, 22, Yuki, California

School: Junior, Mendocino Community College, Major: Human Services

Platform: I plan to tackle the drug problem in my community by organizing a series of large-scale events involving drug counselors, teachers, tribal health members, and local law enforcement. The project will feature workshops for different age groups: elementary and middle school students will have indoor sessions, high school students will use gym or classroom settings, and adults and elders will participate in outdoor discussions. Scheduled from spring to summer, the events will include games, meals, and participation from local youth, with my role focusing on overseeing the schedule, coordinating activities, and ensuring the events run smoothly.