As fall settled over the Northwest, Tia Butler (Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians), Northwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, embraced a season of growth — literally and spiritually. Her autumn months were filled with community, culture, and sustainability as she joined gatherings, powwows, and workshops centered on strengthening Indigenous food sovereignty and uplifting Native youth leadership.
Tia shared that “this season was community-centered. Every project I had the opportunity to partake in was an opportunity to give back to the community — whether that be a project or something to gift.” That spirit of reciprocity was reflected in everything she did, from harvesting sweetgrass to rehoming huckleberries with her tribal farm.
One of her highlights was attending the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board Food Sovereignty Gathering, where she learned from other Northwest tribes and organizations while participating in hands-on workshops and networking sessions. She continued that momentum locally, taking part in Siletz Tribal programs including Sacred Tobacco: Seed to Ceremony demonstrations and Women’s Sweetgrass Harvesting, experiences that deepened her cultural and environmental knowledge.
Through her work with the Siletz Tribal Farm, Tia contributed to a large preservation project that rehomed coastal red and evergreen huckleberries — an effort to restore balance to the local ecosystem and reconnect community members with traditional foods. Her educational outreach was equally impactful: she partnered with three local schools to host agricultural and environmental programs for high school students and post-secondary learners. These sessions explored topics such as harvesting and processing plant medicines and seeds, all rooted in Indigenous science and tradition.
Tia even transformed her teachings into tangible gifts. Using the plant medicines her classes processed, she created ‘es-day-xvm-sree-ne (tea), which she shared at the Native Food Expo — blending ancestral knowledge with modern wellness. Her passion for culture and creativity also led her to the Northwest/West Coast Indigenous Fashion Show, where she celebrated Indigenous expression and design.
The Siletz Tribal Youth Council (STYC), which Tia helps guide, also had a busy season. The council planned the Every Child Matters Pow Wow and the Siletz CARE Every Child Matters Walk, events that brought the community together to honor children and families impacted by the residential school era. At these gatherings, STYC members hosted a booth where community members made banners, prayer ties, and orange ribbons — symbolic acts of healing and remembrance.
Through partnerships with the Siletz Tribe, Siletz Tribal CARE Program, Siletz Tribal Tobacco Prevention, Tel-Tvm’ Farm, and NWPAIHB, Tia continues to bridge traditional knowledge with modern community engagement. Each project she touches strengthens the fabric of her community, weaving together sustainability, healing, and leadership.
As a member of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Tia represents the Northwest Region, serving as a role model for Native youth across Indian Country. Her leadership embodies UNITY’s mission — to uplift, inspire hope, and create positive change through collective action. Whether she’s teaching the next generation to plant seeds or empowering them to use their voices, Tia reminds us that true leadership begins with giving back.
