Tia Butler, a proud citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is a passionate advocate and cultural leader dedicated to advancing the voices of Native youth. Recently elected as the 2025-2026 Northwest Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Tia brings a powerful blend of political insight, cultural grounding, and community-driven leadership to the national stage.
A student at the University of Oregon, Tia is pursuing a degree in Political Science with minors in Law and Policy and Native American Studies, with aspirations to enter the legal field. Her academic path reflects her deep commitment to justice, sovereignty, and Indigenous rights.
This summer, Tia is serving as the Food Sovereignty Program Assistant for the Siletz Tribe, supporting traditional food systems and self-sustaining practices that reconnect community members to ancestral knowledge. As the Female Co-President of the Siletz Tribal Youth Council, she also leads youth-led service projects and cultural programming that promote identity, wellness, and community connection.
Tia’s passion for advocacy extends to the environmental and political arenas. She is a 2025 Next Gen Intern with Save Our Wild Salmon, working on restoration efforts in the Columbia River Basin and advocating for the protection of land, water, and traditional lifeways. Her leadership journey also includes recognition as a 2023-2024 UNITY Earth Ambassador and a 2024 Brave Heart Fellow through the Center for Native American Youth.
Her work centers around cultural revitalization, policy advocacy, and collective healing. Whether she’s championing land and water rights, protecting access to traditional plants and medicines, or supporting her peers through meaningful programming, Tia leads with humility and purpose.
“For me, leadership is not about being the best,” she shares. “It’s about empowering youth and advocating for wellness through cultural teachings.”
Tia embodies the next generation of Indigenous leaders—grounded in tradition, driven by justice, and focused on building safe, inclusive spaces for Native youth. Through her service, she continues to inspire others and model what it means to lead with vision, community, and heart.