Anagali Duncan Amplifies Indigenous Voices Through Literature
“As Indigenous people, we are inherently world-builders,” shared Anagali (Shace) Duncan, a UNITY 25 Under 25 honoree and founder of the 7 Ravens Nonprofit. With this vision in mind, Anagali has launched the Rising Voices Indigenous Book Drop, an inspiring initiative to bring Indigenous stories and perspectives to Native youth and schools nationwide. The project is already gaining global support as it aims to re-center Indigenous voices in literature and education, making a lasting impact on young readers.
Amplifying Representation Through Stories
The Rising Voices Indigenous Book Drop collaborates with Indigenous authors and community organizers to create a collection of books that celebrate Native identities, stories, and wisdom. These books are distributed to schools and Indigenous youth aged 4 to 18, ensuring they can access literature reflecting their cultural heritage and histories.
“Growing up, I wrote stories about my community and family—stories that reflected a deeper sense of identity I searched for but couldn’t find in much of the media around me,” Anagali explained. “Now, thousands of Indigenous people are carrying forward that generational world-building, and this project is about making their stories accessible to the next generation.”
In addition to supporting youth, some donations will go to Indigenous sobriety groups, providing culturally relevant resources for healing and resilience. This approach aligns with UNITY’s mission to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
The Rising Voices Indigenous Book Drop has already garnered overwhelming support from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. “The support from my community and beyond shows the true change that can come from collaborative efforts—especially when they are Indigenous-led, Indigenous-centered, and rooted in our stories,” Anagali said.
Through this project, Anagali is amplifying Native representation in education and fostering collective strength and understanding within Indigenous communities. “We have so many narratives worth telling, reading, and creating,” she said. I want this book drop to let Native kids know that it’s now their time to be world-builders.”
Uplifting Native Youth
Anagali’s work exemplifies UNITY’s emphasis on civic engagement and grassroots mobilization. Using literature as a tool for cultural preservation and empowerment, Anagali helps Native youth see themselves in the stories they read and inspires them to create their own.
“This project is a step toward making resources more available,” Anagali shared. “Whether it’s cultural tales, creation stories, or honoring figures like Sequoyah, it’s all about showing Native kids that their voices and stories matter.”
A Vision of Resilience and Representation
Anagali’s leadership highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives promoting social, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. Their Rising Voices Indigenous Book Drop not only addresses accessibility challenges but also inspires hope and self-reflection within Indigenous youth.
“Through this work, we’re ensuring that Native kids see themselves represented in the broader media landscape,” Anagali said. “It’s about empowering them to continue our traditions and carry forward our stories.”
Join the Movement
The Rising Voices Indigenous Book Drop is accepting donations to support its mission of delivering books to Native youth in early 2025. To contribute, visit the GoFundMe page. Every donation helps bring these invaluable resources to communities in need.
Anagali Duncan’s work powerfully reminds us of the transformative impact of representation, collaboration, and storytelling. This initiative is not just about books—it’s about building worlds, amplifying voices, and inspiring a brighter future for Indigenous youth.