From December 5–7, UNITY Earth Ambassadors from across the Pacific Region gathered in Hawaiʻi for a powerful weekend rooted in connection, culture, and action. The gathering centered youth leadership, ancestral knowledge, and a shared commitment to mālama ʻāina—caring for the land—for generations to come.
In attendance were UNITY Earth Ambassadors McKaylin Peters (Menominee Indian Tribe, WI), Codie Horse-Topetchy (Kiowa, Comanche & Otoe-Missouria Tribes, OK), and Laylalanai Gocobachi (Pascua Yaqui Tribe, AZ), along with Pacific Area Representative Alina Sanchez (Wilton Rancheria Tribe, CA), whose leadership and support strengthened the gathering throughout the weekend.
Day One: Mālama ʻĀina — Care for the Land
The first day opened with intention, purpose, and service as participants took part in Mālama ʻĀina activities at Farm Paʻauilo. Mālama ʻĀina reflects the Hawaiian tradition of stewardship through hands-on care for the land, and our Earth Ambassadors embodied this value with heart, unity, and respect. Through working together on the land, youth strengthened their connection not only to the ʻāina, but also to one another.
Following the morning of service, participants continued their field experience at Laupāhoehoe Beach Park, grounding their work in reflection and appreciation for Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty. A shared lunch brought everyone together once more, carrying the group into an unforgettable evening.
The night began with a moving Cultural Opening (Moonrise – Hōkū), where traditional chants honored the birth of the Hawaiian Islands. The evening was filled with welcoming hula, island mele, and storytelling that blended ancestral tradition with modern creativity. It was a powerful reminder of the living culture that guides mālama ʻāina and youth leadership today.
Day Two: Learning, Reflection, and Taking Action
Day two served as a meaningful bridge between ancestral knowledge, youth leadership, and aloha ʻāina. The morning began with reflection and prayer, grounding participants in gratitude and purpose before hearing impactful platform presentations from fellow UNITY Earth Ambassadors.
Youth then engaged in circle teachings focused on the Four Elements, participating in hands-on small-group workshops centered on Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind. These sessions encouraged deeper understanding of balance, responsibility, and the role each element plays in sustaining life and community.
The afternoon shifted toward action. Participants began shaping their own community Earth projects, developing ideas, goals, and action plans to bring home. Through collaboration and visioning, Earth Ambassadors took the next steps in turning knowledge into meaningful impact within their own communities.
Day Three: Moving Forward & Making an Impact
The final day focused on reflection, accountability, and looking ahead. The morning began with a Reflection & Prayer, grounding participants as they prepared to bring the weekend’s teachings into action. An ice breaker and recap followed, allowing youth to reconnect, share insights, and reflect on lessons learned throughout the gathering.
Earth Ambassadors then presented their community project ideas, sharing goals, action steps, and visions for impact. This time of project presentations and feedback allowed for encouragement, guidance, and collective problem-solving, reinforcing the importance of community support and collaboration.
A Recognition Ceremony honored the commitment, leadership, and growth of the Earth Ambassadors, celebrating their dedication to environmental stewardship and youth leadership. The gathering concluded with a Closing Circle, where participants shared final reflections, made group commitments, and completed evaluations. The space was filled with gratitude, inspiration, and a shared promise to carry mālama ʻāina forward.
As the gathering came to a close, participants shared heartfelt goodbyes, leaving Hawaiʻi with renewed purpose, strengthened connections, and a clear path toward meaningful action in their home communities.
Moving Forward Together
The UNITY Earth Ambassador Pacific Regional Gathering was more than an event—it was a gathering of purpose, culture, and leadership. Over these three days, youth strengthened their connection to the land, to culture, and to one another, leaving them inspired and equipped to carry mālama ʻāina forward. Guided by ancestral teachings and led by passionate youth leaders, the work continues beyond Hawaiʻi and into communities throughout the Pacific Region.