For Liliana Mars, a Narragansett and Navajo youth leader and Northeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is a blend of tradition, connection, and advocacy. This August, she embraced her role by engaging with her community at two Powwows, fostering conversations, and building relationships that strengthen the UNITY network in the Northeast.
“The Powwow is more than a celebration; it’s a way for us to come together, reflect on our traditions, and educate future generations,” Liliana shared. “It’s also an incredible opportunity to meet people and build connections that can lead to positive change.”
Capturing Stories, Building Connections
The Narragansett Tribe’s 349th annual powwow, held on Liliana’s homelands in Charlestown, Rhode Island, was the perfect setting for her to introduce herself as the new regional representative. Liliana took an innovative approach, interviewing attendees to learn about their tribal affiliations, dancing styles, and experiences at the powwow.
“These interviews were just a fun way to connect with people,” Liliana said. “It’s important for me as a leader to listen and learn from my community.”
One of the highlights of the powwow was her conversation with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Though nervous to approach him initially, Liliana found encouragement in his words: “It is my job to be your voice, to have you heard. What you say I carry with me and bring up during my time in work.”
“The responses he gave me were beyond what I expected,” Liliana recalled. “It showed me how important it is to step out of your comfort zone to make your voice heard and to advocate for your people.”
Expanding Horizons in the Northeast
The Northeast region presents unique opportunities and challenges for leaders like Liliana. Powwows such as the Schemitzun Powwow hosted by the Mashantucket Pequots serve as vital gatherings to educate the public, share modern Native issues, and preserve time-honored traditions.
“Events like Schemitzun are important for raising awareness about who we are today while celebrating where we come from,” Liliana said. “These gatherings help us reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and share our culture with others.”
Liliana’s efforts also extended beyond the powwow grounds. She met with members of her youth council to plan upcoming meetings and learned about a newly formed youth council, the Luna Youth Council, which she plans to connect with soon. These steps reflect UNITY’s mission to foster collaboration, citizenship, and leadership among Native youth.
Leadership Rooted in Tradition
Powwows are a cornerstone of Liliana’s leadership development. They provide a space to reflect on cultural traditions, engage in grassroots mobilization, and educate future generations. Through her interviews and connections, Liliana is amplifying her community’s voices and fostering unity across tribal lines.
“The powwow is a way for us to share experiences, educate others, and keep our traditions alive,” Liliana said. “For the Northeast, where Native populations are smaller, these events are especially crucial for building awareness and understanding.”
A Vision for the Future
As she continues her work, Liliana is committed to carrying the voices of her community into the broader UNITY network. Her dedication to civic engagement and cultural preservation is helping to expand the horizons of Native youth and strengthen connections between tribes across the Northeast.
“Being part of UNITY has shown me the power of listening and the importance of creating spaces for our stories to be shared,” Liliana said. “Leadership is about more than speaking—it’s about making sure others are heard.”
Through her servant leadership and commitment to cultural advocacy, Liliana Mars is creating a legacy that bridges tradition and progress, ensuring that the voices of Native youth resonate far beyond the powwow grounds.