From the mainland to the islands, Native youth are building bridges rooted in culture and care for Mother Earth. This December, Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria brought the Pacific Region together in a powerful way at the UNITY Pacific Region Earth Ambassador Gathering in Hawai’i.
Serving as the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina joined UNITY Earth Ambassadors, regional members, staff, and local Hawaiian youth councils for four days of cultural exchange, environmental learning, and leadership development from December 4–7.
The gathering created space for Native youth and Native Hawaiian leaders to share knowledge grounded in land stewardship and Indigenous teachings. In a region connected by ocean yet diverse in tradition, the event strengthened relationships across communities while honoring the unique perspectives each participant brought to the circle.
Reflecting on the experience, Alina shared, “The gathering brought our Pacific region together, allowing much knowledge to be exchanged. Everyone has something to share, and the gathering was an incredible opportunity to do so.” Her words highlight the power of collective learning—where every voice contributes to the growth of the whole.
Earth Ambassador Gatherings are designed to empower Native youth to take action in environmental stewardship while grounding their work in cultural knowledge. By participating in workshops, discussions, and community engagement activities, youth deepen their understanding of sustainability, climate responsibility, and Indigenous land relationships.
Alina’s leadership at the gathering reflects the broader mission of the National UNITY Council (NUC): to represent Native youth with a unified voice while developing leadership skills rooted in Native heritage and teachings. UNITY provides Native youth—including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives—with opportunities to collaborate, study issues impacting their communities, and return home equipped to create meaningful change.
The National UNITY Council serves as the collective voice of over 300 affiliated youth councils nationwide. Through regional gatherings, midyear and national conferences, and youth-led initiatives, the NUC strengthens Indigenous leadership and fosters collective impact across Indian Country.
As the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina plays a critical role in elevating the voices of Native youth across her region. By helping facilitate gatherings that center environmental stewardship and cultural exchange, she continues to build unity across oceans—ensuring that Pacific Native youth are connected, empowered, and leading with purpose.
