This past week, UNITY Earth Ambassadors gathered in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, for a transformative experience that blended Traditional Ecological Knowledge with modern conservation science. Together, Native youth explored how Indigenous values and contemporary strategies can work hand-in-hand to guide the protection and restoration of our homelands.
Opening Day – Platforms for Environmental Justice
The gathering began with Earth Ambassadors stepping forward to share their platforms, each rooted in cultural knowledge and environmental justice. Their presentations underscored a shared commitment to safeguarding Mother Earth while honoring ancestral teachings. During the gathering, Earth Ambassadors shared their platforms, offering peers concrete examples of environmental projects that could be implemented in their own communities. Codie Horse-Topetchy (Kiowa, Comanche & Otoe-Missouria) spoke about buffalo and bison as central to Indigenous food sovereignty, urging youth to restore traditional food systems as a pathway to health and ecological balance. Jada Allen (Lumbee Tribe) emphasized emergency preparedness in the face of hurricanes and flooding, highlighting how climate change requires Native communities to develop proactive safety and resilience plans.
Mahiya Ramirez (Muscogee (Creek) Nation) introduced the idea of sustainable fashion, showing how youth can make an impact through mindful choices in clothing production and consumption. Finally, Nizhoni Deschene (Navajo & Turtle Mountain Chippewa) inspired participants with a vision for renewable energy sovereignty, calling on Native nations to lead in adopting clean energy solutions that strengthen both sovereignty and sustainability. Together, their presentations empowered participants with actionable models for community-based environmental leadership.
Cultural Immersion at Big Cypress Reservation
The Earth Ambassadors’ journey began at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, where Museum Assistant Director Jojo Osceola and Director Gordon Wareham welcomed them with a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving tribal history and environmental knowledge. Big Cypress community members gave tours and emphasized how museums can serve as living connections between past and present conservation efforts. This was followed by a warm introduction at the Unity Center, where Big Cypress Councilwoman Mariann Billie encouraged the youth to ground their leadership in community responsibility, reinforcing how tribal governance plays a vital role in environmental advocacy.
Councilwoman Billie has been a long supporter of UNITY since first attending the 2019 National UNITY Conference in Florida and has been bringing a youth delegation to the annual event ever since. Bailey Latchford, Miss Florida Seminole 2025–2026, further inspired participants by uplifting Seminole youth leadership, showing how cultural pride and visibility are essential to future generations of environmental protectors.
The day also included moments that highlighted cultural practices and their ties to environmental stewardship. Hali Garcia, a Traditional Sweetgrass Basketmaker, shared how the art of basketmaking embodies sustainable harvesting practices and ecological teachings that extend far beyond craft. Similarly, Danielle Jumper, a third-generation Traditional Seminole Culture Teacher, reminded participants that cultural teachings are inseparable from environmental protection, grounding conservation in traditions that honor the land and community.
Presenters also addressed how policy and science safeguard tribal resources. JJ John, a Program Analyst in Environmental Compliance, provided practical insight into how regulations and monitoring protect tribal lands from environmental harm, while Carlise Bermudez from the Environmental Protection Office emphasized the importance of tribal-led enforcement and scientific approaches to ensure natural resources are managed responsibly. Together, their sessions bridged Indigenous knowledge with data collection and modern compliance frameworks, showing how both are necessary to defend tribal sovereignty and ecosystems.
Throughout the day, the southeastern Native youth were also immersed in experiential learning. Billy Walker introduced them to a baby alligator, sparking a memorable lesson on respecting balance within the natural world and strengthening awareness of Florida’s fragile ecosystems. Complementing these teachings, Melanie Turtle delivered a traditional meal (Indian tacos, pumpkin fry-bread, and sofke corn drink) that demonstrated how foodways are more than nourishment—they are cultural practices of resilience and relationship with the land.
The day concluded with a traditional dinner sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Big Cypress community. UNITY extends heartfelt thanks to Jojo Osceola, UNITY Trustee Kyle Doney, Cheyenne Kippenberger, and community members who made this cultural exchange possible.
Exploring the Everglades with the Miccosukee Tribe
On the following day, the Tigertail family welcomed the Earth Ambassadors to the Miccosukee Reservation, guiding them across the Everglades’ sawgrass trails by airboat. Participants visited family hammocks (tree islands) passed down through generations, learned about wildlife rehabilitation, and witnessed firsthand how the Miccosukee people’s history and culture are deeply connected to this sacred land.
A highlight came when our guide Hector encountered a freshly hatched baby gator — with Mama Gator watching closely only feet away — an unforgettable moment that reminded everyone of the Everglades’ power, beauty, and balance. Everyone walked away with a life-changing experience learning and sharing with eachother.
Inspired by this experience and the UNITY Earth Ambassador training, Miccosukee tribal member Hector began shaping an action plan to expand his family’s ongoing ecological work. He envisioned incorporating environmental education into the existing airboat tours, providing visitors with essential knowledge about how to support and protect the Everglades ecosystem.
Hector also proposed hosting ecological workshops on his family’s animal sanctuary, blending hands-on learning with cultural teachings to deepen understanding of the land. “I want to get more involved with the ambassadorship programs my tribe offers and encourage more Miccosukee youth to join me in this ecological work,” Hector shared. His vision is not only to preserve the Everglades but to ensure future generations of Miccosukee youth feel empowered to carry forward this sacred responsibility.
Reflections & Gratitude
This gathering was more than a leadership event; it was a celebration of resilience, stewardship, and cultural connection. Earth Ambassadors were reminded that protecting places like the Everglades means protecting Indigenous lifeways, sovereignty, and traditional knowledge. UNITY expresses deep gratitude to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Councilwoman Billie, the Big Cypress Reservation, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, the Miccosukee Tribe, and the Tigertail family for their hospitality, cultural teachings, and dedication to Mother Earth.
As the Southeast gathering concludes, Earth Ambassadors return home carrying new knowledge, strengthened cultural pride, and deeper connections with one another. Their collective voices and platforms continue to inspire action for environmental justice across Native communities.
The journey now continues westward — onward to Arizona for the next UNITY Earth Ambassadors Regional Gathering in November 2025. Stay tuned for updates as this powerful movement for youth-led environmental leadership grows.
Mvto! Thank you to Mahiya Ramirez for the amazing photos of the event.
