Zoe Loonsfoot is demonstrating the power of Native youth leadership through service, cultural engagement, and community wellness initiatives across the Midwest Region. Based in Michigan, Zoe has dedicated time and energy to supporting youth wellness, cultural teachings, and community care through volunteerism, mentorship, and collaboration with tribal youth programs.
Throughout the past year, Zoe participated in several initiatives that centered Native culture, wellness, and connection. In May 2025, Zoe volunteered during a Hide and Fasting Camp in Dowagiac, supporting Spiritual Wellness through hands-on service and cultural learning. Responsibilities included preparing feast meals, caring for volunteers and helpers, and assisting with giveaway items for participants. Zoe also gained valuable knowledge about the processing and tanning of animal hides, strengthening connections to traditional teachings and community practices.
During the summer of 2025, Zoe served as a counselor and support staff member for “Kë Gbéshmen,” the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi summer culture camp. Working closely with youth participants in Dowagiac, Zoe helped guide activities that encouraged wellness, cultural learning, and outdoor engagement. As both a lead counselor and support staff member, Zoe supervised youth groups, facilitated games and activities, and helped participants build connections to cultural teachings through experiences such as warrior games, swimming, and team-building exercises. The program emphasized Physical Wellness while fostering confidence and positive relationships among youth.
Zoe also expanded community connections by attending the Potawatomi Gathering in July 2025 at the Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Potawatomi. The gathering brought together Potawatomi youth from across the country for workshops, cultural activities, and community celebration. During the event, Zoe participated in workshops hosted by the Gun Lake Tribe and took part in the powwow as a jingle dress dancer, supporting Social Wellness through cultural expression, relationship-building, and intertribal connection.
Most recently, Zoe collaborated with members of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Youth Council on the “Strong Roots, Strong Mind: Tribal Youth Care Packages” initiative in March 2026. Focused on Mental Wellness, the project centered on creating care packages designed to uplift and support tribal youth. Zoe contributed ideas for the program and assisted with organizing and packaging supplies for distribution, helping create meaningful resources that encouraged youth wellness and care within the community.
Looking ahead, Zoe expressed a strong interest in learning more about environmental protection and justice within tribal homelands, as well as strategies for creating safer and more inclusive spaces for Two-Spirit community members. Zoe also reflected on challenges facing rural Native youth communities, including limited youth gathering spaces and transportation barriers that can impact participation in programs and events.
Through cultural leadership, service, and a commitment to uplifting Native youth wellness, Zoe Loonsfoot continues to embody UNITY’s mission of empowering Native youth leaders who strengthen their communities through compassion, cultural pride, and positive action.
