United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) announced the 2023 class of its Earth Ambassadors Leaders on Earth Day and honored them during the National UNITY Conference in Washington D.C. The environmental stewardship program (which was started in the 1990s) was re-established in 2015 with the support of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
This program is brought to you in part by the generous support of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Through their ongoing partnership, Native youth are able to travel to the National Recognition Awards ceremony and attend vital leadership training during the Native youths’ term.
Each Earth Ambassador will host their community service project showcasing the new skills and leadership tools they have gained throughout the year. Topics can focus on but are not limited to, recycling, conservation, sustainability, regeneration, and restoration. In addition, the ambassadors will be provided special opportunities, coordinated through UNITY, to take their message to tribal and government agency representatives, and lawmakers. Earth Ambassadors will present their projects at UNITY-hosted events and submit written reports on their progress throughout the year.
Testimonial
What They’re Saying?
“Being here with UNITY is such a great experience. You get to meet so many new people and learn more about different tribes and their cultures.”
“The gathering, the sharing of cultures, the UNITY of our people!”
“Our YOUTH is the future!”
“Great organization that allows empowerment for the Native youth to excel in leadership skills, networking opportunity, and early professional growth.”
“Awesome for youth group & leadership.”
The 2023-2024 Earth Ambassadors are:
- Bronson Kainoa Azama, 22, Kānaka Maoli, Hawaii
- Derek Capitan, 24, Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico
- Spencer Walton, 20, Confederated Tribes Of Siletz Indians, Oregon
- Jovi Williams, 18, White Mountain Apache, Arizona
- Evelyn Enos, 18, Akimel O’odham, Gila River Indian Community, Arizona
- Tia Butler, 19, Confederated Tribes Of Siletz Indians, Oregon
- Anagali (Shace) Duncan, 20, Cherokee, Rhode Island
- Sumaya Quitugua, 18, Acoma Pueblo, Chamorro, Arizona
- Liliana Mars, 17, Narragansett Indian Tribe, Rhode Island
- Sareya Taylor, 21, White Mountain Apache, New Mexico
The 2021-2022 class of UNITY Earth Ambassadors are:
- LeAndria Gene, 17, Navajo
- Steve Harvey, 19, San Carlos Apache
- Binaahozhoonii Daisey Howard, 15, Navajo (Dine) / Zuni
- Tobi Candice Joe, 18, Navajo
- Maiya Martinez, 20, Spokane Tribe
- Gabriella Nakai, 15, Navajo / Choctaw
- Lauren Shelly Pina, 20, San Carlos Apache
- Tylee Tom, 20, Navajo
- Karlin Tsotigh, 16, Kiowa
- Watson Whitford, 15, Chippewa Cree
The 2019 Class of UNITY Earth Ambassadors are:
- Alec Lee (Navajo), 19, New Mexico
- Angela Noah (White Mountain Apache Tribe), 19, Oregon
- Hope Long (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), 16, North Carolina
- Jeidah DeZurney (Confederated Tribes of Siletz), 20, Oregon
- Kaylene Nevaquaya (Comanche Nation), 18, Oklahoma
- Marco Ovando (Shoshone-Paiute Tribe), 19, Nevada
- Sage Lacapa (White Mountain Apache Tribe), 15, Arizona
- Samuel Lopez (Tohono O’odham Nation), 16, Arizona
- Sky Wildcat (Cherokee Nation), 23, Oklahoma
- Zunneh-Bah Martin (Diné), 22, New Mexico
The 2017 class of the UNITY Earth Ambassadors Leadership Program includes:
- Damien Carlos, 18, Tohono O’odham Nation – Sells, AZ
- Nicholas Call, 15, Yamasee – Orange Springs, FL
- Tristan Joe, 17, Navajo Nation – Kirtland, NM
- Raeanna Johnson, 15, Navajo Nation – Hardrock, AZ
- Tatiana Ticknor, 18, Dena’ina/Tlingit – Anchorage, AK
- Sonwai Wakayuta, 16, Hualapai – Kingman, AZ
- Attaquin Weeden, 20, Mashpee Wampanoag, Mashpee, MA
- Jazmine Wildcat, 14, Northern Arapaho, Riverton, WY
- Journey Zephier, 17, Yankton Sioux, Kapaa, HI
- Rainbow Star Zephier, 15, Yankton Sioux, Kapaa, HI
The 2015 class of the UNITY Earth Ambassadors Leadership Program includes:
- Henry Birk Albert, 16, Koyukon Athabaskan – Lake Placid, NY
- Kristine Baker, 16, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians – Belcourt, ND
- SuSun Fisher, 16, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians – Grand Ronde, OR
- Mariah Gladstone, 21, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Blackfeet – Helena, MT
- Wyatte Goggles, 20, Eastern Shoshone – Fort Washakie, WY
- Tequorra Green, 22, Lumbee – Baskerville, VA
- Kenaba Hatathlie, 18, Navajo – Kirtland, NM
- Jessica McCool, 17, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians – Solvang, CA
- Xavier Medina, 16, Pascua Yaqui – Tucson, AZ
- Nadira Mitchell, 14, Navajo – Tucson, AZ
- Ryan Stiffarm, 15, San Carlos Apache / Acoma / Gros Ventre – Chandler, AZ
- Rory Wheeler, 17, Seneca Nation of Indians – Irving, NY
- Tomas WhiteAntelope, 24, Northern Arapaho / Lummi – Richmond, CA