UNITY Youth Christine Shaylyn Darlene Naygauq Noratak comes from the Native Village of Hooper Bay, Alaska. Christine recently shared her thoughts on why it is important Native youth to step up as Earth Advocates. “I think it all starts within oneself. For us to make that first step forward to helping our community is where we heal, learn, educate, and grow together,” explains Christine. Learn more about her Earth Service Project for Anchorage. We hope this will inspire other Native youth to plan a project of their own.
Read More

UNITY Youth Submission by Earth Ambassador Tylee Tom, Dine/Navajo, AZ: “Growing up on the reservation, I’ve always been taught to respect the earth and everything it provides. Many teachings and songs I’ve been taught is about every living plant and animal. Preserving the teachings and responsibility of oneself and others, who play a big part in our lives. From caring for our animals to the birthing of them. like I have always been told “you take care of your animals and crop, they will take care of you”‘ Read More

UNITY Earth Ambassador Maiya Martinez (Spokane, Washington) shares her research goals for more Native youth to become regenerative farmers. “To me, an environment ambassador is someone who looks to spread knowledge to their communities” said Maiya. “This is someone who knows how to make a difference and wants to share experiences with others,” she added.
Read More

Meet UNITY youth Nizhonia Toledo, of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon. “To me, being an environmental advocate is an opportunity to step up and influence other Native youth to take action in caring for our home. It means speaking for what can’t speak… our mother earth,” explained Nizhonia. “I want to protect the land our ancestors fought so hard for.”

Read More

Meet UNITY Youth Andrew Weaver, from Azachorok Alaska. “To me, being an Earth Ambassador is the responsibility to take care of your land, educate others of its importance. I am proud to be of of the Central Yup’ik people of the Lower Yukon River” said Andrew. His Mountain Village is located in Western Alaska, approximately 450 miles northwest of Anchorage. Andrew has applied to his the Tribal council, and if elected will be youngest in office.  He is passionate about the ecological issue of the landfill in Mountain Village. Andrew is a strong leader and when he wants something done, he gets it done! “I believe Andrew will do great in restoring the Mountain Village landfill and making Mountain a clean safe place for all” said Tatiana Ticknor, former Alaskan UNITY Earth Ambassador. 

Read More

Youth Submission by Steve Harvey, San Carlos Apache: I want to empower all Native youth to join me as an Earth Ambassador. Together we can bring lessons from nature and culture, using them to explore alternatives for a sustainable future, and empower participants to live more gently on our planet as Ambassadors of our environment. Applying sustainable living principles that could be used anywhere in the world and adding topics specific to each location. Read More