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UNITY Earth Ambassador Regional Gathering
UNITY Earth Ambassador Regional Gathering
Ciera Tsosie
The Flagstaff High School Native American Club was honored to attend the UNITY Earth Ambassador Regional Gathering hosted by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community this past weekend. This gathering was guided by the UNITY Earth Ambassadors and consisted of a three-day combination leadership and cultural event that brought together Indigenous youth groups from across the nation to come together to find environmentally friendly solutions, build community, and strengthen our cultural ties to the land. Students got to participate in community visits, hands-on workshops, and a personal development project.
DAY 1 – Arrival, Orientation & Cultural Connection
On day one we were welcomed by UNITY staff, kicking it off with culture and connection as we participated in open circles, cultural events with the Young River People’s Council. We visited the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community who offered us a Traditional dinner as well as insight into their tribal history, land stewardship and community initiatives. There were presentations given by the Earth Ambassadors; Sizelle Juan, member of the Salt River Pima; Vydell Willie, member of the Navajo Nation; Laylalani Gocobachi from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe; and Loren Ashley Buford, a unity staff member. Firsthand we gained insight into the SRPMIC’s cultural landscape and the importance of environmental responsibility to them.
DAY 2 – Leadership, Environmental Stewardship & Project Development
On day two participants shifted into applying cultural teachings to current challenges as we watched presentations on understanding the four elements of our world through a cultural perspective that highlighted their meanings and our environmental responsibility. We then participated in a project planning activity where we designed our own advocacy event. We collaborated with Indigenous youth of other tribes to emphasize a cultural approach to sustainability, land, and tribal empowerment.
DAY 3 – Presentation, Recognition & Closing
On our final day, we did a recap of what we learned, presented our projects, and held a recognition ceremony for participants where we gave a youth pledge to return to our communities as advocates. It had seemed that our Native American Club made a big impact this weekend as we were recognized and praised by mentors and ambassadors for our leadership throughout this conference. We are deeply committed to developing our own community-based projects to benefit Northern Arizona as we returned with strengthened cultural pride, and a deeper understanding of our obligations as children of the Earth.