Meet Faith Iukes

We recently connected with Faith Iukes and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Faith , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from my mother and the way she raised me. She’s the strongest person I know, someone who taught me—through her actions, not just her words—that no matter how hard life gets, you can stand tall and keep moving forward. She grew up in circumstances that could have broken anyone, yet she found a way to rise above it with grace, determination, and an unshakable sense of self.

Watching her, I learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring; it’s about finding purpose in the pain, growing from it, and using it to fuel your journey. Every time I face a challenge, I hear her voice in my mind reminding me that I come from a lineage of fighters, of survivors. It’s her strength that’s rooted in me, and it’s her love that makes me believe I can handle whatever life throws my way.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am deeply passionate about creating spaces where people can connect, heal, and grow. Whether it’s through my advocacy work, creative projects, or collaborations, everything I do is rooted in finding beauty and purpose in resilience. My journey and experiences have shaped my dedication to uplifting others, and I strive to bring authenticity and heart to everything I pursue.

Professionally, I focus on empowering Native American youth and amplifying the voices of my community. As a youth advocate and social media influencer, I use my platform to address important issues, celebrate our culture, and create opportunities for connection and growth. What excites me most about my work is the ability to touch lives in a meaningful way—whether it’s inspiring others through storytelling, hosting events that foster dialogue, or building initiatives that bring real change to the lives of young people.

Currently, I’m working on some exciting new ventures, including expanding my advocacy efforts and launching projects aimed at elevating Indigenous voices. These initiatives are a reflection of my commitment to creating lasting impact—not just for myself but for my community and the next generation.

Ultimately, my work isn’t just about me—it’s about all of us. It’s about building bridges, celebrating creativity, and fostering resilience in a way that inspires others to live fully, boldly, and with purpose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, cultural pride, and the ability to communicate authentically. Each of these has played a significant role in shaping not just who I am, but how I navigate the work I do and the connections I build.
1. Resilience: Life will always throw challenges your way, but resilience is what allows you to not only endure but grow stronger. For me, resilience came from embracing my roots, learning from my experiences, and leaning into the lessons even in difficult moments. My advice? Build resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities to learn. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and keep reminding yourself of your “why” when things get tough.
2. Cultural Pride: Understanding and celebrating my identity has been key to my growth. It’s given me the strength to advocate for my community and stay grounded in who I am. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to dive deep into your history and heritage—there’s power in knowing where you come from. Let your identity fuel your passion and guide your purpose.
3. Authentic Communication: Whether through social media or face-to-face, the ability to connect with others authentically has been vital. People resonate with honesty, vulnerability, and passion. To develop this, practice listening first—understanding others’ perspectives makes your voice more impactful. Don’t be afraid to share your truth; your story can inspire others in ways you may not even realize.

For those just starting out, my advice is to embrace your journey with curiosity and patience. Focus on cultivating these qualities by staying true to yourself, learning from every experience, and seeking opportunities to grow. Remember, success is not just about reaching a destination—it’s about becoming the person you’re meant to be along the way.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Life has been my greatest teacher. Every challenge, every triumph, and every moment in between has shaped who I am today. The hardships taught me resilience, the successes taught me gratitude, and the people I’ve met along the way taught me perspective. Life doesn’t always hand you answers, but it provides lessons in every experience—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

From the struggles that pushed me to grow to the moments of stillness that allowed me to reflect, life has been the constant force driving me to develop the skills and qualities I needed to succeed. It’s taught me to trust the process, embrace uncertainty, and find strength in my journey. The beauty of it all is that life continues to teach, and I remain a student, always ready to learn.