Save the Date: January 17, 2026
Join UNITY for an unforgettable evening celebrating O’odham culture, song, and dance — honoring the aboriginal lands of the O’odham during the UNITY Midyear Conference!
Saturday, January 17, 2026
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sheraton Downtown Phoenix | 3rd Floor Ballroom
Calling all O’odham Singers and Dancers!
Experience the beauty of the O’odham Cu:dk (Traditional Round Dance), enjoy special performances by the Four Sister Tribes, and join in social dancing that celebrates the heartbeat of our people.
The evening will conclude with a Chicken Scratch Dance featuring Group Passion!
Come dance, celebrate, and honor the living traditions that unite us all!
Community Welcome | Alcohol- and Drug-Free Event
Save the Date: January 17, 2026
Join UNITY for an unforgettable evening celebrating O’odham culture, song, and dance — honoring the aboriginal lands of the O’odham during the UNITY Midyear Conference!
Saturday, January 17, 2026
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sheraton Downtown Phoenix | 3rd Floor Ballroom
Calling all O’odham Singers and Dancers!
Experience the beauty of the O’odham Cu:dk (Traditional Round Dance), enjoy special performances by the Four Sister Tribes, and join in social dancing that celebrates the heartbeat of our people.
The evening will conclude with a Chicken Scratch Dance featuring Group Passion!
Come dance, celebrate, and honor the living traditions that unite us all!
Community Welcome | Alcohol- and Drug-Free Event
Building Resilience, Protecting Homelands 🌿
Jada Allen (Lumbee Tribe), a UNITY Earth Ambassador, is equipping Native youth with the tools to face climate-driven disasters head-on. From emergency preparedness workshops to national research presentations, she’s weaving together education, advocacy, and tradition to strengthen tribal communities across North Carolina.
This month, Jada received a CNAY micro-grant to launch Climate Resilient Nations, a workshop empowering youth to protect their land, homes, and future. She’s also preparing for law school—all while staying grounded in the teachings of her family and the land.
🌱 “How can I embody the same generosity as Mother Earth? I’m always left humbled.” — Jada Allen
🔗 Read her full story here: https://unityinc.org/building-resilience-jada-allen-prepares-communities-for-climate-challenges/
Building Resilience, Protecting Homelands 🌿
Jada Allen (Lumbee Tribe), a UNITY Earth Ambassador, is equipping Native youth with the tools to face climate-driven disasters head-on. From emergency preparedness workshops to national research presentations, she’s weaving together education, advocacy, and tradition to strengthen tribal communities across North Carolina.
This month, Jada received a CNAY micro-grant to launch Climate Resilient Nations, a workshop empowering youth to protect their land, homes, and future. She’s also preparing for law school—all while staying grounded in the teachings of her family and the land.
🌱 “How can I embody the same generosity as Mother Earth? I’m always left humbled.” — Jada Allen
🔗 Read her full story here: https://unityinc.org/building-resilience-jada-allen-prepares-communities-for-climate-challenges/
24 HOURS!
Native youth from the Northwest & Pacific Regions — it`s almost time to connect, share, and grow together! 🌊🌲
Don’t miss your chance to network, ask questions, and build community.
📅 Tomorrow on Zoom — register now:
🔗 Link in bio or go to unityinc.org/quicklinks
24 HOURS!
Native youth from the Northwest & Pacific Regions — it`s almost time to connect, share, and grow together! 🌊🌲
Don’t miss your chance to network, ask questions, and build community.
📅 Tomorrow on Zoom — register now:
🔗 Link in bio or go to unityinc.org/quicklinks
Join UNITY for an unforgettable evening celebrating O’odham culture, song, and dance — recognizing the aboriginal lands of the O’odham during the UNITY Midyear Conference!
Saturday, January 17, 2026
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sheraton Downtown Phoenix | 3rd Floor Ballroom
Experience the beauty of the O’odham Cu:dk (Traditional Round Dance), special performances by the Four Sister Tribes, and social dancing that honors the heartbeat of our people. The night closes with a Chicken Scratch Dance featuring Group Passion!
Come dance, celebrate, and honor the traditions that unite us!
#OodhamCudk #ChickenScratchDance #Waila #CulturalCelebration #FourSisterTribes #OodhamTradition
Join UNITY for an unforgettable evening celebrating O’odham culture, song, and dance — recognizing the aboriginal lands of the O’odham during the UNITY Midyear Conference!
Saturday, January 17, 2026
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sheraton Downtown Phoenix | 3rd Floor Ballroom
Experience the beauty of the O’odham Cu:dk (Traditional Round Dance), special performances by the Four Sister Tribes, and social dancing that honors the heartbeat of our people. The night closes with a Chicken Scratch Dance featuring Group Passion!
Come dance, celebrate, and honor the traditions that unite us!
#OodhamCudk #ChickenScratchDance #Waila #CulturalCelebration #FourSisterTribes #OodhamTradition
This weekend at the First Americans Museum in OKC, youth from the Southern Plains Region joined UNITY’s Healing Circle Training — a “train-the-trainer” model designed to empower young leaders to tackle real-world issues in their communities.
After intensive group work, they presented their ideas to a mock council for feedback and guidance.
We’re so proud of their growth and can’t wait to see these projects come to life!
This weekend at the First Americans Museum in OKC, youth from the Southern Plains Region joined UNITY’s Healing Circle Training — a “train-the-trainer” model designed to empower young leaders to tackle real-world issues in their communities.
After intensive group work, they presented their ideas to a mock council for feedback and guidance.
We’re so proud of their growth and can’t wait to see these projects come to life!
Attention Western Region Youth!
You’re invited to join your UNITY Area Representatives for a regional meet-up designed to foster connection, leadership, and meaningful dialogue. This is a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow youth, discuss important issues, and participate in interactive activities.
🔗 Register here: Link in bio or go to unityinc.org/quicklinks
Please Note: The Southwest Region Fall Meetup has been postponed, with a new date to be announced. We appreciate your patience and will share updates as soon as they are available.
Attention Western Region Youth!
You’re invited to join your UNITY Area Representatives for a regional meet-up designed to foster connection, leadership, and meaningful dialogue. This is a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow youth, discuss important issues, and participate in interactive activities.
🔗 Register here: Link in bio or go to unityinc.org/quicklinks
Please Note: The Southwest Region Fall Meetup has been postponed, with a new date to be announced. We appreciate your patience and will share updates as soon as they are available.
🎓 Balancing College & Community
Navajo Earth Ambassador Vydell Willie is proving that leadership doesn`t pause when life gets busy—it grows. From presenting at chapter meetings to starting his first semester at NAU, Vydell is finding strength in balancing education with service.
Whether he`s requesting support from tribal leaders, honoring elders, or advancing a community project, his commitment to uplifting others remains at the heart of his journey.
“This month taught me the importance of balance and commitment… Every meeting, email, and conversation reminded me why I do this work.” — Vydell Willie
📖Read how Vydell is turning transition into transformation:
🔗 https://unityinc.org/balancing-college-and-community-vydell-willie-steps-into-leadership/
🎓 Balancing College & Community
Navajo Earth Ambassador Vydell Willie is proving that leadership doesn`t pause when life gets busy—it grows. From presenting at chapter meetings to starting his first semester at NAU, Vydell is finding strength in balancing education with service.
Whether he`s requesting support from tribal leaders, honoring elders, or advancing a community project, his commitment to uplifting others remains at the heart of his journey.
“This month taught me the importance of balance and commitment… Every meeting, email, and conversation reminded me why I do this work.” — Vydell Willie
📖Read how Vydell is turning transition into transformation:
🔗 https://unityinc.org/balancing-college-and-community-vydell-willie-steps-into-leadership/
From Assessment to Action 🌎
After 10 weeks of research, collaboration, and late nights, Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi (Pascua Yaqui) completed her climate change internship with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals—supporting a needs assessment with Middletown Rancheria and UC Cooperative Extension.
But for Laylalanai, it was more than data—it was about community, culture, and carrying ancestral prayers forward. 💧🌿
“You are not alone… You are living your ancestors’ prayers, and every breath is a blessing.” — Laylalanai Gocobachi
Through her Earth Ambassador platform, she continues to uplift Native youth and lead climate education rooted in healing, faith, and action. 🌤️
🔗 Read her full story:
https://unityinc.org/from-assessment-to-action-laylalanai-gocobachi-completes-internship-on-climate-change/
From Assessment to Action 🌎
After 10 weeks of research, collaboration, and late nights, Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi (Pascua Yaqui) completed her climate change internship with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals—supporting a needs assessment with Middletown Rancheria and UC Cooperative Extension.
But for Laylalanai, it was more than data—it was about community, culture, and carrying ancestral prayers forward. 💧🌿
“You are not alone… You are living your ancestors’ prayers, and every breath is a blessing.” — Laylalanai Gocobachi
Through her Earth Ambassador platform, she continues to uplift Native youth and lead climate education rooted in healing, faith, and action. 🌤️
🔗 Read her full story:
https://unityinc.org/from-assessment-to-action-laylalanai-gocobachi-completes-internship-on-climate-change/
TESTIMONIALS
UNITY's Mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian and Alaska Native youth and to help build a strong, unified, and self- reliant Native America through greater youth involvement.
“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!”
“It’s the best place to be open about what you think and what you want to do for your school or community. They make you feel like family and welcome you openly.”
“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.”
2025 UNITY Supporters, Partners and Sponsors
