INDIGENOUS STEWARDSHIP
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
throughout the Great Plains Region to participate in a free
4 Bears Casino & Lodge
New Town, North Dakota
Hosted by the White Shield
Youth Leadership Council
and Community Leadership.
Welcome Relatives
Inspiring Hope. Changing Lives.
UNITY’s mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth and to help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement.
Youth Programs
The heart of UNITY is its affiliated youth councils, which are sponsored by tribes, Alaska Native villages, high schools, colleges, urban centers, and others. LEARN MORE »
Scholarships & Awards
Stay up to date on our scholarship opportunities and awards throughout the year. If you are aware of a candidate please have them apply. LEARN MORE »
Native Youth
A space dedicated to listing all the latest news and events happening among Native youth across the country.
LEARN MORE »
Membership
Native American youth can make a difference, but first, they must be organized and prepared for action. An effective way to accomplish this is through a youth council. LEARN MORE »
UNITY Kicks Off Its First Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit!
A historic gathering of Indigenous youth, leaders, Elders, and community members! UNITY proudly launched its first Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, hosted by the White Shield Youth Leadership Council.
The summit brought participants together to explore tribal governance, cultural values, leadership responsibilities, community service, and preparing future generations to lead. Through learning, sharing, and cultural connection, participants are building the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen their communities and shape the future.
The event opened with Weston Bird, Great Plains NUC Area Representative, serving as Master of Ceremonies. Charlie Moran, Elder from Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, offered a prayer and land acknowledgment, followed by the Ree Boys Drum Group, who shared a flag song, veteran song, and honor songs.
Mary Kim Titla, UNITY Executive Director, welcomed participants, and opening remarks were delivered by the Honorable Chairman Darwin (David) Williams of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation.
We are grateful to the White Shield Youth Leadership Council, our speakers, cultural contributors, and everyone who helped make this summit possible. Together, we are empowering Indigenous youth, strengthening leadership, and preparing the next generation to lead with purpose, and a strong connection to their communities and cultures!
Want to learn more?
🌐 Visit: https://unityinc.org
📧 Contact: Greg Mendoza, Youth Programs Director, at [email protected]
#UNITY #IndigenousYouth #YouthLeadership #IndigenousLeadership
UNITY Kicks Off Its First Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit!
A historic gathering of Indigenous youth, leaders, Elders, and community members! UNITY proudly launched its first Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, hosted by the White Shield Youth Leadership Council.
The summit brought participants together to explore tribal governance, cultural values, leadership responsibilities, community service, and preparing future generations to lead. Through learning, sharing, and cultural connection, participants are building the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen their communities and shape the future.
The event opened with Weston Bird, Great Plains NUC Area Representative, serving as Master of Ceremonies. Charlie Moran, Elder from Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, offered a prayer and land acknowledgment, followed by the Ree Boys Drum Group, who shared a flag song, veteran song, and honor songs.
Mary Kim Titla, UNITY Executive Director, welcomed participants, and opening remarks were delivered by the Honorable Chairman Darwin (David) Williams of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation.
We are grateful to the White Shield Youth Leadership Council, our speakers, cultural contributors, and everyone who helped make this summit possible. Together, we are empowering Indigenous youth, strengthening leadership, and preparing the next generation to lead with purpose, and a strong connection to their communities and cultures!
Want to learn more?
🌐 Visit: https://unityinc.org
📧 Contact: Greg Mendoza, Youth Programs Director, at [email protected]
#UNITY #IndigenousYouth #YouthLeadership #IndigenousLeadership
…
It’s Flex Friday, and the newest class of UNITY 25 Under 25 has plenty to flex about!
At this summer’s National UNITY Conference, we asked some of our newest 25 Under 25 honorees one question: “What’s your biggest flex?”
Their answers speak for themselves. Meet the next generation of Native leaders who are already making an impact!
#flexfriday #NativeYouth #unity25u25
It’s Flex Friday, and the newest class of UNITY 25 Under 25 has plenty to flex about!
At this summer’s National UNITY Conference, we asked some of our newest 25 Under 25 honorees one question: “What’s your biggest flex?”
Their answers speak for themselves. Meet the next generation of Native leaders who are already making an impact!
#flexfriday #NativeYouth #unity25u25
…
Today, UNITY honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Native Americans have a long and proud history of military service, demonstrating courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to protecting their communities and our nation.
On this Veterans Day, we extend our gratitude to all veterans, especially our Native veterans, whose service and sacrifices continue to inspire future generations of Native leaders.
Thank you for your service. Happy Veterans Day!
Today, UNITY honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Native Americans have a long and proud history of military service, demonstrating courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to protecting their communities and our nation.
On this Veterans Day, we extend our gratitude to all veterans, especially our Native veterans, whose service and sacrifices continue to inspire future generations of Native leaders.
Thank you for your service. Happy Veterans Day!
…
Register early and save on the 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference! A new registration rate of $475 is now available through January 8, 2027!
Join us February 13–15, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona, for the 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference.
Take advantage of this registration rate and secure your spot today!
Register now at https://unityinc.org/2027-midyear-conference/
Register early and save on the 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference! A new registration rate of $475 is now available through January 8, 2027!
Join us February 13–15, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona, for the 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference.
Take advantage of this registration rate and secure your spot today!
Register now at https://unityinc.org/2027-midyear-conference/
…
November is Native American Heritage Month!
This month, UNITY proudly celebrates the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Native American peoples across the country.
As we honor the generations who came before us, we also recognize the Native youth who are carrying their cultures forward, strengthening their communities, and shaping the future of Indian Country.
At UNITY, we believe our greatest resource is our youth, and we remain committed to uplifting their voices, celebrating their identities, and empowering the next generation of Native leaders.
Our heritage is our strength. Our youth are our future.
November is Native American Heritage Month!
This month, UNITY proudly celebrates the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Native American peoples across the country.
As we honor the generations who came before us, we also recognize the Native youth who are carrying their cultures forward, strengthening their communities, and shaping the future of Indian Country.
At UNITY, we believe our greatest resource is our youth, and we remain committed to uplifting their voices, celebrating their identities, and empowering the next generation of Native leaders.
Our heritage is our strength. Our youth are our future.
…
Today is Election Day! Your voice matters, and your vote is an opportunity to help shape the future of your community.
UNITY encourages Native youth, families, and communities to make their voices heard at the polls. Every vote is an opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter most to you and future generations.
Rock the Native Vote! Make your voice count, and encourage others to do the same.
Today is Election Day! Your voice matters, and your vote is an opportunity to help shape the future of your community.
UNITY encourages Native youth, families, and communities to make their voices heard at the polls. Every vote is an opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter most to you and future generations.
Rock the Native Vote! Make your voice count, and encourage others to do the same.
…
UNITY was proud to partner with the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Phoenix Indian Center, and Native Food for Life for the Originalativ Youth Basketball Clinic on October 27 in Phoenix, Arizona!
Youth ages 8–17 from the greater Phoenix area had the opportunity to develop their basketball skills through on-court instruction from Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury youth basketball staff while connecting with community partners.
A special shoutout to UNITY’s Jalen and Lakota, who served as group leaders and helped support the young athletes throughout the clinic!
We’re grateful to be part of opportunities that bring Native youth together, encourage teamwork, and inspire the next generation of leaders both on and off the court.
UNITY was proud to partner with the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Phoenix Indian Center, and Native Food for Life for the Originalativ Youth Basketball Clinic on October 27 in Phoenix, Arizona!
Youth ages 8–17 from the greater Phoenix area had the opportunity to develop their basketball skills through on-court instruction from Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury youth basketball staff while connecting with community partners.
A special shoutout to UNITY’s Jalen and Lakota, who served as group leaders and helped support the young athletes throughout the clinic!
We’re grateful to be part of opportunities that bring Native youth together, encourage teamwork, and inspire the next generation of leaders both on and off the court.
…
Have something to share with Native youth leaders from across the country? This is your opportunity!
UNITY is seeking Speed Workshop presenters for the 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Arizona!
Speed Workshops are designed to spark ideas, share knowledge, and encourage meaningful conversations. Presenters will have 10 minutes to share their topic, followed by 10 minutes of interactive discussion with participants.
Whether you have a skill to teach, an inspiring story to share, or an important topic to discuss, we want to hear from you!
February 13–15, 2027 | Phoenix, AZ
Interested in presenting? Sign up here:
https://unityinc.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/f0ac5bfd-56c9-4c54-bba7-2d5a9644f15c
Have something to share with Native youth leaders from across the country? This is your opportunity!
UNITY is seeking Speed Workshop presenters for the 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Arizona!
Speed Workshops are designed to spark ideas, share knowledge, and encourage meaningful conversations. Presenters will have 10 minutes to share their topic, followed by 10 minutes of interactive discussion with participants.
Whether you have a skill to teach, an inspiring story to share, or an important topic to discuss, we want to hear from you!
February 13–15, 2027 | Phoenix, AZ
Interested in presenting? Sign up here:
https://unityinc.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/f0ac5bfd-56c9-4c54-bba7-2d5a9644f15c
…
UNITY CONFERENCES
2026 MIDYEAR CONFERENCE RECAP
2026 NATIONAL CONFERENCE RECAP

NEWS & EVENTS

At 16, Diné Violinist Mia Kanuho Makes Her Carnegie Hall Debut
50 YEARS OF GENERATIONAL IMPACT: UNITY CELEBRATES GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY WITH LANDMARK NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Congratulations to the 2026 class of changemakers, visionaries, and future leaders!
Congratulations to the 2026 class of changemakers, visionaries, and future leaders!
UNITY Healing Circle Training Open to First 100 Participants Before OKC National Conference
Congratulations to the 2026 class of changemakers, visionaries, and future leaders!
Congratulations to the 2026 class of changemakers, visionaries, and future leaders!
Kanik Deschene Expands Community Impact Through Service, Health Advocacy, and Youth Leadership
Kaylee Evans Leads Cultural Education and Community Advocacy Through Student-Led Initiatives

Calling All Native Youth: Apply for UNITY’s First Annual Youth of the Year Award
Providing a Safe and Empowering Environment
One Who Is Wise
UNITY Member
I love all that UNITY has allowed me to experience in developing my own personal growth. A great program elevating all my relatives taking part in the various programs!
Mr. Native Universe
UNITY Youth Advisor
UNITY has always been a safe place where I can be myself and be inspired by my fellow relatives across Turtle Island.
Audri
UNITY Program Coordinator
Being a part of one of the greatest organizations that empower Native and Indigenous youth across the country and abroad has been nothing short of a thrilling experience. It's something I'm very honored to be a part of!

