INDIGENOUS STEWARDSHIP
Welcome Relatives
Inspiring Hope. Changing Lives.
UNITY’s Mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native 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 »
🪶 Powwow, Gourd Dance, Stomp Dance, Staff & Event Information 🪶
Schedule
Gourd Dance: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Grand Entry: 7:00 PM
Stomp Dance (4th Floor Ballroom)
Begins: 7:00 PM
MC: Chebon Kernell
Contest
Tiny Tot
Registered Tiny Tot receives $5 (First 50 participants).
Juniors (Ages 6–12)
1st – $75 | 2nd – $50 | 3rd – $25
Girls: Cloth • Buckskin • Fancy Shawl • Jingle
Boys: Straight • Traditional • Grass • Fancy
Teen (Ages 13–17)
1st – $100 | 2nd – $75 | 3rd – $50
Girls: Cloth • Buckskin • Fancy Shawl • Jingle
Boys: Straight • Traditional • Grass • Fancy
Young Adult (Ages 18–24)
1st – $150 | 2nd – $100 | 3rd – $75
Women: Cloth • Buckskin • Fancy Shawl • Jingle
Men: Straight • Traditional • Grass • Fancy
Specials
Team Dance (Girls & Boys): 1st $300 • 2nd $200 • 3rd $100
Potato Dance: $100 each to 2 winners
Two Step: $100 each to 2 winners
Street Clothes: $100 each to 2 winners
Lulu Contest: $100 Winner
Warhoop Contest: $100 Winner
Stickhorse NDN Relay: 1st $300 • 2nd $200 • 3rd $100
Scavenger Hunt: 15 prize categories with $20 prizes
Powwow Staff
MC: Corey Still & Max Bear
Arena Director: Marshall Williamson
Head Lady Dancer: Audrina Greeley
Head Man Dancer: Titus Wassana
Head Little Girl: Lamiyah Gray
Head Little Boy: Princeton Degollado
Head Gourd Clan: Star Hawk Society
Host Drum: Full Metal Jacket
Tabulators: David Strong & Regina Youngbear
Registration: Melissa Buffalomeat & Vida Blackwolf
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Lucky Star Casino
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes
Muscogee Nation Business, LLC
Join us for an unforgettable evening of dancing and singing. We look forward to welcoming dancers, singers, families, and visitors for an exciting weekend!
🌟 The 2026 National UNITY Conference is approaching, and it`s time to meet the young leaders running for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC)! 🌟
Representing the Northwest Region, we’re proud to introduce the candidates:
Kahmussa Green, 20
Confederated Tribes of Warm Spring
Individual Member
Dean Smith, 18
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon
Siletz Tribal Youth Council
Lance Stone, 17
Klamath Tribe
Klamath Tribes Youth Council
Helen Sekaquaptewa, 17
Yakama Nation
Yakama Nation Youth Council
Learn more about all the NUCEC candidates by visiting 👉 www.unityinc.org. Click on Youth Council Programs, then navigate to National UNITY Council Regions.
Let’s celebrate and support these future leaders of Native youth!
⏰ TODAY IS THE DEADLINE! ⏰
The countdown is over—today is your last chance to apply for the UNITY Fashion Show at the 50th Anniversary National UNITY Conference! ❤️💙
Step onto the runway and be part of an unforgettable celebration of Native youth, culture, confidence, and style. Whether you`re an experienced model or ready to take your very first walk, we encourage both young men and young women to apply!
To be considered for the FIRST ROUND of auditions, submit:
✨ A video of your walk
✨ A front profile photo
✨ A side profile photo
🚫 No in-person auditions will be held. All applicants must complete the online submission process.
🗓️ Applications close TODAY, June 30, at 11:59 PM MST.
Don`t miss your opportunity to be part of this historic 50th Anniversary celebration. Submit your application before the deadline tonight!
Apply using the link in bio.
🌟The 2026 National UNITY Conference is almost here — and so are the youth leaders ready to make an impact! Discover the NUCEC candidates!🌟
Representing the Southern Plains Region, we’re proud to introduce the candidates:
Amerie Sam, 16
Cheyenne and Arapaho
Cheyenne Arapaho Youth Council
Rulan Hargo, 16
Fort-Sill Apache Tribe
Oklahoma Indigenous Youth Council
Learn more about all the NUCEC candidates by visiting 👉 www.unityinc.org. Click on Youth Council Programs, then navigate to National UNITY Council Regions.
Let’s celebrate and support these future leaders of Native youth! #UNITYOK2026
🌟 The 2026 National UNITY Conference is approaching, and it`s time to meet the young leaders running for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC)! 🌟
Representing the Northwest Region, we’re proud to introduce the candidates:
Kaylee Evans, 19
Haliwa-Saponi and Lumbee
Individual Member
Kanik Deschene, 17
Turtle Mountain Chippewa and Navajo
MVD UNITY Youth Council
Néepa Hyde, 15
Shinnecock and Onondaga
Individual Member
Learn more about all the NUCEC candidates by visiting 👉 www.unityinc.org. Click on Youth Council Programs, then navigate to National UNITY Council Regions.
Let’s celebrate and support these future leaders of Native youth!
🌟 The 2026 National UNITY Conference is almost here, and it`s time to meet the inspiring young leaders running for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC)! 🌟
Representing the Midwest Region, we’re proud to introduce the candidates:
Zhaawan Martell, 19
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Youth Council
Kynise May, 22
Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
Red Lake Nation Youth Council
Zoe Loonsfoot, 19
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
Individual Member
Learn more about all the NUCEC candidates by visiting 👉 www.unityinc.org. Click on Youth Council Programs, then navigate to National UNITY Council Regions.
Let’s celebrate and support these future leaders of Native youth!
🎉 Sponsor Spotlight 🎉
UNITY is proud to recognize the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as a valued sponsor of the 2026 National UNITY Conference as we celebrate 50 years of empowering Native youth.
Their support helps ensure Native youth from across the country can come together to learn, lead, and celebrate the strength of Indigenous communities.
Thank you, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, for helping support the next generation of Native leaders.
UNITY proudly celebrates the final honorees of the 2026 class of UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders — outstanding Native youth leading with culture, advocacy, education, and service.
Congratulations to these outstanding Native youth leaders:
• Meranden Numkena (Hopi Tribe & Navajo Nation) — Conservation advocate, mentor, and storyteller uplifting Indigenous voices through environmental education and media.
• Myson Galindo (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community) — Youth leader and advocate dedicated to strengthening community engagement and uplifting youth voices.
• Ohíya Walker (Cheyenne River Sioux, Red Lake Ojibwe, Mvskoke Creek) — Artist, designer, and youth advocate using fashion and art to build Native community and representation.
• Paige Nakai (Navajo Nation) — Computer scientist advancing equitable CS education, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, and Tribal AI advocacy.
• Priya Simpson (White Mountain Apache Tribe) —U.S. army veteran, advocate, and community leader committed to supporting youth and community wellness.
These changemakers continue to inspire the next generation through leadership grounded in culture, resilience, and service. To learn more visit our website www.unityinc.org.
UNITY CONFERENCES
2025 MIDYEAR CONFRENCE RECAP
2025 NATIONAL CONFRENCE RECAP
NEWS & EVENTS
Providing a Safe and Empowering Environment
