1980 — New Breed of American Indians: Paul Harvey broadcasted a story about UNITY on his national radio program entitled, ‘A New Breed of American Indians’ that recognized UNITY for its work with Native youth.

1980 — Willie Nelson: Willie Nelson, a nationally recognized entertainer, held a benefit concert to raise funds that helped UNITY through a time of financial need. Music scholarships were offered to UNITY youth following the concert.

1980 — Declaration of Independence: UNITY youth gathered in Billings, Montana and adopted a Declaration of Independence that asserted their right to express their concerns and goals regarding the health and welfare of Native people.

1980s — Council of Eagles: UNITY Created the Council of Eagles which was made up of selected Na- tive youth who served as UNITY ambassadors. The first Council of Eagles included Mary Kim Titla, Vivian Juan Saunders, Rose Abrahamson, Arvo Mikkanen, and Darrell Mease.

1980 — Wayne Newton: Wayne Newton, Las Vegas icon and well-known singer and entertainer, donated an Arabian stallion, “WN Alegria,” to UNITY.

1980s — 2000 Campaign: UNITY first received federal funding in the late 80s for a program entitled the American Indian/Alaska Native Youth 2000 Campaign. The program resulted in the Healing Generation’s Journey to the Year 2000, a publication that set forth twelve strategies for addressing Native youths’ issues of greatest concern.

1981–UNITY conducts National Hotshot Basketball Championships: The Championships were patterned after the Pepsi Cola/NBA Hotshot contest. The project encouraged UNITY youth to sponsor local hotshot contests, report the results, and compete to become the national champion from among the winners of the local competitions.

1982 — Call for a Youth Council Network: To promote the creation of a national youth council, UNITY issued a call for the creation of local youth councils.

1985 — First Youth Council established: The Wind River Reservation Youth Council became the first youth council to be established.

1985 — Senate Hearing: Seven Native youth testified before the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. about issues affecting Indian Country.