FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Mary Kim Titla
headquarters@unityinc.org
Phoenix, Ariz. – The 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference brought together a record number of Native youth, advisors, and tribal leaders for a transformative four-day event centered on leadership development, advocacy, and cultural sharing. Held February 7-9 at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix, this sold-out gathering provided a platform for Native youth to develop their storytelling skills, connect with Indigenous leaders from across the globe, and celebrate their cultures through meaningful engagement and learning opportunities.
UNITY introduced a new hands-on digital storytelling curriculum, equipping participants with the skills to produce public service announcements (PSAs) and digital awareness campaigns addressing critical issues in their communities. Youth collaborated on multimedia projects, using digital media as a tool for storytelling, advocacy, and cultural preservation.
“Our youth are already leading change in their communities, and this conference provided them with the tools to amplify their voices through digital storytelling,” said Mary Kim Titla, UNITY Executive Director. “From creating PSAs to engaging in cross-cultural dialogues with Indigenous leaders from across the globe, this event empowered our youth to become storytellers and changemakers.”
The conference featured several engaging keynote speakers and panel discussions that inspired youth to take ownership of their narratives. Actor Kusem Goodwin (Coeur d’Alene/Nez Perce), known for his role as “Nataanii Jackson” in the movie “Rez Ball,” participated in a live Q&A session, providing insight into Indigenous representation in the media and the challenges of breaking into the entertainment industry. UNITY Drum Alumni Dr. Corey Still (United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee) delivered a keynote address emphasizing the power of Indigenous storytelling and language revitalization, encouraging youth to embrace their voices and experiences to drive change. Additionally, legendary journalists Mary Kim Titla (San Carlos Apache) and Colton Shone (Navajo) shared their journeys in broadcast media, offering guidance to those interested in pursuing journalism and digital storytelling careers.
Throughout the conference, participants collaborated with highly skilled trainers known for their work in Indian Country, including Lovina Louie (Coeur d’Alene/Colville/Nez Perce), Tommie Ghost Dog (Burns Paiute/Oglala Lakota), Rachel Mosley (Paiute-Shoshone), and J’Shon Lee (White Mountain Apache). Youth also engaged with Indigenous media professionals, including Gila River Broadcasting Corporation, Marcus Guinn (Osage/Potawatomi), “Emcee One,” official DJ for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Shawn Martinez (Navajo), “DJ Tribal Touch” official DJ for the Phoenix Suns, who shared how they integrate Native representation into mainstream entertainment and sports industries.
For the first time, UNITY welcomed an international cohort of Indigenous youth, fostering global dialogue on leadership, governance, cultural preservation, climate resilience, and health equity. The international representatives included:
- Daisy Lahache – Canada
- Edna Marly Figueroa Cuc – Guatemala
- Josefina Bautista Peña – México
- Maricelma Francelino Fialho Cândido – Brazil
- Noamby Lucas-Castillo – Colombia
- Silvia Alejandra Miranda Loredo – Honduras
This panel provided a dynamic space for international and domestic Indigenous youth to exchange strategies on advocacy, creating meaningful dialogue on issues impacting Indigenous communities worldwide. The global cohort was joined by U.S. Indigenous youth leaders who brought diverse perspectives from their communities. Bronson (Kainoa) Azama (Kānaka Maoli, Hawaii) shared insights on Indigenous governance, while Derek Capitan (Laguna Pueblo/Navajo, New Mexico) spoke on youth advocacy. Mazie Countryman (Northern Arapaho/Eastern Shoshone/Shoshone-Bannock/Navajo, Idaho) emphasized intertribal collaboration, and Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo, Montana) highlighted the power of storytelling in strengthening Native identity. Their discussions fostered a rich exchange of ideas for leadership, advocacy, and cultural preservation.
The Native Youth Digital Storytelling Panel featured UNITY’s 25 Under 25 awardees, showcasing how digital media is a powerful tool for advocacy. Evelyn Enos (Akimel O’otham/Tohono O’odham) highlighted zine-making as a grassroots method for amplifying Indigenous voices. At the same time, Mariah Hernandez-Fitch (United Houma Nation) shared her work in filmmaking as a way to document and preserve Native stories. Ian Teller (Navajo) demonstrated how he uses social media engagement to increase voter awareness and civic participation with his When Natives Vote initiative. Their insights emphasized the role of digital storytelling in strengthening cultural representation and driving social change.
Beyond leadership training and storytelling workshops, the conference was a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture. UNITY hosted two nights of social round dances open to the public, highlighting Indigenous storytelling through song and dance. The first night’s Round Dance was filled with energy as dozens of local hand-drummers performed and respected Stickman Nathan Littlechild shared teachings on the significance of the dance. The second night showcased the cultural traditions of the Four Sister Tribes of O’odham, featuring youth-led O’odham Cu:dk social dancing and an energetic Chicken Scratch dance with music from the “Group Passion” youth band. Over 40 singers and 37 dancers from the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community participated, creating a powerful celebration of cultural identity and unity.
The National UNITY Council passed two Resolutions at their biannual business meeting to encourage youth to collaborate with international Indigenous youth and host community events to address substance abuse, mental health, and suicide prevention. In recognition of runner Christopher Porcaro’s inspiring completion of the Mountain Lakes 100-mile ultramarathon, HOKA generously donated 100 pairs of trail running shoes. These shoes were given away at the Midyear Conference to encourage Native youth participation in physical activity and promote wellness. The donation was part of a broader effort to support the health and well-being of Native communities, aligning with the mission of UNITY and organizations like Indigenous Earth.
The conference concluded with a showcase of digital storytelling projects created by the youth throughout the weekend. These presentations demonstrated the creativity, passion, and advocacy of Native youth as they used media to amplify their voices and address issues impacting their communities. Throughout the weekend, several colleges, Native artists, and Native-focused organizations participated as exhibitors. The Gila River Indian Community was the presenting sponsor for the conference. Other sponsors included Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Arizona State University, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, HOKA, Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation, Oneida Nation, Pechanga Band of Indians, the Quintero Family, REDW Financial Advisors & CPAs, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Tribal Ready.
Looking ahead, UNITY will continue to expand its training and mentorship programs, ensuring that Native youth have the resources and opportunities to lead in their communities. The next major event is the National UNITY Conference, with an anticipated 2,500 Native youth and advisors to attend in San Diego, California (June 27 – July 1, 2025). More information can be found at https://unityinc.org/national-conference/.
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ABOUT UNITY
Founded in 1976, United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) is a national network organization promoting personal development, citizenship, and leadership among Native Youth. UNITY’s mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native youth ages 14 -24 and to help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement. UNITY’s network currently includes 320 affiliated youth councils in 36 states. Tribes, Alaska Native villages, high schools, colleges, urban centers, and others sponsor Youth Councils.
