United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), in partnership with the Center for Native American Youth and the White House, co-hosted the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The event, held at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building, brought together nearly 150 Native youth leaders nationwide to engage in critical discussions on issues impacting tribal communities. Key topics included climate resilience, mental health, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), food sovereignty, and more.
The day before the forum, Native youth leaders attended a Native Youth Celebration reception at the Culture House DC. The event featured food, drinks, and a talent show where Native youth showcased their culture and talent, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity. It was an opportunity for the youth to connect, share experiences, and honor their heritage before diving into the serious discussions of the forum.
UNITY’s youth leaders, including members of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and the UNITY 25 Under 25 Youth Honorees, had the opportunity to engage directly with federal officials and policymakers. During this historic gathering, they shared their unique perspectives and advocated for solutions to address the pressing challenges faced by Native communities. Key discussions focused on policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health services, addressing the epidemic of MMIP, improving access to nutritious and traditional foods, promoting food sovereignty, and advancing sustainable energy projects.
Throughout the event, UNITY’s Co-Presidents, Kaytlynn Johnston and Watson Whitford, served as co-emcees alongside youth leaders from the Center for Native American Youth. The forum provided a platform for Native youth to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue on federal policies and initiatives that directly affect their communities.
Kaytlynn Johnston, UNITY Female Co-President, reflected on the forum’s impact, saying, “I think that they took our comments from the last forum and considered them, and that allowed us to have our voices be heard by the government officials and being part of an actual conversation. It meant a lot to me to be able to see and just to have the time and the space to do that.”
A significant highlight of the forum was the in-person participation of U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who offered encouragement and hope to the young leaders. Her presence underscored the critical role that Native youth play in shaping the future of Tribal Nations.
Other UNITY youth leaders took an active role in moderating discussions and facilitating activities throughout the forum.
- Marla Mesarina, Midwest Representative, co-facilitated an icebreaker session that helped foster connections among the attendees.
- Mahiya Ramirez, Southern Plains Representative, co-moderated a panel on the White House Internship Program, providing valuable insights on opportunities for Native youth engagement in government.
- Mazie Countryman, Northwest Representative, co-moderated a panel on mental health and substance use, featuring officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Indian Health Service (IHS), Administration for Native Americans (ANA), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- O’Shay Birdinground, Rocky Mountain Representative, co-emceed a Cultural Exchange session that celebrated Native culture and heritage.
- Derek Capitan and Gabriella Nakai, 25 Under 25 Honorees, co-moderated a panel on food sovereignty, exploring strategies to improve food access and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Native communities.
- Mariah Hernandez-Fitch, another 25 Under 25 Honoree, co-moderated a panel on MMIP, a critical issue that continues to devastate Indigenous families and communities.
- Anagali Duncan, also a 25 Under 25 Honoree, co-moderated a panel on climate change. The panel discussed the effects of environmental degradation on tribal communities and the need for tribal-led climate resilience initiatives.
Jamie Crowe, UNITY Southwest Representative, expressed gratitude for engaging at such a high level, saying, “Attending the forum was an extraordinary and important opportunity I took. I never in my life would have imagined myself getting to meet with federal officials in Washington, D.C. To be one of the first youth from my tribe to be a part of my Executive Committee and to pursue such opportunities inspires me to continue to represent Native Youth from home and my region with pride. I am so grateful. I hope that I am a great leader, and I want to show youth from my tribe that opportunities like this are beneficial and they are more than capable of achieving them.”
Liliana Mars, UNITY Northeast Representative, also appreciated the event, stating, “Attending the White House Tribal Youth Forum will always and forever be a blessing I am truly grateful for. Connecting with native youth from all around Native Country was truly a blessing and honor. Learning of all the different problems every tribe is facing and what certain officials/governments is doing to help was truly eye-opening. Hearing what all the various Indigenous youth had to say was truly inspiring and eye-opening as I had many of the issues within their community, I was unaware of. Yet, after the forum, I felt I had learned so much. It is truly an honor to be selected to attend. However, the future of my native country is unknown. Hearing what all these different native youth leaders are doing to change it is truly inspiring, and I want them to know that I will always have their back.”
The forum provided a unique platform for Native youth to engage with federal officials, showcase their leadership skills, and contribute to conversations that will shape the future of tribal communities. It also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of amplifying Native voices in policy discussions at the highest levels of government.
