November was all about visibility, leadership, and sisterhood for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria. As the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina brought energy and intention to Native American Heritage Month—helping amplify Native voices across California in powerful ways.
At the beginning of the month, Alina worked alongside the Native Sisters Circle Organization to create a float for the 2nd Annual Native American Heritage Month Parade. Meeting at the Native Sisters Circle office, the group organized themselves into stations, each contributing to the design and creation of an acorn-themed float. The acorn, a powerful symbol of sustenance and cultural resilience for California Native communities, beautifully represented identity and unity.
Reflecting on the preparation, Alina shared that it was a memorable experience working together with her “Native sisters” to bring the vision to life. The collaborative process strengthened bonds among young Native women while reinforcing pride in Pacific Indigenous heritage.
On November 8th, that hard work rolled proudly through the streets of Sacramento at the California State Capitol during the 2nd Annual Native American Heritage Month Parade. The event featured over 100 floats representing organizations, tribal councils, programs, colleges, and community groups from across California. Alina attended with Native Sisters Circle to represent their organization and youth leadership.
She described the parade as an opportunity for the community to connect and highlight the many active organizations serving Native people throughout the Pacific Region. The event was more than celebration—it was representation. Seeing Native youth and leaders visible in a public, statewide setting reinforces UNITY’s mission of uplifting Native voices and strengthening collective pride.
On the same day, Alina also hosted her high school’s Homecoming 2025, themed “A Night in Rio.” As part of Student Government, she spent days organizing decorations, coordinating the DJ, planning snacks, setting up the photo booth, and preparing the venue. Leadership doesn’t pause—it expands. Hosting homecoming allowed her to bring students together in a joyful, inclusive environment filled with dancing, music, and celebration.
Through float-building, statewide representation, and campus leadership, Alina embodied the mission of the National UNITY Council (NUC): to develop leadership skills in Native youth by drawing upon heritage and fostering unity. UNITY empowers Native youth—including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives—to engage in their communities, build pride, and represent their cultures with confidence.
The National UNITY Council represents over 300 affiliated youth councils nationwide and serves as the collective voice of Native youth. By encouraging visibility during Native American Heritage Month and supporting youth-led leadership opportunities, UNITY continues to inspire hope and strengthen communities across Indian Country.
As Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina plays a vital role in elevating youth voices across California and beyond. From crafting acorns to coordinating homecoming, she demonstrates that Native youth leadership thrives in both cultural celebration and everyday campus life—building unity one event at a time.
