On April 16, 2026, communities across the country are invited to greet the dawn in a moment of reflection, unity, and hope as United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) celebrates its 50th birthday. To begin this milestone day, UNITY will host a Sunrise Prayer at 6:00 a.m., welcoming Native youth, elders, families, and community […]
Helena Sorenson has been quietly making big things happen for the UNITY family for a long time. From turning complex travel logistics into smooth arrivals, calm check-ins, and “we’re good” moments when everyone else is stress-sweating. Her career started in service, including volunteer work with the American Red Cross, and grew into decades of travel […]
The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute has announced its 2026 CNAY Fellows, a group of 24 Indigenous leaders ages 18 to 24 committed to creating positive change in their communities. Representing 36 Tribal Nations and nine states, the Fellows will participate in a culturally grounded curriculum focused on Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, […]
For Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, February was about using both cultural expression and community service to bring people together and support important causes. As a Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Rhiannon participated in events that raised awareness while continuing to give back to families in need. During the second weekend of February, […]
For Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, February was filled with opportunities to share culture, strengthen community relationships, and support youth leadership through song, dance, and tradition. As a Midwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Gabriel spent the month participating in gatherings that celebrated Indigenous culture across Michigan and […]
The VA250 Commission, the Virginia Tribal Nations Leadership Advisory Council, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, in partnership with the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund, are inviting Native youth artists and writers to participate in the Visionary Sovereign Voices Competition. This special opportunity is part of VA250’s upcoming event, “Our Inherently Sovereign Status […]
Sometimes leadership means stepping in to help others move forward. For Mazie Countryman, Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, February was about strengthening youth leadership while staying connected to culture and community. During the month, Mazie attended a round dance in her community, a gathering that brought people together through song, dance, and […]
For Ethan Hedgepeth, February was focused on strengthening connections between Native youth councils and Native student organizations. As the Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan continues to support youth leadership both in his region and on his college campus. On February 21, Ethan attended the North Carolina Native American Youth Organization […]
Some of the strongest community connections happen in everyday spaces—whether it’s distributing food to families in need or gathering on the basketball court after a long day. For Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, February was about showing up for his community in ways that bring people together. At the beginning of the […]
In the Fort Berthold community of White Shield, North Dakota, February was a month focused on culture, creativity, and personal growth. Weston Bird, Great Plains Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, helped support events that strengthened connections within the community while encouraging youth […]
