This November, Vydell Willie continued to grow as a leader by showing up in spaces that blended learning, culture, and community. Through participation in the UNITY Earth Ambassador Webinar and the Western Regional Gathering, Vydell deepened their understanding of environmental stewardship while supporting fellow Native youth. “November reminded me how important it is to keep […]

This month, McKaylin Peters showed that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful. While she described October as a slower season, her impact across her community remained steady, intentional, and deeply rooted in relationship-building. She began the month celebrating a personal milestone—her 24th birthday—followed by attending the grand opening of the Wolf […]

This October, Laylalanai Gocobachi showed what it means to lead with intention, culture, and heart—moving across spaces that celebrated Indigenous identity while building powerful connections for the future. She began the month at the Native American Heritage Night for Arizona Women’s Volleyball, where she honored Cree athlete Renee Jones with a culturally significant gift from […]

This October, Vydell Willie continued to lead in a different kind of arena—one rooted in education, service, and thoughtful innovation. As a student at Northern Arizona University majoring in Indian Country Criminal Justice, he focused on a collaborative English 105 Solution Proposal aimed at improving campus wayfinding systems. By exploring upgrades like digital kiosks, improved […]

This month, Jada Allen traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to attend the Southeastern Earth Ambassador Regional Gathering, joining Native youth leaders, UNITY staff, and regional representatives for a powerful experience rooted in connection, culture, and environmental learning. Surrounded by peers from across the Southeast, Jada stepped into a space where youth voices, lived experiences, and […]

This month, Nizhoni Deschene stepped into a powerful leadership role at the University of California, Berkeley, serving as the Director of Indigenous Advocacy within the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC). Working alongside Senator Reg Macarro and fellow student leaders, she has been at the forefront of efforts to uplift Native voices and […]

This month, Codie Horse-Topetchy traveled to the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana to take part in the second annual Bison Round-Up hosted by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT). The event brought together tribal leaders, wildlife professionals, veterinarians, and volunteers, all working toward a shared goal: protecting and restoring one of the most sacred […]

This month, Jizelle Juan took her leadership across the ocean to Hilo, Hawaiʻi, where she traveled with the Bird Singing and Dancing by the River group to participate in the Hilo All Nations Powwow. Representing the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Jizelle and her group shared Piipaash bird dancing, O’odham basket dancing, and social dances, […]

This month, McKaylin Peters stepped fully into her role as a leader, organizer, and bridge-builder within her community. As a Co-Founder and Advisor of the Menominee UNITY Youth Council, she helped guide the next generation of leaders through elections at the start of the school year, ensuring the council remains active, engaged, and youth-driven. Weekly […]

This September, Vydell Willie balanced school, personal milestones, and leadership growth while continuing to deepen his role as a UNITY Earth Ambassador. At the 17th Biennial Conference of Science & Management held at Northern Arizona University, Vydell joined students, community members, and environmental leaders to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and modern science. The […]