Crowning Moments and Cultural Celebrations The gymnasium of Betty H. Fairfax High School often comes alive with the sights and sounds of Indigenous culture. In the spring, students gather for the Mr. and Miss Indian Betty Fairfax pageant – an annual celebration of heritage and leadership. In April 2023, Diego Rhodes (Gila River Indian Community) […]
Mahiya Ramirez Inspires Native Youth Through Creativity and Connection For Mahiya Ramirez, Muscogee Nation citizen and Vice President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is about more than fulfilling a role—it’s about blending creativity, culture, and connection to inspire and empower her peers. As the Southern Plains Representative, Mahiya has spent the past […]
Native News Online BY NEELY BARDWELL AUGUST 27, 2024 Native Vote 2024. Native Organizers Alliance, an organization that makes changes in mainstream leadership and policy through advocacy, capacity building, and campaign support, announced that applications for their post-election National Native Community Organizer Training are now open. Trainings are for Native organizers and Tribal leaders working to engage community […]
Connecting Urban Native Youth Through UNITY The Tribal Images Youth Council, based in Tucson, Arizona, exemplifies UNITY’s mission by creating a vibrant intertribal community within an urban setting. As part of the UNITY Network, this youth council not only fosters leadership among Native youth but also builds bridges across tribal lines, offering a powerful example […]
Native News Online BY KAILI BERG AUGUST 22, 2024 The Smokey Town drum group performed at the American Family Field before the American Family Field in Milwaukee Brewers game. (photo above/Kaili Berg) Native Vote 2024. On a rainy Thursday on August 15, Wisconsin Native Vote hosted a tailgate at American Family Field in Milwaukee, aiming to […]
As the school year kicks off for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) schools, youth in the Great Plains are not just hitting the books—they’re stepping up as future leaders. For Sophie Landin, the nationally elected Great Plains Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a proud member of the MHA Nation, the […]
The Mvskoke Nation Youth Council believes that wellness begins with intention and is strengthened through community support. This year, members embraced opportunities to promote mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being—not just for themselves, but for those around them. MNYC kicked off 2025 by supporting the Sons of Mvskoke’s New Year’s Eve Sobriety Celebration. Members helped […]
Serving with Heart and Purpose Ashley Johnston’s commitment to community shines through in every aspect of her work. Whether facilitating cultural craft nights at the Bishop Indian Education Center or assisting with events like the Prayer Run Community Dinner, Ashley’s actions consistently reflect her dedication to the UNITY mission. Her leadership has inspired many to […]
The Fort Hall Youth Council exemplifies UNITY’s mission of fostering leadership and community outreach among Native youth. As part of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, the council stands out for its efforts to connect tribal members, preserve cultural practices, and address pressing community issues. Their journey demonstrates how youth councils can become vital agents of change within […]
The Future Inspired Native American Leaders (FINAL) Youth Council, based in the Phoenix Indian Center, exemplifies UNITY’s mission to empower youth and foster community wellness. As an urban Indian center youth council, FINAL is one of many across the country that plays a vital role in bridging cultural connections for Native youth living in urban […]
