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, he 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 […]
This September, Mahiya Ramirez stepped into a powerful leadership role as she helped facilitate the Southeast Regional Earth Ambassador Gathering in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Bringing together Native youth from across the region, the gathering created space for connection, learning, and collective growth. “Youth traveled from across the Southeast region to connect, network, and strengthen their […]
This September, Laylalanai Gocobachi moved with purpose across her community—showing up as a leader, storyteller, and connector. From volunteering at the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Charitable Organization’s annual golf tournament to speaking at the YOEME Youth Council inauguration, she brought encouragement and visibility to Native youth spaces. “Seeing how passionate and driven our youth are gives […]
From cultural events to language revitalization and community wellness advocacy, Marla Mesarina of Minnesota continues to uplift Native youth voices across the Midwest Region through leadership, public speaking and service. As an individual UNITY member, Marla has used her experiences as a college student and community advocate to help create spaces that celebrate Indigenous identity, […]
A Legacy 50 Years in the Making: UNITY Celebrates Its Golden Anniversary Mesa, AZ — United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), the nation’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to Native youth leadership development, today announced two inspiring keynote speakers for its 2026 National Conference, taking place this summer in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NBA athlete Lindy […]
