UNITY

2017 – The Origin of the UNITY Fire

Photo: The late Grandpa Warren Skye, former Conference Elder, Fire Keeper Nearly all our ceremonial ways are centered around the use of air, water, pant life, animal life, and the use of fire. For this reason, a member of the 1995 Executive Committee of the National UNITY Council by the name of SleepyEye LaFromboise, Seneca/Dakota, […]

March and April Opportunities for Native Youth, Families and Community Members

The Phoenix Indian Center is offering a wide range of spring opportunities for Native youth, families, elders and community members. Upcoming programs include cultural art workshops, Indigenous cooking demonstrations, family activities, suicide prevention training, career development services and ongoing community support. Pee-Posh Clay and Bead-Making Workshop Series Community members of all ages are invited to […]

UNITY Invites Communities Nationwide to Join Sunrise Prayer on 50th Anniversary

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 […]

Behind the Boarding Passes: Spotlight on Helena Sorenson

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 […]

CNAY Welcomes 2026 Fellowship Class

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, […]

Dancing for Awareness: Rhiannon Eaglespeaker Helps Bring Attention to MMIW on Campus

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, […]

Where the Drum Leads: From Michigan to Ontario

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 […]

Visionary Sovereign Voices Competition Invites Native Youth to Share Their Dreams for Sovereignty and the Future

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 […]

Growing NORTHWEST Youth Councils

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 […]

Bridging Communities: Ethan Hedgepeth Connects Youth Councils and Campus Leaders

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 […]