For Ethan Hedgepeth, Cherokee and Tuscarora and Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership came full circle this month. From attending a regional meeting at East Carolina University to sharing UNITY with Native youth and families at the Haliwa-Saponi Powwow in Hollister, North Carolina, Ethan used his voice to strengthen connections, encourage […]
Alina Sanchez, Miwok of Wilton Rancheria and Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, spent the month building community in every space she entered—from her high school campus to a hospital worksite, from regional Zoom circles to substance use prevention trainings. Through school spirit, gratitude, cultural reflection, and youth-centered dialogue, Alina showed […]
The American Indian Community House Youth Council is creating meaningful spaces for Native and Indigenous youth leadership in the Northeast UNITY Region. Based in New York City and sponsored by the American Indian Community House, the Youth Council continues to uplift Native youth through cultural education, community care, advocacy, and peer support in an urban […]
Hosted by the American Indian Cancer Foundation in observance of World No Tobacco Day Tobacco has always held a sacred place in many Indigenous cultures, as a medicine, as prayer, and a connection to our ancestors. Our world will never be tobacco-free, and it shouldn’t be. But what was once sacred has been distorted. Commercial […]
The Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council of Santo Domingo Pueblo continues to create meaningful impact across the Southwest Region through youth-led service, wellness programming and community-centered events. Guided by a commitment to leadership and creating safe spaces for Native youth and families, the council has spent the past year organizing initiatives that strengthen community relationships, promote […]
Amaya Escalante stepped into April with courage, purpose, and a clear reminder that Native youth leadership carries responsibility. Whether speaking out for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, emceeing UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Block Party, or competing at the Gathering of Nations Co-ed Softball Tournament, Amaya represented her people, her community, and the UNITY movement with pride. […]
Tia Butler’s month was rooted in intention. Whether preparing plant starts for Tribal and community members through the Siletz Food Sovereignty Program or visiting Indigenous-centered museum exhibits in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tia spent her time learning, reflecting, and giving back. Her leadership shows how Native youth can nurture community wellness through food sovereignty, […]
Victor Organista’s April was filled with the kind of leadership that meets people where they are: at the ballpark, in after-school programs, on community roadsides, and in everyday moments of connection. As a Southern Plains Executive Committee member, Victor continued showing up for Native youth, adults, and elders through mentorship, recreation, environmental service, and community […]
For Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, April was about connection—visiting with relatives, talking with youth and families, and building excitement for Native youth to experience UNITY’s national programs. While attending the Kyiyo Pow Wow in Missoula, Montana, Rhiannon used the gathering as an opportunity to share UNITY’s mission, answer questions, and encourage youth to take part in the […]
After a difficult season for her family, Liliana Mars stepped back into community with courage, care, and honesty. Her April was filled with powwows, Earth Day planning, regional youth outreach, and the joy of welcoming her baby sister home from the hospital. As a Northeast Executive Committee member, Liliana showed that Native youth leadership is […]
