For Ethan Hedgepeth, leadership is about showing up where Native youth and families are already gathered and making sure they know they are part of something bigger. Through campus outreach and community conversations, Ethan used his voice to share UNITY’s mission, connect with youth and parents, and strengthen pathways for Native youth leadership in the […]
Spring break became more than a week away from school for youth in the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation community. Through basketball nights, field trips, carnival games, and a talent show, Victor Organista helped create a week filled with safety, joy, learning, and connection. His leadership showed how Native youth can make a powerful difference by […]
During February and March, Laylalanai Gocobachi continued to move with purpose—uplifting language, culture, and leadership across both campus and community spaces. At the University of Arizona, she stood alongside tribal leaders for the unveiling of the Koffler Building Native language signage, where Hiaki language was permanently placed on campus. This moment marked more than recognition—it […]
National UNITY Council Executive Committee Town Hall — May 5, 2026 Across Native communities, youth are leading with clarity, courage, and cultural strength—naming the challenges of today while actively shaping pathways toward healing and justice. The National UNITY Council Executive Committee has taken a unified stand through its resolution, “Restore the Balance: Healing Trauma & […]
In recognition of Earth Day, the Earth Ambassadors hosted a powerful and engaging virtual conversation centered on Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship. The webinar created a meaningful space for reflection, learning, and dialogue, bringing forward perspectives that emphasized the deep connection between Indigenous communities and the environment. Through shared knowledge and lived experiences, speakers […]
This January, Laylalanai Gocobachi stepped into a season of momentum—where storytelling, leadership, and community partnerships all came together. From Tucson to Phoenix, she balanced multiple roles while continuing to uplift Indigenous voices and create opportunities for youth. “January was filled with reunion, partnerships, and development,” she shared, capturing the energy of a month driven by […]
This month, Jada Allen brought her leadership and passion for environmental advocacy to the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, where she helped facilitate a climate track workshop for Native youth from across the country. Surrounded by fellow Earth Ambassadors and emerging leaders, Jada stepped into a space of collaboration, learning, and shared purpose. […]
This December, Vydell Willie closed out the semester at Northern Arizona University and returned home with a renewed focus on what matters most—family, community, and connection. After completing finals, Vydell stepped back into community life, balancing work, family gatherings, and service. “December brought me back to my roots and reminded me why balance is important,” […]
This December, Laylalanai Gocobachi embraced a season of both reflection and action—balancing academic demands, cultural connection, and community leadership. After completing her semester at the University of Arizona, she traveled to attend the Earth Ambassador Pacific Region Gathering in Hawaiʻi, where Indigenous youth leaders came together to deepen their commitment to environmental stewardship. Through activities […]
This October, Nizhoni Deschene created powerful spaces for Indigenous students to reconnect with culture, history, and one another at the University of California, Berkeley. In collaboration with ASUC Senator Reg Macarro, he organized and led a Native Community Center (NCC) group outing to the Berkeley Powwow, transforming what could have been a simple event into […]
