For Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the UNITY Midyear Conference was more than a leadership gathering—it was a space to reconnect with culture, build relationships, and strengthen the collective voice of Native youth.
As a Western Region Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Amaya attended the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference held January 16–19 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The event brought together Native youth leaders, Earth Ambassadors, trainers, and UNITY staff from across the country to collaborate, share ideas, and develop strategies to support youth-led initiatives in their communities.
During the conference, Amaya connected more deeply with youth from her region while forming new relationships with leaders from across the UNITY network. She participated in cultural activities such as round dancing and the O’odham Cu:dk, moments that strengthened her connection to Indigenous traditions and reminded participants of the importance of cultural identity within leadership spaces.
Amaya also used the opportunity to share her Yaqui culture with other youth in attendance, helping them better understand the traditions and lifeways of her people. Cultural sharing is a key part of UNITY gatherings, allowing Native youth—including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives—to learn from one another while honoring the diversity of Indigenous nations.
In addition to cultural engagement, Amaya participated in workshops alongside UNITY trainers, gaining leadership skills and practical knowledge that she plans to bring back to support youth-led efforts in her community. These sessions focused on building confidence, strengthening collaboration, and equipping youth with tools to address issues affecting Native communities.
Reflecting on the experience, Amaya shared, “This experience reminded me of the importance of carrying our culture with us wherever we go, building connections across regions, and creating spaces where we can learn from one another while honoring who we are.”
Her words capture the spirit of the National UNITY Council (NUC), which represents more than 300 affiliated youth councils nationwide. The NUC provides a forum where Native youth can study issues impacting their communities, develop leadership skills rooted in cultural teachings, and collaborate on solutions that uplift Indian Country.
As a Western Region representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Amaya plays a vital role in supporting youth leadership across her region and strengthening the UNITY network. Through cultural sharing, leadership development, and meaningful connections, she continues to help build a future where Native youth lead with pride, knowledge, and purpose.
