UNITY proudly recognizes another group of outstanding leaders in the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are working across health, housing, environment, communications, and community leadership to create meaningful change in their communities. Kiian Huenemann (Navajo Nation) is a Stanford University student studying Cellular, Molecular, and Organismal Biology on […]
UNITY proudly recognizes another group of outstanding leaders in the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are working across fields including policy, health, education, justice, and community advocacy to support and uplift Native communities. Gabriel Spinks (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation) is a Minneapolis-based political strategist and […]
UNITY is excited to announce the launch of its first annual Youth of the Year Award, recognizing one outstanding Native youth for their leadership, service, and positive impact in their community. This new award celebrates Native youth who are stepping up, giving back, and making a difference through community service. Whether you have volunteered with your […]
UNITY proudly recognizes the first five of the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are creating meaningful change through education, advocacy, culture, research, and service in their communities and beyond. Aliyah Atencio (Santo Domingo Pueblo) earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of […]
Zoe Loonsfoot is demonstrating the power of Native youth leadership through service, cultural engagement, and community wellness initiatives across the Midwest Region. Based in Michigan, Zoe has dedicated time and energy to supporting youth wellness, cultural teachings, and community care through volunteerism, mentorship, and collaboration with tribal youth programs. Throughout the past year, Zoe participated […]
Leadership is not always measured by the loudest moment in the room. Sometimes, it is found in steady attendance, respectful advocacy, cultural participation, and the quiet commitment to keep showing up. For Gabriel Loonsfoot, a Pokagon Band of Potawatomi youth leader and Midwest Executive Committee Member, this month reflected a powerful kind of servant leadership: […]
This month, McKaylin Peters balanced the rhythm of school, work, and leadership while continuing to show up for her community in meaningful ways. She began the month at a round dance at the Indian Community School in Milwaukee, where she spent the evening singing and celebrating alongside community members. The event wasn’t just about participation—it […]
This month, McKaylin Peters showed that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful. While she described October as a slower season, her impact across her community remained steady, intentional, and deeply rooted in relationship-building. She began the month celebrating a personal milestone—her 24th birthday—followed by attending the grand opening of the Wolf […]
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 […]
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, […]
