Sometimes leadership looks like standing at a podium. Other times, it looks like standing shoulder to shoulder with your community under glowing holiday lights. This December, Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe chose the second—showing that unity begins at home. As a Western Region Executive Committee member of the National UNITY Council, Amaya spent […]
In a season often filled with rush and noise, Tia Butler chose intention. This December, the Northwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council slowed down in the best way—by planting seeds of knowledge, culture, and care throughout her community. Representing the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Tia dedicated the month to educational outreach […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] The National UNITY Council (NUC) continues to move forward because of the leadership, commitment, and impact of UNITY Youth Councils across the country. As we prepare for the upcoming UNITY Midyear Conference, the NUC Executive Committee is pleased to share this 30-day notice of items that will be presented for review and action […]
December wasn’t quiet for Rhiannon Eaglespeaker—it was powerful, emotional, and deeply rooted in culture. As a Rocky Mountain Executive Committee member of the National UNITY Council, Rhiannon spent the month immersed in ceremony, mentorship, and intertribal connection across the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and into Alberta, Canada. The month began with service to youth. Rhiannon was […]
From December 5–7, UNITY Earth Ambassadors from across the Pacific Region gathered in Hawaiʻi for a powerful weekend rooted in connection, culture, and action. The gathering centered youth leadership, ancestral knowledge, and a shared commitment to mālama ʻāina—caring for the land—for generations to come. In attendance were UNITY Earth Ambassadors McKaylin Peters (Menominee Indian Tribe, […]
Interested in exploring all that Arizona State University has to offer? UNITY is partnering with ASU and is offering campus tours during the Midyear Conference January 16, 2026. Explore the Downtown Phoenix campus and the vast areas of study they have to offer from Public Service to Design and the Arts. During the tour, ASU […]
From the mainland to the islands, Native youth are building bridges rooted in culture and care for Mother Earth. This December, Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria brought the Pacific Region together in a powerful way at the UNITY Pacific Region Earth Ambassador Gathering in Hawai’i. Serving as the Pacific Region Representative on the […]
Leadership doesn’t clock out for winter break. Even during a quieter December, Watson Whitford of Chippewa Cree and Navajo heritage continued doing what strong Native youth leaders do best—building relationships, honoring culture, and planting seeds for future UNITY growth. As one of the Co-Presidents serving on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Watson balances academic […]
If December had a soundtrack in Pokagon territory, it would be drums, laughter, and community coming together. Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians wrapped up the year with a powerful mix of service, cultural leadership, and youth mentorship—proving that Native youth leadership doesn’t take holidays. As a Midwest Executive Committee Member of […]
Finals season can test anyone—but for Native youth navigating college life, having community makes all the difference. This December, Ethan Hedgepeth, of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage, was reminded of the strength that comes from staying connected. As a Southeast Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Ethan continues to balance academic responsibilities with leadership […]
