In 1994 at the National UNITY Conference in Tampa Bay, Florida, Bea Shawanda, Odawa/Pottowottomi from Wikwemikong Manitoulin Island, Ontario and her son Niso presented UNITY with a drum. A great gift from our north country, it was said that this drum is for everyone. All who can and want to sing were invited to have a seat at this drum. “Wherever it may be, the UNITY Drum is considered as an open drum, no matter what tribe or gender. All tribes have their own way and protocols and we have to respect each and everyone,” said Junior Sierra, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and a UNITY drum keeper.
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Last Updated: June 26, 2019
National UNITY Council Network in Action
As the largest Native youth gathering in the nation quickly approaches, thousands of youth groups and tribal organizations are buzzing with anticipation. Native Youth describe the UNITY Conference as an “life changing experience” that empowers them to action when they return home. As part of the National UNITY Council’s annual membership renewal youth councils submit their Annual Reports outlining how they have impacted their local community through service projects.
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Last Updated: June 30, 2019
UNITY Drum: How it all began
In 1994 at the National UNITY Conference in Tampa Bay, Florida, Bea Shawanda, Odawa/Pottowottomi from Wikwemikong Manitoulin Island, Ontario and her son Niso presented UNITY with a drum. A great gift from our north country, it was said that this drum is for everyone. All who can and want to sing were invited to have a seat at this drum. “Wherever it may be, the UNITY Drum is considered as an open drum, no matter what tribe or gender. All tribes have their own way and protocols and we have to respect each and everyone,” said Junior Sierra, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and a UNITY drum keeper.
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Posted: June 13, 2019
Noli Indian School graduates 11 in June ceremony
Eleven Native students are ready to pursue their goals and dreams after completing requirements to graduate from Noli Indian School, which is located on the Soboba Indian Reservation in Southern California. Many of the students representing various tribes proudly attached eagle feathers to their beaded graduation caps as they received their diplomas inside the Soboba’s new casino event center. The ceremony began with prayer and bird singing led by Wayne Nelson of the Inter-tribal Singers.
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Last Updated: June 13, 2019
“Meeting of the Minds” Youth Council Gathering
“Leadership is having a compelling vision, a plan, relentless implementation, and talented Native young leaders working together for a common goal.” The 1st Native Youth Network Gathering exemplified all of that! The Native Youth Network gathering in Phoenix was the first gathering of various youth councils within the Western region.
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Last Updated: May 29, 2019
Win Prizes by Attending these UNITY Wellness Warriors Webinars in June
Sign up for upcoming June webinars for chances to win Target Gift Cards and Limited Edition UNITY Swag at each webinar! Those who RSVP will be emailed a recorded copy of the training to watch on your own. Take advantage of these Free Tools for your Youth Councils by signing up at the links below:
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Last Updated: May 29, 2019
UNITY 25 Under 25 attends Dreamstarter Academy in Washington DC
Congrats to Freddy Gipp, 25, Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, for being named a Dreamstarter! Olympic Gold medalist Billy Mill’s Running Strong for American Indian Youth organization provides grants to community non-profits who will mentor young Dreamstarters and work with them to implement a project inspired by the young person’s dream for her or his community. This year UNITY will work closely with Dreamstarter Freddy Gipp to help turn his dream into a reality.
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Last Updated: May 29, 2019
2019 JR Cook Advisor of the Year Award
Effective and successful youth councils consistently have a few commonalities:
1.) An advisor who is involved;
2.) Who provides wise counsel and guidance; and
3.) Is willing to work closely with youth council members as they make and carry out their decisions and related activities
Pictured: 2018 JR Cook Advisor of the year, Ashley Dillion (San Carlos Apache Tribe)
Honor your Advisor and nominate them for the 2019 JR Cook Advisor of the Year! FORM: https://forms.gle/4sGfEe9xkLLvj57X6
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Last Updated: May 29, 2019
2019 Golda Cook Scholarship presented by the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC)
In honor of the life of Golda Cook (1913 – 2005) and her on-going support of UNITY, especially in the organization’s early years, Golda’s friends, family, and UNITY trustees established the Golda Cook Memorial Fund.
UNITY awards two students (one young woman and one young man), who demonstrate community service and leadership. The scholarships, $1000 each, will be announced and awarded during the 2019 National UNITY Conference banquet in Orlando, Florida.
Golda Cook Scholarships Form: https://forms.gle/BDA873GWrXuGmzr76
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Last Updated: April 17, 2019
UNITY Youth Crowned ASU Royalty
Not just one, but two UNITY 25 Under 25 awardees and former National UNITY Executive Committee members were crowned as Mr. and Miss Indian Arizona State University at the recent scholarship pageant. Congratulations to Tashoni Morales, of the Tachi-Yokut/Te-Moak W. Shoshone tribes, and Lance Sanchez, of the Tohono O’odham Nation, as they continue to inspire the Native youth across Arizona.
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Last Updated: April 19, 2019
UNITY Alumni Spotlight: Amira Madison
We recently caught up to UNITY alumna Amira Madison. Below she share’s details about her life journey thus far and how UNITY impacted her life.
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2019 National UNITY Conference
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Mears Motor Shuttle
UNITY has partnered with Mears Transportation to extend a $4.00 discount off of ROUND TRIP shuttle service to/from the Gaylord Palms Resort. Upon your arrival at the Orlando International Airport, please proceed to one of the MearsMotor Shuttle ticket counters and present your coupon or your reservation number to the Mears Counter Attendant.
– Click here to download your coupon (PDF)
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