UNITY

Midwest Youth Highlight: Marla Mesarina Uses Voice, Culture and Leadership to Strengthen Community Connections

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, […]

UNITY Announces Keynote Speakers for 2026 National Conference in Oklahoma City

A Legacy 50 Years in the Making: UNITY Celebrates Its Golden Anniversary Mesa, AZ — United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), the nation’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to Native youth leadership development, today announced two inspiring keynote speakers for its 2026 National Conference, taking place this summer in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NBA athlete Lindy […]

UNITY Open House: Honoring 50 Years of Native Youth Empowerment

UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Open House stood as a meaningful and intentional celebration of five decades dedicated to uplifting Native youth, strengthening cultural identity, and cultivating the next generation of leaders. This milestone reflected not only UNITY’s long-standing legacy, but also the ongoing commitment and collective effort that have carried its mission forward for 50 years. […]

Nakoda Dakota Oyate Youth Council Leads With Culture, Wellness and Community Service Across Fort Peck Nation

The Nakoda Dakota Oyate Youth Council (NDO) of the Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes of Fort Peck Nation continues to create powerful opportunities for youth leadership through service, cultural connection and wellness-centered programming in Montana’s Rocky Mountain Region. With active youth members committed to mentoring, organizing and serving their community, NDO has remained a visible and […]

UNITY 50th Anniversary Pin Swap: Bring Your Youth Council, School, Tribe, or Organization Pins!

Get ready to fill those lanyards! In celebration of UNITY’s 50th Anniversary, all registered National UNITY Conference attendees will receive a special keepsake memento: the official 50th Anniversary logo pin. This commemorative pin is for attendees to keep as a reminder of this historic gathering and their place in UNITY’s 50-year legacy. But the fun […]

UNITY 50th Flashback Runway Costume Contest

Get ready to serve looks from the past 50 years! UNITY is excited to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with the UNITY Flashback Runway Costume Contest during Talent Night at the 2026 National UNITY Conference. Join us for Flashback Night on Saturday, July 11, at 7:00 PM during Talent Night. Youth and adults are invited to […]

Restore the Balance: Native Youth Leading Healing and Change

The National UNITY Council has taken a unified stand through its resolution, “Restore the Balance: Healing Trauma & Ending Violence in Native Communities,” reflecting the voices of Native youth nationwide and outlining a path rooted in healing, cultural strength, and action. Adopted at the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference, the resolution highlights urgent challenges facing Native youth, including […]

UNITY Invites Communities Nationwide to Join Sunrise Prayer on 50th Anniversary

On April 16, 2026, communities across the country are invited to greet the dawn in a moment of reflection, unity, and hope as United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) celebrates its 50th birthday. To begin this milestone day, UNITY will host a Sunrise Prayer at 6:00 a.m., welcoming Native youth, elders, families, and community […]

Behind the Boarding Passes: Spotlight on Helena Sorenson

Helena Sorenson has been quietly making big things happen for the UNITY family for a long time. From turning complex travel logistics into smooth arrivals, calm check-ins, and “we’re good” moments when everyone else is stress-sweating. Her career started in service, including volunteer work with the American Red Cross, and grew into decades of travel […]

Dancing for Awareness: Rhiannon Eaglespeaker Helps Bring Attention to MMIW on Campus

For Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, February was about using both cultural expression and community service to bring people together and support important causes. As a Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Rhiannon participated in events that raised awareness while continuing to give back to families in need. During the second weekend of February, […]