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 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 […]
Kahmussa Green is using her voice, leadership, and platform as a student-athlete to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) while uplifting Native representation throughout the Northwest Region. Based in Warm Springs Reservation, Kahmussa has become a visible advocate for Indigenous youth, cultural awareness, and community healing through public speaking, film participation, athletics, […]
Tia Butler’s month was rooted in intention. Whether preparing plant starts for Tribal and community members through the Siletz Food Sovereignty Program or visiting Indigenous-centered museum exhibits in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tia spent her time learning, reflecting, and giving back. Her leadership shows how Native youth can nurture community wellness through food sovereignty, […]
For Tia Butler, March was a month of healing, connection, and purpose. Through round dances, youth wellness spaces, environmental law conversations, and Tribal food sovereignty work, Tia continued to grow as a Native youth leader rooted in community care and future-focused advocacy. Her leadership shows how healing and justice can move together—through ceremony, relationships, education, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Sometimes leadership means stepping in to help others move forward. For Mazie Countryman, Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, February was about strengthening youth leadership while staying connected to culture and community. During the month, Mazie attended a round dance in her community, a gathering that brought people together through song, dance, and […]
February was a month of collaboration, education, and hands-on environmental work for Tia Butler of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, who serves as a Northwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. Throughout the month, Tia continued her work in community education and environmental stewardship by attending several conferences, workshops, and trainings focused […]
Across the Northwest Region, Native youth continue to look toward opportunities for connection, leadership and cultural learning—and Liora Wright-Hill of Oregon is one of those young people eager to build community through UNITY. While not currently part of a youth council, Liora shared a strong interest in becoming more involved with Native youth from across […]
