UNITY invites Native youth, youth council members, advisors, and adult supporters to take part in a special one-day Healing Circle Training before the 2026 National UNITY Conference in Oklahoma City. This training will take place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the day before the official start of the National UNITY Conference, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. […]
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 invites youth councils to sign up to share culture, teachings, songs, prayers, stories, encouragement, or other forms of “Good Medicine” at the UNITY Fire during the 2026 National UNITY Conference. For many years, the UNITY Fire has served as a place of support, healing, prayer, reflection, and spiritual nourishment for conference attendees. As with […]
Alina Sanchez, Miwok of Wilton Rancheria and Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, spent the month growing as a storyteller, student, athlete, and Native youth leader. From preparing her youth council for the National UNITY Conference to committing to college and celebrating her final high school soccer season, Alina’s month reflected […]
For Ethan Hedgepeth, Cherokee and Tuscarora and Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership came full circle this month. From attending a regional meeting at East Carolina University to sharing UNITY with Native youth and families at the Haliwa-Saponi Powwow in Hollister, North Carolina, Ethan used his voice to strengthen connections, encourage […]
Alina Sanchez, Miwok of Wilton Rancheria and Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, spent the month building community in every space she entered—from her high school campus to a hospital worksite, from regional Zoom circles to substance use prevention trainings. Through school spirit, gratitude, cultural reflection, and youth-centered dialogue, Alina showed […]
Amaya Escalante stepped into April with courage, purpose, and a clear reminder that Native youth leadership carries responsibility. Whether speaking out for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, emceeing UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Block Party, or competing at the Gathering of Nations Co-ed Softball Tournament, Amaya represented her people, her community, and the UNITY movement with pride. […]
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, […]
Victor Organista’s April was filled with the kind of leadership that meets people where they are: at the ballpark, in after-school programs, on community roadsides, and in everyday moments of connection. As a Southern Plains Executive Committee member, Victor continued showing up for Native youth, adults, and elders through mentorship, recreation, environmental service, and community […]
For Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, April was about connection—visiting with relatives, talking with youth and families, and building excitement for Native youth to experience UNITY’s national programs. While attending the Kyiyo Pow Wow in Missoula, Montana, Rhiannon used the gathering as an opportunity to share UNITY’s mission, answer questions, and encourage youth to take part in the […]
