For Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), leadership this summer meant connecting deeply with culture while preparing her peers for the school year ahead. After attending the June 26–July 1 National UNITY Conference in San Diego — a week of workshops, regional caucuses, and relationship-building — she brought her leadership home to the Pacific region. […]
A 75-foot-long string of red ribbons carrying names and messages now hangs at a memorial site for San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, who was reported missing in Mesa, Arizona, and whose remains were found 100 miles away near Globe, Arizona, earlier this year. During the National UNITY Conference, held in late June in San […]
This summer, Ethan Hedgepeth (Cherokee & Tuscarora) brought his voice, his presence, and his energy to both cultural and creative spaces. At the National UNITY Conference in June, he joined other Native youth at the UNITY Drum, lending his voice to songs that carried through the gathering. He also stepped into a new role — […]
Bosho — Hello, my name is Victor Organista, and I am honored to represent the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Mayetta, Kansas, as the Southern Plains Area Representative for the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Currently a sophomore at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, Victor is pursuing a degree in Media Communications. […]
Tia Butler, a proud citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is a passionate advocate and cultural leader dedicated to advancing the voices of Native youth. Recently elected as the 2025-2026 Northwest Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Tia brings a powerful blend of political insight, cultural grounding, and community-driven leadership […]
For Amaya Escalante (Pascua Yaqui Tribe), July was a month dedicated to leadership, cultural preservation, and civic engagement. Following her attendance at the 2025 National UNITY Conference, Amaya presented her conference report to the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council during one of their biweekly meetings — a trip made possible through the council’s sponsorship. While there, […]
Rhiannon Eaglespeaker carries a powerful legacy as a young Indigenous leader, proudly representing her rich cultural heritage from the Blackfoot (Bloods) of Alberta, Canada, and the Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma. As the 2025–2026 Rocky Mountain Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, she represents Native youth from Montana and […]
For Gabriel Loonsfoot (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians), summer 2025 has been a season of cultural pride, youth engagement, and leadership on both national and tribal stages. At the National UNITY Conference in San Diego, Gabriel connected with Native youth from across the country, representing the Midwest region and his community with honor. Soon after, […]
Featured Photo by Karen LoneFight The sound of drums, the swirl of regalia, and the energy of the grand entry at the White Shield Powwow sparked something powerful in Weston Bird (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Tribes) this July. Surrounded by community, he stepped onto the arena for the first time, guided by experienced dancers who shared […]
Liliana Mars, a proud Narragansett and Navajo young leader, is a shining example of how cultural pride and service can come together to create powerful change. With a heart rooted in advocacy, wellness, and cultural preservation, Liliana recently graduated with honors and a 4.0 GPA from Acellus Academy. This fall, she will begin a new […]
