For Jamie Crowe (Pueblo of Tesuque), Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, July was a month of growth, purpose, and commitment to the environment. The month began in San Diego, California, at the National UNITY Conference, where over 3,000 Native youth gathered to learn, share, and lead. Jamie returned home with a […]
The month of July was a full one for Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), UNITY’s Male Co-President, blending national leadership, cultural celebration, and community engagement. The month began at the National UNITY Conference, where Watson connected with Indigenous youth from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meeting with the new cohort of Executive Committee members […]
Ethan Hedgepeth: Uplifting Native Youth Through Wellness, Leadership, and Cultural Pride Ethan Hedgepeth, a proud Cherokee and Tuscarora leader from North Carolina, brings heart, determination, and cultural pride to his role as the 2025–2026 Southeast Area Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Representing Native youth from twelve southeastern states, Ethan is dedicated to […]
July was a whirlwind month for National UNITY Council Northeast Representative and Secretary Liliana Mars (Narragansett, Navajo), filled with cultural celebration, community service, and heartfelt leadership milestones. The month began on a high note as Liliana attended the National UNITY Conference in San Diego, California, where she was re-elected to her leadership roles. “The National […]
Amaya Escalante: Uplifting Youth, Culture, and Community Through Leadership and Service Lios enchim aniavu, Ketchem Allea? Hello everyone—may Creator walk with you all. Amaya Escalante, a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe from Tucson, Arizona, is a dedicated leader, culture bearer, and passionate advocate for Native youth. As the Western Area Representative for the […]
Alina Sanchez: Leading with Culture, Courage, and a Commitment to Youth Empowerment Michuksüs, oya set Alina Sanchez. Hello, my name is Alina Sanchez. I am a 17-year-old proud citizen of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe, and I’m honored to serve as the Pacific Area Representative on the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Entering her senior […]
The 2025 National UNITY Conference, in San Diego, CA, began with a powerful call to action during Native Youth Empowerment Night, where the National UNITY Council (NUC) Executive Committee welcomed peers from across the country into a greater collective of Indigenous leadership. Far beyond an icebreaker session, this evening exemplified the core values of the […]
Ready to lead? The National UNITY Council (NUC) is accepting petitions for Area Representative and Co-President (Female and Male) positions on the Executive Committee. This is your opportunity to represent Native youth, uplift your region, and help shape the future of Indigenous leadership. Available Positions: Area Representatives from UNITY’s ten regions Co-Presidents (must be former […]
The 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference provided powerful platforms for Native youth to explore their deep connection to the Earth and the responsibility they hold as caretakers of sacred lands. The environmental workshops centered Indigenous knowledge, spiritual values, and collective activism as tools to protect the future of tribal communities. These sessions uplifted youth voices as […]
Jamie’s dedication to leadership and personal growth was showcased in her recent experience at the 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite feeling under the weather for much of the event, Jamie pushed through, embodying resilience and determination to be present and engaged with her peers. Her commitment to her community and leadership development […]
