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 proudly recognizes the first five of the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are creating meaningful change through education, advocacy, culture, research, and service in their communities and beyond. Aliyah Atencio (Santo Domingo Pueblo) earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
February was a busy and impactful month for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria, who serves as the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Through community engagement, student leadership, and prevention education, Alina continued to demonstrate how youth leaders can create positive change both in their communities and on campus. […]
Phoenix, Arizona — January 19, 2026 During the UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, the National UNITY Council (NUC) officially adopted a powerful resolution titled “Restoring Balance: Healing Trauma & Ending Violence in Native Communities.”Approved at the National UNITY Council Business Meeting with a quorum present, the resolution establishes a unified, youth-driven framework to address some […]
From the moment youth leaders arrive, the energy of the UNITY Midyear Conference is something you can feel in the room. For Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria, the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Arizona was a powerful reminder of why Native youth leadership matters. Held from January 16–19, the gathering brought together […]
January offered moments of reflection and connection for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria, who serves as the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Through community gatherings and personal reflection activities, Alina spent the month strengthening relationships while focusing on wellness and growth. At the beginning of the month, Alina […]
