UNITY

Native Youth Unite to Inspire H.O.P.E.: A Call to Action for Grassroots Change

At the 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference during the bi-annual Business Meeting, Native youth leaders from across the country came together to pass a powerful resolution as the National UNITY Council—Resolution 02-02-25-2: “Inspiring HOPE (Heart-to-Heart Conversations, Open-Minded Dialogue, Promoting Resources, Encouragement).” This initiative is a national call to action for the 300+ Native youth councils affiliated […]

Culture in Action: Agua Caliente Youth Light Up Local Festivals

From the shadowed trails of the Indian Canyons to the lively community squares of Palm Springs, the Agua Caliente Young Adults have emerged as radiant torchbearers of Cahuilla heritage.  Their presence has been a vital thread woven into the fabric of community celebrations. In October, the youth council took center stage at the Junior Ranger […]

UNITY Female Co-President Kaytlynn Johnston: A Youth Leader Shines with Dedication to Community and Self-Care

In the face of personal hurdles and with an unwavering commitment to her community, Kaytlynn has taken on multiple roles that highlight her growth and dedication to both herself and the people around her. Her journey has been one of resilience, leadership, and the power of positive change, all while remaining deeply connected to her […]

Celebrating the 2024 Accomplishments of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee

The National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC) program has had an impactful year, serving as the collective voice of Native youth nationwide. Elected annually in July, the two Executive Committees serving in 2024 have upheld UNITY’s mission of fostering the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth through a wide range of initiatives, […]

Celebrating 2024’s Impactful Indigenous Leadership: UNITY 25 Under 25 Honorees

The UNITY 25 Under 25 program exemplifies the transformative power of Native youth leadership. This year, 25 outstanding leaders from diverse tribal communities across the United States showcased their ability to drive change through initiatives rooted in cultural preservation, environmental justice, mental health advocacy, and economic empowerment. Their collective efforts highlight UNITY’s mission to foster […]

Gabriella Nakai: Uplifting Culture and Community Across Generations

Gabriella Nakai, a proud citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Navajo Nation, understands that true leadership means honoring the past, serving the present, and creating pathways for future generations. As a UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee, Gabriella spent the fall and winter seasons demonstrating servant leadership that uplifts Indigenous communities across the […]

UNITY Youth Leaders Take Center Stage at the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum

United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), in partnership with the Center for Native American Youth and the White House, co-hosted the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The event, held at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building, brought together nearly 150 Native youth leaders nationwide to engage in […]

UNITY CO-President Amplifying Native Youth Voices with the White House

Voices of Change: Kaytlynn Johnston Inspires Native Youth Leadership “This work is vital to me. It’s given me new opportunities and new friendships,” shared Kaytlynn Johnston, UNITY’s Female Co-President and a proud member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe of California. Kaytlynn’s servant leadership shone brightly in November as the Master of Ceremony at the 2024 […]

Voices of Change: Agua Caliente Youth Lead in Civic Engagement

The voices of Native youth rang loud and clear this past year, as the Agua Caliente Young Adults stepped into civic arenas and leadership roles with courage and clarity. In Fall 2024, the youth council took on the call to action around elections, supporting voter registration drives and amplifying UNITY’s Native Vote campaign. Their focus […]

Leadership Across Regions: Liliana Mars Uplifts Communities Near and Far

Leadership transcends borders for Liliana Mars, a proud Narragansett and Navajo youth leader serving as Northeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Liliana uses her roles from the Pacific coast to the Southeast and back to her Northeast homeland to inspire Native youth, promote cultural pride, and foster unity. “All throughout September, I […]