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 […]
For Ethan Hedgepeth, leadership is about showing up where Native youth and families are already gathered and making sure they know they are part of something bigger. Through campus outreach and community conversations, Ethan used his voice to share UNITY’s mission, connect with youth and parents, and strengthen pathways for Native youth leadership in the […]
This month, Jada Allen brought her leadership and passion for environmental advocacy to the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, where she helped facilitate a climate track workshop for Native youth from across the country. Surrounded by fellow Earth Ambassadors and emerging leaders, Jada stepped into a space of collaboration, learning, and shared purpose. […]
This fall, Jada Allen stepped into national spaces where science, leadership, and Indigenous representation intersect—bringing her voice and vision to both STEM innovation and civic leadership training. At the 2025 American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference in Minneapolis, Jada joined Native scholars and professionals from across the country as part of the […]
This November, Jada Allen stepped into leadership at the intersection of culture, health, and youth advocacy. She helped facilitate the NAHM UNITY Earth Ambassadors Webinar, a space dedicated to exploring Indigenous relationships with Mother Earth and the responsibility youth carry in sustaining those connections. Bringing together voices from different generations, the webinar created a meaningful […]
This month, Jada Allen traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to attend the Southeastern Earth Ambassador Regional Gathering, joining Native youth leaders, UNITY staff, and regional representatives for a powerful experience rooted in connection, culture, and environmental learning. Surrounded by peers from across the Southeast, Jada stepped into a space where youth voices, lived experiences, and […]
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 […]
For Ethan Hedgepeth, February was focused on strengthening connections between Native youth councils and Native student organizations. As the Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan continues to support youth leadership both in his region and on his college campus. On February 21, Ethan attended the North Carolina Native American Youth Organization […]
For Liliana Mars, February was a reminder that leadership and personal wellness often go hand in hand. As the Northeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Liliana spent the month reconnecting with culture, strengthening relationships, and supporting youth councils across the region. At the start of the month, Liliana traveled to Hollywood, Florida, […]
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 […]
