Click here to Read the full article on OJJDP News @ a Glance When Colby WhiteThunder first joined the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas youth council 11 years ago, he says he was “that kid who sat in the back and didn’t say nothing.” He never raised his hand, and rarely called attention to himself. “I […]
2022-23 UNITY 25 Under 25 Awardee Parental genetics scientifically define parts of who we are, but it is not the only factor. From a young age, I have strongly resembled my mother, and I proudly smile each time someone reminds me of our similarities. However, each one of those smiles represents much more than […]
Ambassadors such as Chelbie Turtle embody UNITY’s core mission and exude living a balanced life, while developing their spiritual, mental, physical, and social well-being. The 25 Under 25 honoree shares her advocacy journey in hopes to inspire more Native youth to seek out solutions for community challenges of inclusion. Read more in her own words […]
P’áu:[gyá tóñ:áñ: (Brings Water from the Creek) also known as Lily Aliesse Painter, is a 20 year old writer, video/filmmaker, storyteller, and a UNITY 25 Under 25 National awardee. She is a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. She shares on her website matriarch medicine how her focus […]
There are defining moments that shape us. UNITY interviewed 25 Under 25 Awardee Lily Painter to share some of her leadership growth from her past. As indigenous youth, our lives are living testimonies to our experiences. Read below to learn more about one of UNITY’s ambassadors and her journey to the leader she is today. […]
Mental wellness is one of the four pillars of UNITY youth leadership development. As a core component of youth growth, academics are an opportunity for indigenous youth to find themselves and nurture the gifts they process. UNITY’s 25 Under 25 Awardee Chelbie Turtle shares how her educational journey has profoundly impacted her goals as a […]
2022-23 UNITY 25 Under 25 Awardee When UNITY’s 25 Under 25 Awardee Chelbie Turtle was asked what her greatest personal achievement has been, her first thoughts were of the legacy of strong Cherokee women who have held the title of Miss Cherokee. Read more below in Chelbie’s own words on how this community role […]
As we continue to find ways to heal our mental and emotional health, we learn to utilize various means to bring about healing. For many Native youth, music and creating are that outlet. So we are excited to provide a platform for Native youth and artists to showcase their talents. “UNITY Turn Up Tuesdays” will […]
When Indigenous Matriarchs support each other and their personal growth it is magic. UNITY interviewed the phenomenal National UNITY Council Vice Present and Southeastern Regional Representative Evynn Ksé:hahiyé Richardson on her colleague UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee Lily Painter. Evynn nominated her Fellowship Sister for this prestigious national recognition award after working closely with her […]
Meet Chelbie Turtle, Cherokee: Chelbie is a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She is a junior at Northeastern State University pursuing a double major in political science and criminal justice. She is a member of the NSU Honors Program, the Northeastern Student Government Association where she serves as Student Body President, and the Oklahoma […]
