UNITY proudly recognizes another group of outstanding leaders in the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are grounded in culture, education, and service while creating impact in their communities through advocacy, leadership, and storytelling. Meranden Numkena (Hopi Tribe & Navajo Nation) is a recent Arizona State University graduate in […]
UNITY proudly recognizes another group of outstanding leaders in the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are working across health, housing, environment, communications, and community leadership to create meaningful change in their communities. Kiian Huenemann (Navajo Nation) is a Stanford University student studying Cellular, Molecular, and Organismal Biology on […]
UNITY proudly recognizes another group of outstanding leaders in the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are working across fields including policy, health, education, justice, and community advocacy to support and uplift Native communities. Gabriel Spinks (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation) is a Minneapolis-based political strategist and […]
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 […]
The Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council of Santo Domingo Pueblo continues to create meaningful impact across the Southwest Region through youth-led service, wellness programming and community-centered events. Guided by a commitment to leadership and creating safe spaces for Native youth and families, the council has spent the past year organizing initiatives that strengthen community relationships, promote […]
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 […]
Leadership often starts closest to home. For Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque, February was focused on reconnecting with the youth in their own community while balancing a demanding semester of school and professional responsibilities. During Valentine’s Day week, Jamie met with the Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition, the youth council serving their Pueblo community. […]
For Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque, January was filled with moments of pride, inspiration, and renewed commitment to Native youth leadership. As a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Jamie began the year by reconnecting with fellow youth leaders and celebrating an important milestone within their family. From January 16–19, […]
