For Jamie Crowe (Pueblo of Tesuque), Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, July was a month of growth, purpose, and commitment to the environment. The month began in San Diego, California, at the National UNITY Conference, where over 3,000 Native youth gathered to learn, share, and lead. Jamie returned home with a […]
During the 2025 National UNITY Conference, the organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth took center stage to share the lasting impact of Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) and the opportunities available through the Dreamstarter® Program—a leadership initiative that has helped Native youth across the country turn their dreams into community solutions. Though […]
At the 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference, Native youth explored wellness through a cultural lens—connecting physical, mental, and spiritual health with identity and community. UNITY’s goal to build a stronger sense of belonging among Native youth was fully realized in workshops that empowered them to embrace traditional teachings while gaining modern tools for healing and resilience. […]
The 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference fostered healing through powerful conversations around the intersection of culture, mental health, and community leadership. UNITY’s cultural wellness workshops helped Native youth strengthen their sense of belonging by encouraging them to explore how traditional knowledge, spiritual teachings, and community connections can be powerful tools for mental health and personal growth. […]
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, […]
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 […]
“Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon: Building Healing and Connection for Indigenous Youth” “The overwhelming feeling of wishing I could go back in time to hug my younger self and tell her everything is going to be okay is not unfamiliar to me,” shares Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon, a proud Mohegan tribal member and UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee. These words […]
“Fighting for Change: Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon Represents the Mohegan Tribe at the White House Tribal Youth Forum” Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon’s heart is filled with purpose, and it’s clear that her mission is to empower and inspire the next generation of Native leaders. “It is us—the youth—who are truly going to be the change we wish to see […]
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 […]
Leading with Creativity at the Annual Youth Conference Evelyn Enos, an Akimel O’odham and Tohono O’odham youth leader and UNITY 25 Under 25 honoree, continues to exemplify servant leadership through her active involvement in community events. During the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council’s Annual Youth Conference, Evelyn facilitated a zine workshop, guiding participants in expressing their […]
