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 […]
PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix Indian Center’s F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council continues to make a meaningful impact across Indigenous communities through advocacy, education and healing-centered events focused on youth wellness, justice and community empowerment. Recently, the F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council’s Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) Committee hosted its Annual MMIP Prayer Walk, bringing together more than […]
The Tribal Affairs Team is excited to announce two upcoming summer camp opportunities designed to inspire, educate, and bring Native youth and families together through STEM learning, cultural enrichment, and outdoor adventure. Annual STEM Camp Returns to the Navajo Nation Kicking off the summer season is the annual STEM Camp, taking place June 5–7 at […]
Amaya Escalante stepped into April with courage, purpose, and a clear reminder that Native youth leadership carries responsibility. Whether speaking out for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, emceeing UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Block Party, or competing at the Gathering of Nations Co-ed Softball Tournament, Amaya represented her people, her community, and the UNITY movement with pride. […]
From traditional plant teachings to Indigenous women’s leadership workshops, Amaya Escalante spent March pouring into her community with purpose, pride, and a deep commitment to Native youth. As a young leader from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Amaya’s month reflected what servant leadership looks like in action—teaching, learning, encouraging, and helping carry forward the cultural knowledge […]
During February and March, Laylalanai Gocobachi continued to move with purpose—uplifting language, culture, and leadership across both campus and community spaces. At the University of Arizona, she stood alongside tribal leaders for the unveiling of the Koffler Building Native language signage, where Hiaki language was permanently placed on campus. This moment marked more than recognition—it […]
This January, Laylalanai Gocobachi stepped into a season of momentum—where storytelling, leadership, and community partnerships all came together. From Tucson to Phoenix, she balanced multiple roles while continuing to uplift Indigenous voices and create opportunities for youth. “January was filled with reunion, partnerships, and development,” she shared, capturing the energy of a month driven by […]
