This November, Vydell Willie continued to grow as a leader by showing up in spaces that blended learning, culture, and community. Through participation in the UNITY Earth Ambassador Webinar and the Western Regional Gathering, Vydell deepened their understanding of environmental stewardship while supporting fellow Native youth. “November reminded me how important it is to keep […]
This October, Laylalanai Gocobachi showed what it means to lead with intention, culture, and heart—moving across spaces that celebrated Indigenous identity while building powerful connections for the future. She began the month at the Native American Heritage Night for Arizona Women’s Volleyball, where she honored Cree athlete Renee Jones with a culturally significant gift from […]
This October, Vydell Willie continued to lead in a different kind of arena—one rooted in education, service, and thoughtful innovation. As a student at Northern Arizona University majoring in Indian Country Criminal Justice, he focused on a collaborative English 105 Solution Proposal aimed at improving campus wayfinding systems. By exploring upgrades like digital kiosks, improved […]
This month, Nizhoni Deschene stepped into a powerful leadership role at the University of California, Berkeley, serving as the Director of Indigenous Advocacy within the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC). Working alongside Senator Reg Macarro and fellow student leaders, he has been at the forefront of efforts to uplift Native voices and […]
This month, Jizelle Juan took her leadership across the ocean to Hilo, Hawaiʻi, where she traveled with the Bird Singing and Dancing by the River group to participate in the Hilo All Nations Powwow. Representing the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Jizelle and her group shared Piipaash bird dancing, O’odham basket dancing, and social dances, […]
This September, Vydell Willie balanced school, personal milestones, and leadership growth while continuing to deepen his role as a UNITY Earth Ambassador. At the 17th Biennial Conference of Science & Management held at Northern Arizona University, Vydell joined students, community members, and environmental leaders to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and modern science. The […]
UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Open House stood as a meaningful and intentional celebration of five decades dedicated to uplifting Native youth, strengthening cultural identity, and cultivating the next generation of leaders. This milestone reflected not only UNITY’s long-standing legacy, but also the ongoing commitment and collective effort that have carried its mission forward for 50 years. […]
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 […]
The Phoenix Indian Center, in partnership with Generation Vote, NARF, and AzNativeVote, is bringing together Native youth from the Phoenix metro area and Tribal communities across Arizona for a virtual conversation on Native voting issues. This interactive Zoom session will feature a youth panel sharing their perspectives on Native Vote topics, followed by small-group breakout […]
