UNITY

Red Lake Nation Youth Council Leads Powerful Youth Spirit Run Honoring Native Resilience

The Red Lake Nation Youth Council proudly led the 2024 Youth Spirit Run, a powerful 50+ mile run across the Red Lake Reservation that concluded at the Ponemah Labor Day Powwow. With 60 youth participating, the event was both a physical challenge and a heartfelt tribute to Native youth across the community. The purpose of […]

Native Youth Leading the Way at Betty H. Fairfax High School

Crowning Moments and Cultural Celebrations The gymnasium of Betty H. Fairfax High School often comes alive with the sights and sounds of Indigenous culture. In the spring, students gather for the Mr. and Miss Indian Betty Fairfax pageant – an annual celebration of heritage and leadership. In April 2023, Diego Rhodes (Gila River Indian Community) […]

Tribal Images Youth Council: Creating Space for Community, Culture & Connections

Connecting Urban Native Youth Through UNITY The Tribal Images Youth Council, based in Tucson, Arizona, exemplifies UNITY’s mission by creating a vibrant intertribal community within an urban setting. As part of the UNITY Network, this youth council not only fosters leadership among Native youth but also builds bridges across tribal lines, offering a powerful example […]

Back to School, Forward to Leadership in the Great Plains

As the school year kicks off for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) schools, youth in the Great Plains are not just hitting the books—they’re stepping up as future leaders. For Sophie Landin, the nationally elected Great Plains Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a proud member of the MHA Nation, the […]

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES: Empowering Wellness in Every Step

The Mvskoke Nation Youth Council believes that wellness begins with intention and is strengthened through community support. This year, members embraced opportunities to promote mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being—not just for themselves, but for those around them. MNYC kicked off 2025 by supporting the Sons of Mvskoke’s New Year’s Eve Sobriety Celebration. Members helped […]

Fort Hall Youth Council: Agents of Change and Service

The Fort Hall Youth Council exemplifies UNITY’s mission of fostering leadership and community outreach among Native youth. As part of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, the council stands out for its efforts to connect tribal members, preserve cultural practices, and address pressing community issues. Their journey demonstrates how youth councils can become vital agents of change within […]

Future Inspired Native American Leaders Youth Council: Building Community in Phoenix

The Future Inspired Native American Leaders (FINAL) Youth Council, based in the Phoenix Indian Center, exemplifies UNITY’s mission to empower youth and foster community wellness. As an urban Indian center youth council, FINAL is one of many across the country that plays a vital role in bridging cultural connections for Native youth living in urban […]

Hualapai Tribal Youth Council: Empowering Community Wellness Through Unity

The Hualapai Tribal Youth Council exemplifies the mission of UNITY through its impactful community outreach initiatives. From cultural events to workshops addressing intergenerational trauma, this council’s efforts demonstrate the transformative potential of youth leadership in fostering wellness and connection within their community. Celebrating Culture and Spiritual Wellness One of the highlights of the council’s efforts […]

Leading the Way: How Native Youth are Building Stronger Communities Through Service

For Sophie Landin, a proud member of the MHA Nation and a representative on the National UNITY Council’s Executive Committee, leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about fostering collaboration, building community, and embodying the values that have guided Native American communities for generations. Through grassroots initiatives in her hometown of White Shield, North Dakota, […]