Ethan Hedgepeth: Uplifting Native Youth Through Wellness, Leadership, and Cultural Pride Ethan Hedgepeth, a proud Cherokee and Tuscarora leader from North Carolina, brings heart, determination, and cultural pride to his role as the 2025–2026 Southeast Area Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Representing Native youth from twelve southeastern states, Ethan is dedicated to […]
Amaya Escalante: Uplifting Youth, Culture, and Community Through Leadership and Service Lios enchim aniavu, Ketchem Allea? Hello everyone—may Creator walk with you all. Amaya Escalante, a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe from Tucson, Arizona, is a dedicated leader, culture bearer, and passionate advocate for Native youth. As the Western Area Representative for the […]
Alina Sanchez: Leading with Culture, Courage, and a Commitment to Youth Empowerment Michuksüs, oya set Alina Sanchez. Hello, my name is Alina Sanchez. I am a 17-year-old proud citizen of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe, and I’m honored to serve as the Pacific Area Representative on the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Entering her senior […]
Before the official kickoff of the 2025 National UNITY Conference, a group of Native youth leaders arrived early in San Diego to participate in UNITY’s Earth Ambassadors Pre-Conference Training—a powerful experience blending cultural connection, environmental education, and action planning for climate justice. These youth make up the newly selected 2025–2026 Circle of UNITY Earth Ambassadors, […]
Every year, the National UNITY Conference elevates the importance of higher education by creating spaces for Native youth to explore college and career pathways in culturally relevant ways. This year, the partnership between UNITY and San Diego State University (SDSU) brought college tours and on-campus involvement to new heights, showcasing what’s possible when Native students, […]
The 2025 National UNITY Conference, in San Diego, CA, began with a powerful call to action during Native Youth Empowerment Night, where the National UNITY Council (NUC) Executive Committee welcomed peers from across the country into a greater collective of Indigenous leadership. Far beyond an icebreaker session, this evening exemplified the core values of the […]
Jamie Crowe, 19 Tribe: Pueblo of Tesuque Youth Council: Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition Jamie Crowe, a proud member of the Pueblo of Tesuque, is a 22-year-old student at the University of New Mexico where she studies Population Health and minors in Maternal and Child Health. With aspirations to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health […]
Ethan Hedgepeth, 19 Tribe: Cherokee, Tuscarora Youth Council: NCNAYO Ethan Hedgepeth, a proud member of the Cherokee and Tuscarora Nations, is a dedicated student currently attending East Carolina University. He is pursuing a degree in exercise science with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. Passionate about helping others heal and thrive, Ethan’s career path […]
Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, 18 Tribe: Blackfoot, Kiowa Youth Council: BTSC(Billings student tribal council) Rhiannon EagleSpeaker/WhiteShield, 18, is a proud member of the Kainai (Blackfoot/Blood), Kiowa, Arapaho, and Southern Cheyenne tribes. Enrolled with the Blackfoot in both the United States and Canada, Rhiannon was born in Browning, Montana, and holds dual citizenship in both countries. She is […]
Liliana Mars, 18 Tribe: Narragansett, Navajo Individual Member Liliana Mars, 18, is an enrolled member of the Narragansett Tribe of Charlestown, Rhode Island, and a descendant of the Navajo Nation of New Mexico. As she prepares to graduate from Acellus Academy with a 4.0 GPA, Liliana looks ahead to the fall, where she will begin […]
