For Tia Butler (Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians), the weeks following the 2025 National UNITY Conference have been a season of connection, tradition, and advocacy. Since returning home, she has been fully immersed in community life — “These activities were so meaningful, as they were an outlet to not only connect with community members, but […]
Gabriel Loonsfoot, a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, is a dedicated young leader who blends cultural tradition with youth empowerment. Serving as the 2025–2026 Midwest Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Gabriel also leads in his local community as Chairman of the Pokagon Band Youth Council. In both […]
This fall, Native youth from across the country will unite for two powerful regional events designed to blend traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science: the UNITY Earth Ambassadors (Midwest) Gathering in Michigan and the UNITY Earth Ambassadors (Southeast) Gathering in Florida. These gatherings are part of the UNITY Earth Ambassadors Stewardship Program, a 10-month […]
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 […]
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 […]
