The 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference fostered healing through powerful conversations around the intersection of culture, mental health, and community leadership. UNITY’s cultural wellness workshops helped Native youth strengthen their sense of belonging by encouraging them to explore how traditional knowledge, spiritual teachings, and community connections can be powerful tools for mental health and personal growth. These spaces were not only therapeutic but transformative.
National UNITY 25 Under 25 Awardee Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon (Mohegan Tribe) led the speed workshop “Culture is Medicine: Fostering Healing Through Cultural Connectedness,” which quickly became a favorite. “Youth began brainstorming strategies to engage with their culture—not just for tradition’s sake, but for healing. They talked about drumming, beadwork, and even reconnecting with elders. It sparked real hope,” said Tanta-Quidgeon.
In “Our Healing Seal,” Kelly Vallo (Navajo/Acoma Pueblo) used storytelling and traditional teachings to guide participants in self-healing and leadership.“We focused on bridging communication between youth and community. Youth walked away feeling like they had the right to take up space and lead with empathy—healing starts with them,” Vallo reflected.
Jamie Crowe (Tesuque Pueblo) the Southwestern Representative of the National UNITY Council’s Executive Committee, revisited cultural wellness through the lens of community in “Culture and Mental Health.” “Youth said they hadn’t realized how much strength came from simply sharing space and holding stories together. Culture became the foundation for safety and healing in the room,” Crowe shared.
In “Inspiring Change: Developing the Next Generation of Role Models,” Jalen Harvey (Navajo, Acoma, Hopi), National UNITY Council Western Regional Representative, helped youth connect traditional values with personal responsibility. “We talked about what it means to be a role model in your community—not just with achievements but with how you carry yourself. Youth left knowing their stories and presence already made an impact,” said Harvey.
These workshops made one thing clear: healing isn’t linear—but culture is the thread that weaves strength, purpose, and clarity into young people’s paths. When Native youth engage in cultural wellness, they reclaim their power to lead.
These sessions didn’t just teach coping tools—they reminded participants that culture itself is a roadmap for emotional and spiritual health. The strength found in circles, stories, and ceremonies gave youth a renewed sense of identity and purpose. Through UNITY’s intentional cultural programming, youth left with more than lessons—they left with belonging, resilience, and a powerful reminder that healing can be a community practice.