February was a meaningful month of cultural pride, leadership, and community connection for Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, who serves on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee representing the Western Region.
Throughout the month, Amaya attended several important events that celebrated Indigenous language, culture, and leadership within her community and across Southern Arizona.
On February 6, Amaya attended the Pascua Yaqui Tribe sign unveiling at the University of Arizona’s Koffler Building in Tucson. The newly installed sign features the Yoeme language and represents an important step in recognizing Indigenous languages within educational institutions. During the ceremony, Amaya attended with her Chokim Leadership group and heard powerful remarks from several speakers, including Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi, a University of Arizona student who served as one of the guest speakers.
Amaya also had the opportunity to connect with Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, whose words of encouragement inspired her continued growth as a young leader. Being surrounded by members of the Yaqui community—from youth to elders—made the event especially powerful.
“This moment reminded me that my language, the Yoeme language, is thriving,” Amaya shared. “It is growing, it is strong, and it is not going anywhere. It will continue to move forward for generations to come.”
The following day, on February 7, Amaya attended the Tohono O’odham Fair and Rodeo in Sells, Arizona with her family and members of the Tribal Images Youth Council. The annual gathering brought together families, dancers, youth leaders, and community members for a day of celebration. Amaya had the opportunity to speak with Tohono O’odham royalty and reconnect with her friend Jessica Ortega, who serves as the 2026–2027 First Attendant Miss Tohono O’odham Nation.
Later that week, on February 9, Amaya attended the Lighting of the Dome ceremony at Casino Del Sol’s Vahi Ta’am, which translates to “Three Suns” in the Yoeme language. The ceremony took place in Old Pascua Village and marked an emotional and historic moment for the community.
Amaya attended alongside her mother and younger brother, who had the honor of offering the opening prayer alongside other cultural leaders. Hearing from community leaders, including Vahi Ta’am General Manager Lesah Sesma, and witnessing the continued leadership of the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council made the evening especially meaningful.
Reflecting on the experience, Amaya shared that these events reminded her of the strength and perseverance of her ancestors.
“What was once fought for by our ancestors is now being celebrated, built upon, and carried forward by our generation,” she said. “Witnessing that growth reminds me that their sacrifices were not in vain. It shows our youth that our language, leadership, and culture are not only surviving, but thriving.”
Through moments like these, Amaya continues to represent the mission of UNITY by uplifting Native youth leadership while honoring the traditions and communities that guide the next generation.
