Youth Councils in Action
Twelve participants joined Jalen Harvey’s Western Region Fall Meetup on October 25, 2023, bringing youth and advisors into a conversation about reconnecting the region. Their ideas and willingness to help gave Harvey possibilities to explore for future gatherings, including a potential conference.
Harvey, who identifies as Navajo, Acoma Pueblo, and Hopi, served as Western Representative in UNITY’s 2023–2024 National UNITY Council Executive Committee cohort. The cohort connects regional councils and individual members, represents youth perspectives, and develops leadership through cooperation and service.
“I was able to hear of some ideas they have that we can help to reconnect our region!” she wrote. The meetup put listening at the center of her responsibilities, with advisors offering support for possible future work.
Her October activities also included supporting the Northwest, Pacific, and Rocky Mountain regional meetups led by Mazie Countryman, Sineca Jackson, and Watson Whitford. Participating across regions allowed her to hear other youth’s ideas and recognize her fellow representatives’ work.
At the University of Arizona’s Indigenous Peoples Day event, hosted by Indigicats on October 9, Harvey met other Indigenous students and nearby organizations. Performances and educational tables offered opportunities for cultural connection on campus.
She valued being able to wear traditional attire in a space where she could “be proud of who I am as an Indigenous person.” That experience connected cultural identity with belonging during her college life.
On October 14, she attended Phoenix Indian Center’s Honoring Our Youth Powwow, where F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council advisor Trevor Foster recognized her community work during a gourd dance. Support received there helped with travel expenses for planned visits to Indigenous communities, and she met parents interested in UNITY or nearby youth councils.
Later in the month, she attended the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council inauguration, witnessing outgoing members recognized and incoming members take their oath. Hearing the presidents’ addresses gave her another example of youth carrying responsibility within their own community.
Across these settings, Harvey’s report connects UNITY’s social and cultural development goals with practical regional leadership: convening a discussion, supporting peers, listening to families, and showing up for local councils as they begin a new term.
