November continued to be a month of powerful representation and cultural engagement for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria. As Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina stepped into spaces that uplifted Native leadership, artistry, and visibility across Sacramento.
On November 22, Alina attended the Tribal Youth Leadership Summit hosted by Native Dads Network at American River College. The summit brought together youth and community members for presentations by Hawaiian activists, sessions on community organizing, guidance on navigating community college pathways, and a hands-on workshop creating tule bracelets. The gathering centered leadership development while grounding participants in culture and advocacy.
Alina reflected that the summit was highly informative and provided valuable resources on leadership, connection, and community engagement. Events like this empower Native youth with practical tools while strengthening cultural identity—key pillars of the National UNITY Council’s mission.
Just two days later, on November 24, she attended the Sacramento Kings Native Night at the Golden 1 Center. The evening highlighted federally recognized tribes through singers, dancers, and cultural presentations in collaboration with the Kings basketball team. The event celebrated Indigenous presence on Miwok and Nisenan homelands, bringing Native culture into a major public sports arena.
Alina expressed how meaningful it was to see local Native communities acknowledged and recognized. Visibility in spaces like professional sports arenas not only builds awareness but also affirms that Native cultures are living, active, and thriving.
To close out the month, Alina attended the Native Arts & Craft Market on November 29 and 30 at the California Indian State Museum, hosted by the California Indian Museum. The market featured Native artists showcasing jewelry, ribbon skirts, traditional clothing, medicines, and handcrafted items. Supporting Native artisans strengthens local economies and honors the creativity and entrepreneurship within Indigenous communities.
Through leadership summits, public recognition events, and artisan markets, Alina demonstrated the heart of UNITY’s mission: uplifting Native youth by drawing upon heritage, building leadership skills, and fostering collective pride. The National UNITY Council (NUC) represents over 300 affiliated youth councils nationwide and serves as the unified voice of Native youth, including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives.
As Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina continues to elevate Native visibility, support cultural entrepreneurship, and engage in leadership spaces that inspire hope and strengthen Indian Country. From college campuses to professional arenas to museum halls, she represents the Pacific Region with pride, purpose, and commitment.