When culture, celebration, and youth leadership collide, you get a month like this. In October, Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe stepped into powerful spaces across Arizona—honoring tradition, uplifting Native youth, and strengthening community ties as a Western Region Executive Committee member of the National UNITY Council.
October began with the 41st Annual Native American Connections Parade in Phoenix, Arizona, where UNITY proudly served as Grand Marshal. Walking alongside the UNITY team and Western Region youth, including Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi, Amaya helped represent Native youth leadership in a visible and celebratory way. The parade wasn’t just a community event—it was a statement that Native youth are leading, organizing, and shaping the future of Indian Country.
She then attended the 42nd Annual Silver and Turquoise Ball at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona—an evening that brought together respected tribal leaders and community members. Reflecting on the experience, Amaya shared that it was her first time attending and that being present in a space filled with tribal leadership was truly meaningful. The event highlighted the importance of intergenerational leadership and civic engagement, reinforcing the value of Native youth learning directly from established leaders.
The following day, Amaya continued her leadership journey by supporting the Akimel O’odham/Pee Posh Youth Council Inauguration in Chandler, Arizona. Standing alongside Laylalanai Gocobachi and members of the youth council, Amaya shared words of encouragement with both the newly elected and outgoing leaders. Her presence underscored the responsibility Native youth leaders carry—not just to lead, but to mentor and uplift others stepping into leadership roles.
Reflecting on the month, Amaya stated, “October highlighted the importance of community, culture, and youth leadership, as I took part in events that celebrated our traditions while supporting the next generation of Indigenous leaders.” Her words perfectly capture the balance of honoring tradition while actively building the future.
Through community celebrations, civic engagement, and youth mentorship, Amaya demonstrated the core values of the National UNITY Council. UNITY’s mission is to represent the network of Native youth councils with a unified voice, providing a forum where youth can study issues, learn leadership skills, and return home empowered to create change. By participating in events that celebrated culture and supported emerging leaders, Amaya directly advanced UNITY’s vision to inspire hope and change lives for the better in Indian Country, including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Native communities.
As a Western Region representative serving on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Amaya plays a vital role in guiding discussions, supporting regional youth councils, and representing Native youth voices at both local and national levels. Her involvement in parades, leadership gatherings, and youth inaugurations reflects her commitment to servant leadership and strengthening the UNITY network. Through her actions, she continues to uplift Native youth and ensure that culture and leadership walk hand in hand.
