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About The UNITY Midyear Conference

More than 700 Native American and Alaska Native youth (ages 12-24) and advisors will gather in Phoenix, AZ in early February for the 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference.

The 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference will provide three days of professional leadership development, highlighting community service and advocacy for Indigenous communities. Native American and Alaska Native youth will continuously engage with one another through a variety of professional development workshops and breakout sessions, as well as extracurricular activities that include the sharing of culture, music and art. The focus for the 2025 Midyear curriculum is digital storytelling. Stay tuned for more details about “Digitizing Youth Voices. Inspiring Indigenous Stories.”

UNITY is excited to host several speakers and presenters that are passionate in supporting community service and advocacy throughout Native Country. Through a variety of programmatic activities, team building and collaboration, our Native youth leaders will actively engage with one another, brainstorming and building on new ideas to create change within their respective communities.

General Assembly

Social Nights

SAVE ON 2025 REGISTRATION FEES - PAY NOW WITH UNUSED FUNDS!

Are you wondering what to do with unused youth program funding for 2024? UNITY is happy to work with you! Below are the conference registration rates for 2025. If you wish to use any remaining End of Year funds, please consider paying for youth and adult registration fees in advance. If you have any questions about conference registrations, please contact LorenAshley Buford at La.buford@unityinc.org or Tami Patterson today at t.patterson@unityinc.org.

UNITY Midyear Conference 2025
February 7 – 9 (Pre-conference activities Feb. 6)
Phoenix, AZ
Discounted (Nov. 1 – Jan. 7) $450
Full Rate (Jan. 8 – Feb. 7) $500

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

340 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | Phone: (602) 262-2500
Remember to mention "UNITY" when booking your hotel to take advantage of discounted rates

Conference Hotel

 

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TESTIMONIALS

2025 UNITY MIDYEAR CONFERENCE TRAINERS

CHANCE RUSH

CHANCE RUSH

EMCEE ONE

EMCEE ONE

PEARL YELLOWMAN

PEARL YELLOWMAN

Abby Rush

Abby Rush

Thomas Lee Ghost Dog Jr.

Thomas Lee Ghost Dog Jr.

Project Coordinator We R Native
LoVina Louie

LoVina Louie

Rachel Mosley

Rachel Mosley

J’Shon Lee

J’Shon Lee

CHANCE RUSH

For more than 20 years Chance Rush has served as a motivational speaker and trainer for tribal organizations and communities. He also serves as a Master of Ceremonies for national events throughout the country. Chance is the founder and executive director of 501(c)3, Our Native Men, Inc. and owner of Cloudboy Consulting, LLC. Chance lives a healthy lifestyle and promotes fitness, education, and spirituality. Chance is an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes (Hidatsa). He’s also Dakota, Arapaho, Oneida, and Otoe. He’s a graduate of Haskell Indian Nations University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Oklahoma Baptist University. Chance serves as a Life and Health Coach, Personal Trainer and is a licensed ordained Pastor. He is an NAIA National Champion and 4 Time All American (Track & Field).

EMCEE ONE

I am an EMCEE, DJ, Youth Advocate, & National Speaker. I am currently an official DJ for Nike N7, International DJ/Tour Support for Taboo (The Black Eyed Peas), MTV Video Music Award Winner, a member of newly formed group #Mag7, CEO of One Innertainment Inc. & Co Founder of an outreach program called One Chance Leadership.

PEARL YELLOWMAN

Pearl Yellowman is a member of the Navajo Nation and is now a full-time Trainer focusing on Youth Development, Community Development, Government Development, and Executive Leadership Trainings. In 2019, Pearl Yellowman was appointed by then Navajo Nation President Johnathan Nez and Vice-President Myron Lizer, as the Executive Director of the Division of Community Development. As Executive Director and Cabinet member, Pearl advised President Jonathan Nez on policy matters and fiduciary concerns impacting the Navajo people. Pearl earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, a second Master’s Degree in Counseling Education, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana, in the Educational Leadership program focusing on Leadership and Higher Education. Pearl is a mother of three young adults, Mylan, Megan, and Mikayla. Her traditional teachings include the Ho’zho’ which translates into the Navajo Beauty Way.

Abby Rush

Abby Rush is a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold. She resides in Tulsa, OK where she is pursuing her M.A. in English Literature and Language. Abby pursued her poetic voice at a young age and has grown with her craft for over a decade. She seeks to tell the stories of Indigenous people through her work, always uplifting  Native voices in her writing and outreach endeavors. Abby is dedicated to spreading her message of wellness through writing across Indian Country.https://abbyrush.com

Thomas Lee Ghost Dog Jr.

Project Coordinator We R Native

Thomas Lee Ghost Dog Jr., (Burns Paiute, Oglala Lakota), is the Project Coordinator for We R Native at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, in Portland, Oregon. He assists with several adolescent health promotion projects, including Native VOICES, Native It’s Your Game (IYG), and We R Native. He manages We R Native’s monthly contests, community service mini-grants, gear requests, and shepherds 130 Native Youth Ambassadors. Tommy blends his own life experiences growing up on the Burns Paiute reservation into his work.  

LoVina Louie

LoVina Louie, Coeur d’Alene/Colville/Nez PerceLoVina is schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’ Alene) Tribe, nselxcin (Okanogan/Colville), Nimipu (Nez Perce) she is a descendant of Chief Morris Antelope of the schitsu’umsh and Chief Manuel Louie of the Inkaneep Band in Oliver BC Canada. She is a graduate of the University of Idaho where she received her Bachelors in Organizational Sciences with an emphasis in Community and Tribal Wellness. She was recently featured on Lifetime Movie Network 50 Women in 50 States and a speaker at the TEDx Coeur d’Alene event. LoVina is a board member for the Native Wellness Institute, a national trainer and facilitator in youth leadership development, strategic planning, family constellations and community healing and wellness planning. She also has certifications from the Healthy Native Communities Fellowship. She has worked with youth and adults in wellness and healing for over twenty years throughout North America. LoVina is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend and an amazing human being. Her passion and zest for life is infectious.

Rachel Mosley

My name is Rachel Mosley, I am a Digital Organizer in the Communications Department for PLAN, Progressive Leadership Alliance Nevada. I also do freelance videography/photography/graphic design. I am Paiute-Shoshone from Northern Nevada and reside in Reno, NV. Myexperience has been in News Broadcast, as a Video Journalist. I am skillfully and culturally a storyteller. Everyone has a story to share. My hope is to help amplify voices of those that have been silenced. We need to uplift and listen to those who are constantly being treated unfairly while advocating for justice and equality of life.

J’Shon Lee

J’Shon Lee is White Mountain Apache from Hondah, Arizona. She is of the Butterfly clan and born for the Pinetree People. She is a mother, daughter, wife, godmother, and sister and enjoys being on the land with her family. J'Shon is currently a doctoral student in the Learning, Literacies, and Technologies program at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Through her research, she is considering the possibilities of how social studies teachers can teach about the land, particularly by engaging Indigenous ways of knowing. Before heading back to graduate school, J'Shon taught middle school social studies in New Mexico. J'Shon is a UNITY Alumni who served on the Executive Committee from 2007-2011 and she is excited to return and support the CHAMP young people of UNITY!

2025 UNITY MIDYEAR CONFERENCE FEATURED SPEAKERS

1st PANEL DISCUSSION

Native Youth Digital Storytellers Panel Friday, Feb 7th
Mariah Hernandez-Fitch
25 Under 25 Awardee
Evelyn Enos
25 Under 25 Awardee
Ian Teller
25 Under 25 Awardee

2nd PANEL DISCUSSION

Indigenous Stories of Hope Panel Discussion Saturday, Feb 8th

International Indigenous Youth Leadership Cohort 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Kusem Goodwind
(Coeur d’Alene)

Actor, Rez Ball (Netflix)

Read Bio

Kusem Goodwind is a fast-rising actor, model, and public speaker. He made his acting debut in the Netflix film REZ BALL, produced by Lebron James, directed by Sydnee Freeland, and written by Sterlin Harjo (Reservation Dogs). The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Goodwind plays ‘Nataanii Jackson,’ the team’s star player who struggles with depression. His breakout performance has resonated with audiences and he has used this platform to speak on mental health and its impact. Goodwind is of Coeur d’Alene and Nez Perce descent.

Corey Stills, Ph.D
(United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians)

Educator, researcher,
Advocate for Indigenous Education.

Read Bio

Dr. Corey M. Still, an enrolled member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, is an accomplished educator, researcher, and advocate for Indigenous education. With a Ph.D. in
Educational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma, he specializes in Indigenous research methodologies, higher education policy, and student affairs. Currently the Senior Research and
Training Director at One Fire Associates, Dr. Still has published widely and is a recognized speaker on Indigenous leadership and education. His work continues to bridge cultural knowledge and academic spaces, advancing opportunities for Native students nationwide.

Colton Shone
(Navajo)

3TV Good Morning ARIZONA Anchor

Mary Kim Titla
(San Carlos Apache)

UNITY Executive Director

Read Bio

Mary Kim Titla, San Carlos Apache, has served as a Native American youth advocate for more than 30 years. She’s served as UNITY’s Executive Director since 2013 and prior to that served as a Trustee. A former TV News broadcaster, she spent most of her career working for NBC affiliate stations in Arizona. She estimates telling as many as 5,000 stories during her career receiving awards from the Associated Press, Arizona Press Club and the Native American Journalists Association. After leaving TV News, she spent nearly five years working as a Communications Officer and Administrator for the San Carlos Unified School District in the community where she was born and raised. Mary Kim has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and two Masters degrees, one in Mass Communications and another for Education Leadership and Supervision, from Arizona State University.

Agenda

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FEATURED EVENTS

ROUND DANCES

HEALING CIRCLE
PRE-CONFERENCE TRAINING

MOCK-PAGEANT SIGN UP

PRE-CONFERENCE
ASU CAMPUS TOURS

More Conference Information:

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Exhibitors - Your involvement will enhance the experience for attendees!

Package Rates

 

⟐ Vendor $500.00

⟐ Tribal Enterprise/Non-profit $600.00

⟐ Government Corporations/For-profit $1,000.00

⟐ Education/Career Day (1 day) $300

⟐ Meet up to 750 Native Youth, ages 14-24 and their adult advisor

⟐ Education & Career Expo – Saturday

⟐ Speed workshop presentations

⟐ All day and evening activities

⟐ Cultural Sharing Night open to the community and public

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Each Exhibitor/Vendor Booth Will Include

 

⟐ One (1) 6-ft table

⟐ Two (2) Chairs-ft table

⟐ Two (2) non-transferable registrations

Speed Workshops

WHAT IS A SPEED WORKSHOP?

Similar to speed dating, presenters will have 25 minutes with each group of 10-12 Native youth participants. You will be required to present 4 times. The youth will rotate between tables of topics that interest them. The participants come to the table. You present your topic for about 15 minutes, then, for the remaining 10 minutes you engage the participants in discussion questions about your topic. Your job is to carry the discussion and to make sure everyone has a better understanding of the topic at the end of the 25 minute period.Please remember – this format of “workshopping” is meant to keep your audience engaged and feeling comfortable enough to contribute to the discussion. It’s also meant to share and to learn in a safe and positive atmosphere. Have fun with this new way of presenting your information.

Please note: Honorariums are not provided for workshop presenters. A One-Day Conference Pass is provided on Day-Of workshop presentation only (for presenters). To experience the Midyear Conference in its entirety, please register and pay for full registration. Email questions to LorenAshley at la.buford@unityinc.org

More Information

2025 UNITY Midyear Speed Workshop Application

Thank you for your interest in conducting a speed workshop at the 2025 Midyear UNITY Conference taking place February 7 – 9 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona.

Speed Workshop Day: Saturday, February 8, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Submission Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024 at 5:00 PM

What is a Speed Workshop?

Similar to the concept of speed dating, presenters will have 25 minutes with each group of 10-12 Native youth participants. You will be required to present on your topic for four (4) consecutive rounds. The youth will rotate between tables of topics that interest them. The participants come to the tables and you will present your topic for about 15 minutes, then the remaining 10 minutes, you engage the participants in discussion about your topic. Your job is to carry the discussion and to make sure everyone has a better understanding of the topic at the end of 25 minutes.

Please remember that this format of “workshopping” is meant to keep your audience engaged and feeling comfortable enough to contribute to the discussion. It’s also meant to share and learn in a safe and positive atmosphere. Have fun in this new way of presenting your information.

Subject matters may include (but not limited to):

CAREER: Higher Education, Fellowship Programs, STEM-related Education, Politics and Leadership, and Financial Planning

CULTURE: Language and Culture Retention Programs/Models, Using the Arts as a Means of Retaining Culture, Historic Preservation, and Using Culture as a Means to Live a Healthy Life;

ENVIRONMENT: Global Warming, Environmental Issues Confronting Tribal Communities, Careers and Opportunities in Environmental Sciences, Political Issues Involving Our Planet;

HEALTH: Physical, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Violence, Wellness Programs, Fitness and Active Lifestyles.

STORYTELLING: Mediums of Art, Music, Writing, Zine Making, News, Vlogging, Performing Arts, Fashion,

UNITY serves Native American and Alaska Native youth ages 14-24 years old. Your content should be appealing and directed to youth in this age range. There is high interest in Peer-to-Peer workshops. Youth and youth councils are encouraged to submit proposals.

Workshop submissions will be confirmed no later than December 15, 2024.
Email questions to Audri Mitchell at a.mitchell@unityinc.org.

Please note:

Honorariums are not provided for workshop presenters.

All presenters are responsible for supplying copies of any handouts.

No Audiovisual opportunities are available.

You may bring any handouts, props, or visuals that fit on your tabletop.

A One-Day Conference Pass is provided on Day-Of the workshop presentations only (for presenters).

To experience the Midyear Conference in its entirety, we ask that you please register and pay for full registration.

Thank you for your interest.

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Sponsorship Opportunties

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FAQ

1. Can we submit registration name changes? And when is the last day to submit name changes?

When registering, you may create an account that will allow you to make changes. Changes can be made up until the online registration deadline of January 24, 2025. If participant names are unknown when first registering, simply put “TBD”. (TBD = To Be Determined)

2. Can I get a registration reimbursement, if I cancel my registration?

Yes, as long as the cancellation occurs before January 17, 2025. There will be a $25 cancellation fee per each individual registration.

3. Will there be On-site Registration?

No, there will be no on-site registration.

4. Will I be able to get a refund if I don’t show up?

No, registration will be forfeited with no future conference credit.

5. Can I attend the conference by myself, if I’m 18, without chaperone?

All youth participants ages 14-24 must be chaperoned.

6. Do advisors have to register?

Yes, all participants, including chaperones are required to have a name badge to access all sessions.

7. Is there a one-day registration fee?

No, there will not be a one day conference fee available.

8. Will masks be mandatory?

UNITY will follow CDC guidelines. Masks are recommended among those who are not vaccinated.

9. What are some of the Covid19 protocols for this conference?

Social distancing will be encouraged during this event. There will be hand sanitizers widely available during this event.  Advisors! Please note, if someone begins to exhibit covid symptoms, they will be asked to self quarantine in their hotel rooms.

10. Are COVID-19 vaccines required to attend?

No, COVID-19 vaccines are not required for attendance. UNITY will abide by CDC guidelines for the duration of the conference. If you received a COVID-19 vaccine, you may consider keeping proof of your vaccination with you.

11. Can we pay a fee to attend just the luncheon?

The banquet fee is included for each registration. If a registered attendee wishes to bring a guest, you can pay for an additional banquet ticket online.

12. Are Purchase Orders accepted when making registrations?

Yes, when registering please note the Purchase Order or indicate a pending purchase order. A purchase order will hold the current rate until payment is received for a fee of $25 and must be paid within 60 days. 

13. Is there a dress code for the conference?

Yes, casual to business casual.  The dress code is similar to a school dress code.

14. How many people can stay in a room?

Up to four people may stay in a room with double beds.

15. Will there be other host hotels with discounted rates?

No other host hotel will be available with a conference rate.

16. What if we plan to arrive a day or two early or stay extra days? Will hotel rooms be available at the conference rate prior to or after the conference?

There are limited hotel rooms available prior to and after the conference on a first come first served basis.

17. Will transportation be provided to and from the airport?

The hotel does not provide shuttle transportation from the airport. There is a light rail that departs from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to the nearest stop to the hotel, Van Buren/Central Ave., which is approximately 0.3 miles from the hotel. The best options would be to use a taxi service or a mobile ride service such as lyft/uber.

18. How far from Sky Harbor Airport is the hotel/conference site?

The downtown Sheraton is about 8 miles from the airport.

19. Do I have to be in a UNITY affiliated youth council to attend the conference?

No, you are welcome to attend as an individual.  We encourage all youth councils to find out how to become affiliated and take advantage of the benefits, otherwise you are welcome to attend as a group or individual, affiliated or not.

20. Are students under the age of 14 allowed to attend?

Yes, however, parents and advisors must consider whether topics and length of sessions are age appropriate.

21. Can I participate in the conference if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you can participate in our conference, however, per the National UNITY Council Constitution and Bylaws, youth participants who wish to vote in the business meeting are required to be a U.S. citizen.  You may be an observer if you are not a U.S. citizen.

22. What will the weather be like in Phoenix, during the conference days?

A slight chance of rain is in the forecast for Thursday, February 1, and partly cloudy skies from February 2 – 4. The temperature will be 70 degrees on Thursday but drops to high 50s to mid-60s from Friday through Sunday.

23. I’m an Exhibitor. Will electrical power be available for my booth space?

Exhibitors and workshop presenters must specify ahead of time if they have any audio or visual needs. A charge may apply.

24. What will my workshop room be equipped with?

Chairs and a round table will be provided.

25. What are the parking fees?

Yes, the hotel parking fees are $32 per day or $224 per week. If you have any further questions about hotel parking please contact the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown at +1 602-262-2500. https://www.parkwhiz.com/sheraton-phoenix-downtown-hotel-parking/?daily=1  

26. What are some fun things to do around the hotel in Phoenix?

Attractions include:
Phoenix Zoo https://www.phoenixzoo.org/
Biltmore Fashion Mall https://www.shopbiltmore.com/
Heard Museum https://heard.org/
Desert Botanical Garden https://dbg.org/
Pueblo Grande Museum https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/arts-culture-history/pueblo-grande
Butterfly Wonderland https://butterflywonderland.com/
Odysea Aquarium https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/

27. Will there be places to eat near the conference site?

The Hotel will offer indoor dining and grab and go options. There are some fast food places within walking distance but some are limited to weekday and business hours. The nearest mall, Biltmore Fashion Mall is 2.6 miles away, which offers fast food options.

28. Where can I go for medical help, if needed?

Phoenix Indian Medical Center https://www.ihs.gov/phoenix/healthcarefacilities/phoenix/ is an Indian Health Service facility. It is located 4.5 miles away from the hotel. The nearest medical facility to the hotel is the John C. Lincoln Medical Center, which is 2 miles away.

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Past UNITY Midyear Conference Videos

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