“Revitalizing Our Roots”
About The UNITY National Conference
The National UNITY Conference is an impactful five-day youth-led annual event held every July in a pre-selected region of the U.S. About 2,500 Native youth and advisors are expected to attend the 2024 National UNITY Conference in Portland, Oregon, (June 29 – July 3, 2024). The National UNITY Conference complete with general sessions, regional caucuses, workshops, career/education fair, and fun evening activities provides hands-on leadership development activities and where the National UNITY Council conducts elections and its annual business meeting. The national conference is a place where Native youth voice is encouraged and valued. All activities are planned with safety in mind. In addition, UNITY offers unique youth programming through its UNITY Spirit Room and UNITY Drum. The Spirit Room, led by alumni, is used for social and prayer purposes and has provided conference attendees an opportunity for support, healing and spiritual nourishment. The Spirit Room is meant for all beliefs and religions to share their “Good Medicine” with other participants. The UNITY Drum, also led by alumni, is an open drum with roots in the southern style of powwow singing. All youth singers are encouraged to bring their drumsticks to join in. While youth leaders meet, advisors and adults who work with youth are also involved in intense training and networking activities. Adult training may include building rapport, peer-to-peer sharing, conflict resolution, approaches to youth work, and more.
Affiliated Youth Councils and individual members are eligible for registration discounts. Become a member today!
Conference Overflow Hotel
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center
Conference Hotel - SOLD OUT!
Remember to mention "UNITY" when booking your hotel to take advantage of discounted rates.
Group Code: PONO
Rate: $184 - $199 + tax & fees
UNITY Speakers for the
Annual National Leadership Conference
NORMA BAKER-FLYING HORSE
EMCEE ONE
Taboo
Evan Adams
NORMA BAKER-FLYING HORSE
As a featured guest presenter at UNITY’s Annual Gala Fashion Show for over three years, we celebrate this Grammy award-winning Hidatsa, Dakota Sioux, and Assiniboine Woman. “Norma joins the ranks among some of Indian Country’s most renowned artists. Her work is high in demand from many of Indian Country’s dignitaries regularly making appearances on the red carpet or at some of the most prestigious events celebrating Native people.” said Native Max Magazine. Learn more about the Red Berry Woman Designs and her journey to the runway. (photo by @pharaoh171photography) UNITY looks forward to working with Norma in the Future!
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.
Taboo
Member of the Grammy Award-winning music group Black Eyed Peas
Evan Adams
Physician and Actor
Evan Tlesla II Adams is a Coast Salish physician and actor from Tla’amin Nation near Powell River, BC, Canada.
Evan is a full-scholarship alumnus of St. Michaels University School and of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific of Victoria, BC. He stars in the Emmy-winning TV-movie "Lost in the Barrens" (1990) and its nominated sequel "Curse of the Viking Grave" (1991). Besides numerous episodics like "The Beachcombers" and "Black Stallion", he also appears in the feature film "Toby McTeague" and the Fox-TV movie "Lakota Moon". On the stage, some of his highlights include the role of Edmund in Women in View’s “Lear”, Creature Nataways in the Arts Club Theatre's production of Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing, and Jamie in Headlines Theatre's "Mamu."
Evan stars as Thomas Builds-The-Fire in ShadowCatcher Entertainment’s SMOKE SIGNALS, written by Sherman Alexie and directed by Chris Eyre. SMOKE SIGNALS won the coveted Audience Award for best film and the Filmmakers Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival in 1998. He also won Best Actor awards from the American Indian Film Festival, and from First Americans in the Arts, and a 1999 Independent Spirit Award for ‘Best Debut Performance’. He has been a regular on the CBC TV-series DA VINCI’S CITY HALL and APTN’s RAVEN TALES. He won a 2011 Gemini Award for co-hosting the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards along with Adam Beach. Evan was recently seen on the critically acclaimed FX series RESERVATION DOGS, and was nominated for a Leo Award 2024 – Best Guest Appearance in Marie Clements’s CBC TV Mini-Series BONES OF CROWS.
Aside from his career in the arts, Evan has completed 3 years of pre-med studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC), a Medical Doctorate from the University of Calgary in 2002, and a Family Practice residency (as Chief Resident) in the Aboriginal Family Practice program at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, BC. Dr. Adams has a Masters of Public Health (2009) from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. He is the past-President and V-P of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada. He was the Deputy Provincial Health Officer for the province of BC from 2012 to 2014. He spent 3 years (2020-2023) with the First Nations & Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Indigenous Services Canada, as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Public Health. He is a past Acting Associate Dean Indigenous Health at SFU School of Medicine, is currently the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the First Nations Health Authority of BC, and will be the Canadian Harkness Fellow for 2024/25 at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu.
UNITY Trainers for the
Annual National Leadership Conference
HUNTER GENIA
CHANCE RUSH
PEARL YELLOWMAN
Michael Killer
Lovina Louie
Sheldon Smith
Rudy Indigenous
Abby Rush
Shawn Martinez “DJ Tribaltouch”
Corey Still, Ph.D.
HUNTER GENIA
Hunter Genia, is Ojibwe and Odawa from Michigan (Mich-a-ga-ming) and has been involved with and a supporter for UNITY for several years. Hunter was a member of the first Earth Ambassadors circle. Hunter continues to advocate and utilize his knowledge to help strengthen Indigenous communities and organizations while promoting and protecting cultural and traditional lifeways. Hunter loves working with our tribal youth while opening doors to help each see and believe in the value of their own rezilience and potential. Hunter is an LMSW, and employed with Tribal Tech, LLC, an Indigenous woman owned company from Alexandria, VA.
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).
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.
Michael Killer
Osiyo my name is Michael Killer, i am a full blooded Cherokee from Tahlequah, OK where i live with my wife Jerri Ann and our 2 kids Levi & Lennox.I am the singer for the U.N.I.T.Y. Drum. I have also served on the executive committee as a member at large and as co-president. I have been singing around this drum since its instalation back in 1994 at the Tampa conference. There have been many great singers from all over Indian country that have sat around grandpa. we invite everyone to come and sing with us, so bring your songs. It is an open drum. It has been taught to me that the drum is the heartbeat of our native people. Its good medicine. I am very honored and humbled to serve as the leader singer. Just want to say thank you to Mary Kim and to U.N.I.T.Y. wado!!!
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.
Sheldon Smith
Rudy Indigenous
Abby Rush
Shawn Martinez “DJ Tribaltouch”
Senior Director of Live Presentation for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury
Shawn Martinez finished up his fourth season as Senior Director of Live Presentation for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. He oversees the strategy and execution of all in-game live production and entertainment elements for the organizations. Martinez’s leadership elevated the game day experience at the recently renovated Footprint Center, creating the best homecourt advantage in the NBA and WNBA.
Martinez grew up in Fort Defiance, Arizona, in the Navajo Nation and is an enrolled member of the Diné/Navajo Tribe. An athletic standout from Window Rock High School, Martinez continued his basketball journey at Fort Lewis College. He received his bachelor's degree in communications and fine arts and launched an entertainment career under the stage alias DJ Tribal Touch.
Before joining the Suns and Mercury, his home state teams, Martinez spent 12 years with the Denver Nuggets and six years with the Detroit Pistons. Beyond basketball, Martinez regularly mentors Native youth and shares his indigenous roots and career journey at various events across the country. In 2022, Shawn performed at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian to celebrate Native veterans and the official dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. As DJ Tribal Touch, he has performed coast to coast at some of sports and entertainment's biggest events.
Martinez also helped lead and played a pivotal role in the Suns’ efforts to recognize the local Native American community in unique ways, headlined by a symbolic turquoise 2022-2023 City Edition ORIGINATIV platform, which celebrated the cultures and traditions of the 22 Tribal Nations of Arizona. As part of the initiative, the Suns featured Native American performers and authentic in-game programming during 10 ORIGINATIV themed nights designed to honor Arizona’s Indigenous communities.
In November 2023, Martinez was presented with the Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership “Man of the Year” Award by the Phoenix Indian Center for his commitment to uplifting and serving the community. Shawn also received the 2023-2024 NBA Values of the Game Award presented to him by the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, which recognizes an individual who embodies the NBA’s mission of inspiring and connecting people through the game of basketball.
Corey Still, Ph.D.
Senior Research Director at One Fire Associates, LLC
UNITY Panelists for the
Annual National Leadership Conference
Sage Phillips
Cheryle Kennedy
Greg Archuleta
Sage Phillips
Cheryle Kennedy
Other political actions include:Commissioner on the Commission on Indian Services appointed by the Oregon Legislature;Appointed member on the Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Tribal Advisory Committee;Board member on the West Valley Hospital Foundation Board;Board member on the Willamette Heritage Area Coalition Board;Board member on the Oregon Business Association Board of Directors;Delegate to the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board;Member of the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians;Member of the National Congress of American Indians;Serving as Tribal Council liaison to the CTGR Culture Committee and Health Committee;Appointed by Governor of Oregon to serve on the Federal Laws Committee of the Oregon Health Fund Board;Appointed by the Oregon Health Policy Board to the Oregon Health Improvement Plan Committee;Former Commissioner of the Rural Health Council of Oregon;Former Commissioner of the Oregon's Women Commission;Former Steering Committee member of Oregon's Rural Health Education Centers.
Other employment:30-year career as a Health Administrator working with Tribes (including serving as our Tribal Health Director for nearly 15 years);Executive Director of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board;
Greg Archuleta
Exhibitors - Your involvement will enhance the experience for attendees!
June 29 - July 3, 2024
Package Rates
National 2024 (4 days)
Native American Artists: $700
Tribal Enterprise/Non-Profit: $800
Government Corporations/For Profit: $1300
Education/Career Day Expo (1 Day): $500
Bag Stuffing Includes:
⟐ Limited to 10 per conference
⟐ Informational Items (brochures, flyers, booklets, etc.)
⟐ Promotional Items (pens, hand sanitizer, note pads, etc.)
Outreach Opportunity
⟐ Meet up to 500 Native Youth, ages 14-24 and their adult advisor
⟐ College & Career Day – Saturday
⟐ Speed workshop presentations
⟐ All day and evening activities
⟐ Cultural Sharing Night open to the community and public
Each Exhibitor/Vendor Booth Will Include
⟐ One (1) 6-ft table
⟐ Two (2) Chairs-ft table
⟐ Two (2) non-transferable registrations
Your Online Exhibitor Portal
Through OneView, Fern’s online exhibitor service portal, you can access information, order, view, track and collaborate with your team on all the elements required to ensure you have a successful event.First time users are prompted to set up their password, which will be used for all events where Fern is the General Service Provider.
Returning users are prompted to sign in using their email address and previously created password. If you have forgotten your password, you may simply click on “forgot your password” and follow the instructions.
Have a question? Reach our Exhibitor Services Team at 1-800-774-1251 ext. 1 or Chat Now. You can also email Art Smith at asmith@fernexpo.com.
UNITY News & Updates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Melissa Kaszuba July 12, 2024 …
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Workshops
Sunday, June 30 - Tuesday, July 2, 2024
2024 UNITY Workshop Application
Thank you for your interest in hosting a workshop at the 2024 National UNITY Conference held June 29 – July 3 in Portland, Oregon.
Workshops take place Sunday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 2.
Submission deadline: Friday, April 19.
Selection notification: Friday, May 17.
Sunday June 30
Workshops Session I 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Workshops Session II 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Workshops Session III 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Workshops Session IV 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, July 2
Workshops Session I 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Workshops Session II 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Workshops Session III 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Workshops Session IV 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Subject matter may include (but not limited to): Career, Culture, Environment and Health.
Conference Theme: Revitalizing Our Roots
UNITY serves Native youth ages 14-24 years old. We challenge you to be fun and creative with your workshop.
Email questions to LorenAshley at la.buford@unityinc.org.
FAQ
UNITY participants’ and youth’s safety and well-being are our utmost priority! As we prepare for this year’s National UNITY Conference, please know we will work closely with all advisors and chaperones to promote a safe experience. In fact, during the planning of UNITY events, we work closely with each property’s security team to outline safety tips and protocols. Hotel security officers are available onsite 24 hours each day. They may be reached immediately by calling #65 from a hotel phone. We remain dedicated to maintaining a secure environment for all participants and will continue to uphold our commitment to their welfare.
Click here for UNITY Hotel Group Safety Tips & Information
To ensure clarity and ease of response, it is important that advisors and chaperones have well-thought-out procedures in place to handle potential crises. Advisors and chaperones know their youth the best. The tip sheet provides suggested guidelines.
On-Site Support
For the continued safety and well-being of attendees, UNITY requires all trainers, contractors, and staff to submit background checks. Attendees’ well-being is our top priority when attending the nation’s largest gathering of Native youth.
UNITY Spirit Room
This year, an expert team of Cultural Wellness and Prevention trainers will team up to host UNITY’s Spirit Room. The Spirit Room (Convention Office 1, lower level) will be available throughout the conference, designed to provide a supervised safe space for Native youth and Advisors to gather, pray, meditate, or share cultural teachings. (Native youth will need to be accompanied by an Advisor) This space can also serve as a quiet place for anyone who may experience sensory overload or need time for reflection. The Wellness team is led by UNITY Alumni Hunter Genia, Lovina Louie, and Sheldon Smith.
Interventions, treatment, crisis assessment and counseling are not available on-site. The Spirit Room is designed to provide calm, focus, prayer and comfort to people while attending the Conference. The Spirit Room will close each night at 11:45pm.
Mental Health Support
The FCC has designated 988 as a nationwide 3-digit number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services, sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Callers will be connected to a specialist who will listen to their concerns and connect them to relevant resources. The helpline will be promoted throughout the conference.
Emergency Mental Health Care
Call 988
Or text “HelpLine” to 62640
There is no Indian Health Service facility nearby. Here’s a link for the nearest Urgent care facilities.
Buddy System
Where’s your buddy? Every year, UNITY encourages youth participants to keep an eye on each other. A buddy system is a common way to reduce risk in any environment. Of course, it’s just one way to promote safety. We encourage youth to not only check in with each other but especially with their advisors. Daily huddles with youth and advisors is encouraged. UNITY peer groups conduct daily debriefs as a way to address any concerns. A group chat, with everyone’s cell phone numbers, is also a good way to keep track of each other.
Public Health Considerations
For any viewing location, the public is asked to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases by following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for events and public gatherings.
Precautions against the heat
Summer temperatures in the nation’s capital can climb well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but with the humidity, it can feel close to or more than 100 degrees. Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can result from excessive heat exposure. Senior citizens and those suffering from chronic medical conditions may be more susceptible.
Take the following precautions to protect yourself against the heat:
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Drink plenty of water
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Bring a water bottle and drink water throughout the day even when you are not thirsty
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Minimize consumption of beverages containing caffeine or alcohol
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Eat a healthy breakfast and normal meals throughout the day
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Take frequent shade breaks to cool off
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Periodically get out of the heat and into air conditioning, especially between the hours of 10am to 3pm
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Avoid overexertion
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Reduce exertion during the hottest hours
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Loosen clothing and cool off outside before entering an air-conditioned space
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Bring extra medication.
If you are taking any prescribed medication for illness or medical conditions, be sure to bring extra doses just in case and have the medication information easily available in case medical providers need to know when treating in an emergency.
If you or someone you know exhibits the following signs and symptoms, go to a Medical Aid Station or summon help as soon as possible.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
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Profuse sweating
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Nausea, headache, dizziness
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Weakness, exhaustion
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Cool, pale, flushed or ashen skin
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Increased body temperature
The symptoms of heat stroke include:
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Red, hot skin
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Change in level of consciousness (may become unresponsive)
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Rapid or shallow breathing
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Rapid, weak pulse
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Body temperature of 104 degrees F or above
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition. Cool victims rapidly with splashed water and fanning. Summon help immediately.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: UNITY understands situations may arise in which you must cancel your registration.
To cancel, contact ATS about your UNITY registration.
· Phone – 985-240-551
· Email – UNITY@american-tradeshow.com
Cancellations made by 5:00 PM (MST) on June 14, 2024 will receive a refund. For any refunds processed UNITY will charge a $25.00 processing and administrative fee for each participant registered.
Cancellations made after June 14, 2024 will not receive a refund. Refunds will be processed based on the original form of payment. UNITY will process refunds within 30 days of cancellation.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, casual to business casual. The dress code is similar to a school dress code.
All rooms at the Hilton Resort are Suites that come with double beds and a sofa with a pull out bed, which can accommodate 4 – 6 people. However, there is only one bathroom. A King bed Suite includes a sofa sleeper (2 -4 people).
Yes, you may book rooms at the Generator Hotel, which is across the street from the host hotel.
There are limited hotel rooms available prior to and after the conference on a first come first served basis.
Transportation from PDX (airport) to the Hyatt Regency Portland At The Oregon Convention Center (UNITY host hotel)
MAX Light Rail
Taking the RED LINE from the airport is the best way to get into the city and to the Hyatt/Convention Center.
Board at PDX – the car technically says “MAX Red line to City Center/Beaverton,” but only one line goes from the airport.
Ride all the way to the convention center and get off at the “Convention Center Max Station.”
The Oregon Convention Center will be on the left and the Hyatt on the right. (If you cross a river, you have gone too far!)
Purchase a 2-hour pass at the MAX station for $2.80 per passenger.
All attendees will receive a complimentary MAX Light Rail pass that will be good for the days of the National UNITY Conference. Passes will be distributed during the registration process.
Ride Share
Ride Share is available from PDX to the Hyatt.
Costs begin at $35 + (depending on the time of day and demand.)
Click link for more route and fee information.
https://gpmetro.org/
SIMPLE MAP:
RAIL SYSTEM:
The Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center is approximately 7.6 miles from the airport.
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.
Yes, however, parents and advisors must consider whether topics and length of sessions are age appropriate.
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.
Attractions include:
Portland Japanese Garden
International Rose Test Garden
Oregon Zoo
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Portland Art Museum
Portland Saturday Market
Portland Farmers Market
Exhibitors and workshop presenters must specify ahead of time if they have any audio or visual needs. A charge may apply.
Chairs and a podium will be provided.
There is a parking fee at the hotel site.
There are some fast food places within walking distance from the hotel. The nearest mall, Lloyd Center is 0.5 miles away, which offers fast food options.
Portland Area Indian Health Service is located 1.4 miles away from the hotel. Pearl Health Center is a nearby health facility, it is 1.3 miles away from the hotel.
The weather will be very pleasant with lows in the 50s and highs in the upper 70s..