The Largest Native Youth Conference in the U.S.
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 2025 National UNITY Conference in San Deigo, California, (June 27 – July 1, 2025). 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 voices are 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!
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
- Discounted Rate: November 1- January 31st is $475
- Full Conference Rate: February 1 – April 30th is $575
- Late Registration Rate: May 1 – June 13th is $675
- Registration will close on June 13th – there will be No Onsite Registration available
TESTIMONIALS
TOWN & COUNTRY RESORT, SAN DIEGO, CA
Remember to mention "UNITY" when booking your hotel to take advantage of discounted rates.
Rate: $229 + tax & fees
UNITY Speakers for the
Annual National Leadership Conference
UNITY Trainers for the
Annual National Leadership Conference
UNITY Panelists for the
Annual National Leadership Conference
Exhibitors - Your involvement will enhance the experience for attendees!
June 27 - July 1, 2024
Package Rates
Tribal/Tribal Enterprise, Non-Profit (4-days) – $800.00
Government, Corporation, Education (4-days) – $1,300.00
Education and Career Fair Expo Exhibitor (1-day) – $500.00
Outreach Opportunity
⟐ 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
UNITY News & Updates
The “Eddie Wadda Alumni of the Year Award” DEADLINE is on May 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm (Phoenix-MST) Link: https://forms.gle/eJa7PamyFy1Ym4mM9 Do you…
2024 UNITY J.R. Cook Advisor of the Year Award Deadline: May 31, 2024 at 5:00 pm (Phoenix-MST) Application Link: https://forms.gle/4pb4kF9rCraKCFof9 This…
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..