Co‑Chair for UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.
Chuck Hoskin Jr. serves as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in the United States with more than 450,000 citizens. Prior to being elected in 2019, and re-elected in 2023, he was Cherokee Nation’s Secretary of State and also served as a member and Deputy Speaker of the Council of the Cherokee Nation. As Principal Chief, he increased minimum wage at Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses and secured the largest language investment in the tribe’s history to expand Cherokee cultural preservation. He appointed the tribe’s first delegate to the U.S. Congress. He prioritized health and wellness initiatives, including record investments in behavioral health and addiction treatment. Chief Hoskin has also
expanded tribal workforce training programs, sustainable housing, protections for natural resources, and educational opportunities for Cherokees of all ages. He, along with First Lady January Hoskin, has elevated the voices of women and children, and their safety, within the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
About The UNITY National Conference
Last year’s conference theme, “Voices of H.O.P.E.” centers on youth using their voices and leadership to create positive change in their communities through meaningful discussions and action to promote positive mental health and substance abuse prevention efforts. According to the National UNITY Council’s Executive Committee, H.O.P.E stands for Native youth engaging in Heartfelt Conversations, Open Dialogue, Promoting Resources, and Encouraging Change.
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 attended the 2025 National UNITY Conference in San Diego, 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!
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel
Remember to mention "UNITY" when booking your hotel to take advantage of discounted rates
Conference Hotel
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can we submit registration name changes? When’s the last day?
Yes. When registering, create an account that allows you to edit participant details. Name changes may be made up until the online registration deadline (June 13, 2026). If names are not yet known, you may enter “TBD” (To Be Determined).
What are the registration rates?
Early Bird (Oct 1 – Nov 30): $400
Advanced (Dec 1 – Feb 28): $550
Full Rate (Mar 1 – May 31): $725
Last Chance (June 1 – June 26): $875 (no on-site registration)
Can I get a registration reimbursement if I cancel?
Refunds requested before June 1, 2026, will be processed with a $25 fee per registration. No refunds will be issued after June 1, 2026.
Will I get a refund if I don’t show up?
No. Registration will be forfeited, and no future conference credit will be issued.
No. There will be no on-site registration for the 2026 event. Please register in advance.
Is there a one-day registration option?
No, there is no one-day registration fee.
Do advisors have to register?
Yes. All attendees, including advisors and chaperones, must register and wear their official badge to access sessions.
UNITY will follow CDC guidelines as of the event date. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated participants.
What are the COVID-19 protocols?
Hand sanitizers will be widely available. If anyone exhibits symptoms, they may be asked to self-quarantine in their hotel room.
Are COVID-19 vaccines required?
No, but UNITY encourages participants to bring proof of vaccination. UNITY will continue to follow CDC guidance throughout the event.
Where is the 2026 National UNITY Conference being held?
The conference will be held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, located in downtown Oklahoma City.
Which hotels are nearby?
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel (adjacent to the convention center)
Wyndham Grand OKC Downtown
Colcord Hotel (Curio Collection by Hilton)
The National, Autograph Collection
Sheraton OKC Downtown
Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, and Hampton Inn (Bricktown/Downtown)
All are within walking distance or a short ride, with many connected via the OKC Streetcar system.
Are there discounted host hotels?
At this time, only the Omni will offer a special UNITY conference rate.
Can I extend my stay at the conference rate?
Yes, but availability is limited. Rooms are offered before and after conference dates on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Oklahoma City Convention Center is approximately 10 miles from Will Rogers World Airport (OKC).
Will transportation be provided from the airport?
No official shuttle will be provided. Options include:
– OKC Streetcar (connects downtown hotels & attractions)
– Public buses (Embark OKC system)
– Ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft
Yes. Oklahoma City has both Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities and urban Indian clinics:
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) – Urban Indian health provider offering primary care, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and wellness services.
Address: 309 S. Ann Arbor Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73128
Website: okcic.com
Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service (Administrative Office) – Provides oversight for IHS programs across the region.
Address: 701 Market Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Website: ihs.gov/oklahomacity
Nearby IHS / Tribal Health Facilities (within driving distance): Anadarko Indian Health Center, El Reno Indian Health Center, Clinton Indian Health Center, Claremore Indiaihs.gov/oklahomacityn Hospital.
Emergency Services: Oklahoma City also has major hospitals within a 10–15 minute drive of the convention center, including OU Health, INTEGRIS Health, and Mercy Hospital.
