Pacific Region
UNITY Regional Profile
The Pacific Region consists of geographical areas and the states of California and Hawaii. The Pacific region has 40 affiliated youth councils in 2 states within the UNITY Network.
2025 Spring Native Youth Meetup
2022 SPRING Pacific VIRTUAL MEET-UP
2021 Fall Pacific Virtual Meet-Up
UNITY News: Pacific Updates
Pacific Regional Representative: Ashley Johnston
Ashley Johnston – UNITY Pacific Area Representative
Tribe: Bishop Paiute Tribe
Click + to learn more:
Manahuu! ii na-nia-nai Ashley Johnston Payahuupu-wae nuu kima du, Bishop a wae nuu novi-du. she is a lifelong resident of Bishop, California, and a proud member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe. Ashley is the daughter of Carrie Brown and Tony Brown, and has 4 siblings, Leticia Gonzales, the late Carlos Gonzales Jr., Kaytlynn Johnston, and George Brown.
The Pacific Region is California and Hawaii, there are 110 federally recognized tribes in California and 81 seeking recognition.
Ashley is 17 years old and entering her Senior year at Bishop Union High School. She has previously served as the secretary for the Bishop Tribal Youth Council and is presently a general member. Ashley is also involved in various activities and projects to represent the Bishop Paiute Tribe such as cultural craft and tribal language programs, with our local cultural center and the Bishop Indian Education Center, she feels that it is important to continue our traditions and practices. Part of what has been an inspiration for her to pursue this position is my involvement with the Bishop Tribal Youth Council and volunteering for our Bishop Paiute Tribal Community. Ashley has been an active member of the Bishop Tribal Youth Council since her sixth-grade year. She is very honored and humbled to have the opportunity to represent the Pacific region and the UNITY organization. Ashley hopes to serve her community in the best way she can.
PACIFIC REGION
Ashley Johnston, Pacific Regional Representative
National UNITY Council Executive Committee
Pacific Region Youth Councils
- Agua Caliente Young Adults
- Tule River Youth Council
- Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indian Youth Council
- Soboba Youth Council
- Bishop Tribal Youth Council
- Tribal Youth Ambassadors
- San Manuel Youth Committee
- Tachi-Yokut Youth Council
- Coyote Valley Youth Council
- San Diego Inter-Tribal UNITY Youth Council
- West Coast Native Youth
- San Pasqual Native Youth Council
- Wiyot Youth Council
- Bay Area Inter-Tribal Youth Council
- Santa Ynez Chumash
- UAIC UNITY Youth Council
- InterTribal Youth Council of Orange County
- Viejas Youth Leaders
- Morongo Band of Mission Indians Youth Council
- Future Generations TRTC
- United Ata’axum Youth Council
- Torres Martinez Youth Council
- Susanville Unity Youth Council
- Round Valley UNITY Youth Council
- ACORN
- Big River Youth Council
- Cedarville Rancheria
- Hoopa Valley Tribal Jr. Youth Council
- La Jolla GENERATIONS Program
- Sacramento Native TANF Youth council
- SCTCA Native Youth Success Program
- Sherman Indian High School
- Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians
- Southern California Native Youth
- Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
- Table Mountain Rancheria Youth Council
- Tuolumne MeWuk TANF
- UNITY Youth Council of Kings County
Bronson Kainoa Azama, 22
Tribe: Kānaka Maoli, Hawaiʻi
Bronson is a senior at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa majoring in Political Science focusing on Indigenous Politics. He is expecting to graduate in 2024. He is a youth trailblazer who has advocated at every level of government from the City Council to the United Nations. His experience, skill sets, and values are proven and tested to help facilitate change in government and the community to benefit kānaka maoli and our ʻāina (natural environment/family).
What does it mean to you to be an environmental ambassador? In our traditions in the Pacific the Earth, Sky, and Sea, and all natural things of this earth are viewed as ʻohana, family, or kaainga, also family. Our duties entail caring for our grandmother earth, sky father, and our mother who is the sea. It is our sacred duty to protect our family, the titles bestowed upon our people identify who we are. Such a title as to be an Earth Ambassador is to be someone who embodies what is best for our natural family to maintain a reciprocal relationship to ensure they are best capable to feed their children the humans, the birds, the fish, and so much more. An Earth Ambassador speaks and acts in the best interest of the Earth(grandmother, to ensure our cousins the bird and whales are cared for amongst all other relatives of the natural world, and that our grandmother can continue to nourish life that sustains all generations to come after our time in this world.
Natalie Battiest, 21, Choctaw, California
School: Master’s Degree in Global Medicine (2024); Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (2024), University of California
Platform: EmpowerED is a transformative initiative designed to support Native high school students in navigating their educational and career pathways. This program will offer a series of workshops and career panels focusing on essential skills such as study techniques, college applications, and career exploration. By collaborating with guest speakers, including Native students in higher education, the program aims to provide participants with practical insights and inspiration. The initiative will unfold over several months, beginning with program planning and curriculum development, followed by workshop preparation and guest speaker recruitment. The core phase will involve implementing the workshops and career panels, with the final stage dedicated to evaluating the program’s impact through participant feedback and tracking post-program outcomes. As the project leader, I will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of EmpowerED, including curriculum design, guest speaker coordination, and logistical arrangements. The goal is to empower Native youth with the tools and knowledge to pursue higher education and career opportunities, fostering a supportive environment for their academic and professional growth.
Racquel Jean Oliver-Britton, 22, Yuki, California
School: Junior, Mendocino Community College, Major: Human Services
Platform: I plan to tackle the drug problem in my community by organizing a series of large-scale events involving drug counselors, teachers, tribal health members, and local law enforcement. The project will feature workshops for different age groups: elementary and middle school students will have indoor sessions, high school students will use gym or classroom settings, and adults and elders will participate in outdoor discussions. Scheduled from spring to summer, the events will include games, meals, and participation from local youth, with my role focusing on overseeing the schedule, coordinating activities, and ensuring the events run smoothly.
“Being here with UNITY is such a great experience. You get to meet so many new people and learn more about different tribes and their cultures.””
“The gathering, the sharing of cultures, the UNITY of our people!”
“Our YOUTH is the future!”
“It’s the best place to be open about what you think and what you want to do for your school or community. They make you feel like family and welcome you openly.”
“Great organization that allows empowerment for the Native youth to excel in leadership skills, networking opportunity, and early professional growth.”
“Awesome for youth group & leadership.”