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: Alina Sanchez
Alina Sanchez – UNITY Pacific Area Representative
Tribe: Wilton Rancheria of California
Click + to learn more:
Michuksüs, oya set Alina Sanchez.
Hello, my name is Alina Sanchez. I am a 17-year-old proud member of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe and honored to serve as the Pacific Area Representative on the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee.
Entering my senior year at Cristo Rey High School, I currently hold a 3.8 GPA and serve as Student Body President. I plan to continue my academic journey at San Diego State University, where I aim to expand my leadership in both educational and cultural spaces.
Academically, I am passionate about learning through leadership. I’ve received recognition for outstanding achievement in Algebra I, English, U.S. History, American Literature, and poetry. I was named “Shadow Host of the Year” and earned a national College Board Award for academic excellence in statewide testing. My extracurricular involvement includes serving as President of Student Government, Shadow Host, and membership in several student organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Danza Azteca Culture Club, and the Baking Club. I also play on the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team, the 2024 CIF Champions.
My leadership extends into community and professional spaces. From 2022 to 2024, I worked at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern California (RMHCNC) as a receptionist, offering direct support to families during critical times. In 2024–2025, I served as an office assistant at the Dignity Health Collaborative Learning Center, supporting future medical professionals and educators. These experiences have sharpened my sense of independence, compassion, and civic responsibility.
An unwavering advocate for Indigenous rights and community empowerment, I have served as Secretary of the Future Leaders Council of Wilton Rancheria, and a long-standing member of the Native Sisters Circle since 2019. I am also active in statewide and local initiatives, including:
- California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN)
- HYBRID NCNYJ Emerging Organizers
- Native American Leadership Advisory
- Native Youth of Sacramento
- Sacramento City Unified School District’s American Indian Education Program
- Sacramento Native American Health Clinic Programs
Through these roles, I’ve worked to address critical issues including domestic violence, substance abuse prevention, land acknowledgements, mental health, youth leadership development, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis, particularly through advocacy for Feather Alert systems.
My advocacy has brought me to major events across California, such as the Inaugural Native American Heritage Month Parade, Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony, Women’s Foundation of California Legislative Reception, and events at the State Capitol. In 2024, I was interviewed by ABC10 during Native American Heritage Month to speak on Indigenous visibility and representation. I’ve proudly advocated alongside Assemblymember James Ramos in support of legislation like AB 1314 (Feather Alert), AB 8, and AB 564, all focused on strengthening protections and funding for Indigenous communities and youth programs.
I am driven by social justice, cultural pride, and the power of youth voice. My mission is to uplift Indigenous heritage, create safe and inclusive spaces, and build pathways for Native youth to lead boldly. I believe that when Indigenous youth raise their voices with pride and purpose, they not only honor our ancestors but also shape the future of our nations.
My goal is simple yet powerful: to represent, to inspire, and to lead a movement of change—one youth at a time. I hope my journey encourages others to rise, speak out, and be the leaders our communities deserve.
PACIFIC REGION
Alina Sanchez, 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
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.”