INDIGENOUS STEWARDSHIP
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
throughout the Great Plains Region to participate in a free
4 Bears Casino & Lodge
New Town, North Dakota
Hosted by the White Shield
Youth Leadership Council
and Community Leadership.
Welcome Relatives
Inspiring Hope. Changing Lives.
UNITY’s mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth and to help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement.
Youth Programs
The heart of UNITY is its affiliated youth councils, which are sponsored by tribes, Alaska Native villages, high schools, colleges, urban centers, and others. LEARN MORE »
Scholarships & Awards
Stay up to date on our scholarship opportunities and awards throughout the year. If you are aware of a candidate please have them apply. LEARN MORE »
Native Youth
A space dedicated to listing all the latest news and events happening among Native youth across the country.
LEARN MORE »
Membership
Native American youth can make a difference, but first, they must be organized and prepared for action. An effective way to accomplish this is through a youth council. LEARN MORE »
Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit
A morning of prayer, reflection, connection, and leadership development!
Youth began the day with an opening prayer, a reflection and recap from Trainer Pearl Yellowman (Navajo), and an icebreaker led by NUCEC Representatives Weston Bird (MHA Nation) and Rhiannon Eaglespeaker (Blackfoot/Kiowa).
Through activities like Brick by Brick, One Voice, Many Councils, and Gather the Circle, youth explored what it means to become strong leaders, speak up for their communities, and work together respectfully.
Building future leaders, one voice and one step at a time!
Want to learn more?
🌐 Visit: https://unityinc.org
📧 Contact: Greg Mendoza, Youth Programs Director, at [email protected]
#TribalLeadership #NativeYouth #FutureLeaders #IndigenousLeadership #IndigenousYouth
Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit – Session Two
The second session of the Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit featured an engaging and interactive Tribal Leadership Roundtable, facilitated by Shayla Davis.
This meaningful dialogue brought together Tribal leaders, Elders, Knowledge Holders, educators, cultural leaders, and emerging voices to explore Tribal governance, cultural values, leadership responsibilities, community service, and the importance of preparing future generations to lead.
We were honored to hear from an incredible group of featured panelists:
– Darwin David Williams – Chairman, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation
– Susan Paulson – Elder & Knowledge Holder
– Charlie Moran – Elder & Knowledge Holder
– Professor Dan Lawerenz – Associate Professor of Law, UND School of Law
– Dr. Melanie Nadeau – Associate Professor & Vice Chair, Department of Indigenous Health, UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
– Dr. Twyla Baker – President, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
– Dr. Cheryl Kary – Executive Director, Sacred Pipe Resource Center
– Lisa Finley-Deville – North Dakota House Representative, District 4A (Mandaree)
– Jesse Cuny – MHA Black Mouth Society (Traditional Police)
– Zeb Demaray – Cultural Coordinator, MHA Interpretive Center
– Eya Fox – Sahnish Language & Culture Teacher
– Shooter Stewart – Aspiring MHA Entrepreneur
Through shared experiences, cultural teachings, and thoughtful conversation, our youth had the opportunity to learn from those who lead, serve, and preserve our communities.
Our future is rooted in our culture, strengthened by our teachings, and shaped by the next generation of leaders.
Want to learn more?
🌐 Visit: https://unityinc.org
📧 Contact: Greg Mendoza, Youth Programs Director, at [email protected]
#TribalLeadership #NativeYouth #FutureLeaders #IndigenousLeadership #IndigenousYouth
UNITY Kicks Off Its First Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit!
A historic gathering of Indigenous youth, leaders, Elders, and community members! UNITY proudly launched its first Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, hosted by the White Shield Youth Leadership Council.
The summit brought participants together to explore tribal governance, cultural values, leadership responsibilities, community service, and preparing future generations to lead. Through learning, sharing, and cultural connection, participants are building the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen their communities and shape the future.
The event opened with Weston Bird, Great Plains NUC Area Representative, serving as Master of Ceremonies. Charlie Moran, Elder from Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, offered a prayer and land acknowledgment, followed by the Ree Boys Drum Group, who shared a flag song, veteran song, and honor songs.
Mary Kim Titla, UNITY Executive Director, welcomed participants, and opening remarks were delivered by the Honorable Chairman Darwin (David) Williams of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation.
We are grateful to the White Shield Youth Leadership Council, our speakers, cultural contributors, and everyone who helped make this summit possible. Together, we are empowering Indigenous youth, strengthening leadership, and preparing the next generation to lead with purpose, and a strong connection to their communities and cultures!
Want to learn more?
🌐 Visit: https://unityinc.org
📧 Contact: Greg Mendoza, Youth Programs Director, at [email protected]
#UNITY #IndigenousYouth #YouthLeadership #IndigenousLeadership
It’s Flex Friday, and the newest class of UNITY 25 Under 25 has plenty to flex about!
At this summer’s National UNITY Conference, we asked some of our newest 25 Under 25 honorees one question: “What’s your biggest flex?”
Their answers speak for themselves. Meet the next generation of Native leaders who are already making an impact!
#flexfriday #NativeYouth #unity25u25
Today, UNITY honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Native Americans have a long and proud history of military service, demonstrating courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to protecting their communities and our nation.
On this Veterans Day, we extend our gratitude to all veterans, especially our Native veterans, whose service and sacrifices continue to inspire future generations of Native leaders.
Thank you for your service. Happy Veterans Day!
Register early and save on the 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference! A new registration rate of $475 is now available through January 8, 2027!
Join us February 13–15, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona, for the 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference.
Take advantage of this registration rate and secure your spot today!
Register now at https://unityinc.org/2027-midyear-conference/
November is Native American Heritage Month!
This month, UNITY proudly celebrates the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Native American peoples across the country.
As we honor the generations who came before us, we also recognize the Native youth who are carrying their cultures forward, strengthening their communities, and shaping the future of Indian Country.
At UNITY, we believe our greatest resource is our youth, and we remain committed to uplifting their voices, celebrating their identities, and empowering the next generation of Native leaders.
Our heritage is our strength. Our youth are our future.
Today is Election Day! Your voice matters, and your vote is an opportunity to help shape the future of your community.
UNITY encourages Native youth, families, and communities to make their voices heard at the polls. Every vote is an opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter most to you and future generations.
Rock the Native Vote! Make your voice count, and encourage others to do the same.
UNITY CONFERENCES
2026 MIDYEAR CONFERENCE RECAP
2026 NATIONAL CONFERENCE RECAP
NEWS & EVENTS
Providing a Safe and Empowering Environment
