Colorful floats, traditional songs, and community pride filled the streets of the White Mountain Apache Reservation as the annual Tribal Parade began. For Amaya Escalante (Pascua Yaqui Tribe), it was more than just a celebration—it was her first event serving as the Western Region Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Invited by the San Carlos Apache Youth Council, Amaya joined the parade under the theme “Protecting Our Roots, Rights & Culture for Many Generations to Come.” Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “Being part of the parade under this theme was especially meaningful as it was my first event serving as the Western Region Area Representative. It reminded me of the responsibility we carry as youth to honor and continue the teachings of our ancestors.”
That responsibility lies at the heart of UNITY’s mission and the Top Ten Issues Facing Native Youth, particularly cultural preservation, civic engagement, and protecting tribal sovereignty. Amaya explained, “This event was important to me because it showed the strength of our community when we come together to celebrate who we are and protect what we value most—our culture, our rights, and our future generations.” Her words echo the shared concerns of Native youth across the country, who continue to call for action on safeguarding culture, protecting natural resources, and ensuring their identities are recognized and respected.
The parade’s theme spoke directly to the role of Native youth as protectors and visionaries for the future. Amaya’s presence highlighted how youth leadership is not only about addressing issues but also about lifting up community voices and celebrating collective identity. “It inspired me to keep uplifting Native voices and to ensure that the next generation knows their identity is powerful and worth protecting,” she said, emphasizing the power of cultural pride as a tool for resilience and hope.
As part of the National UNITY Council—a network of more than 300 youth councils—Amaya represents Native youth from across the Western Region. Each year, the council identifies the top issues facing Native youth, aligning grassroots projects with national goals to create collective impact. Amaya’s participation in events like the White Mountain Apache Parade shows how regional representatives embody these priorities in their communities, ensuring that UNITY’s mission of empowering Native youth extends across celebrations, gatherings, and local initiatives.
Amaya’s story is a reminder that leadership can begin with one step in a parade or one voice in a crowd. By participating in community events and speaking proudly about cultural preservation, Native youth can inspire others to rise and take part in shaping their future. For young leaders in the Western Region, reaching out to Amaya offers a chance to collaborate, share ideas, and work together to protect what matters most.