When Native youth show up fully as themselves—culture first, community always—powerful things happen. This January, Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe embodied that spirit of servant leadership at the 2026 UNITY Mid-Year Conference in Phoenix, creating space for cultural exchange, deeper regional connection, and youth-led growth.
As a Western Region Executive Committee member, Amaya didn’t just attend the conference—she represented her people with pride. Throughout January 16–19 in Downtown Phoenix, she immersed herself in cultural activities, leadership development, and meaningful dialogue with Native youth from across the country.
During the conference, Amaya participated in round dancing and the O’odham Cu:dk, strengthening her connection to Indigenous traditions while uplifting cultural identity among her peers. “I participated in cultural activities such as round dancing and the O’odham Cu:dk, which allowed me to reconnect with our traditions and strengthen cultural identity.” These moments of shared ceremony reminded youth that culture is not something left behind—it is carried forward.
Amaya also made it a priority to ensure that her Yaqui heritage was visible and understood. “I was also able to bring my culture to UNITY by sharing and showcasing our Yaqui life, helping others better understand who we are and where we come from.” Through cultural sharing and dialogue, she contributed to an environment where Native youth, including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives, can learn from one another and honor the diversity within Indian Country.
Beyond cultural engagement, Amaya invested in educational growth and youth leadership development. She participated in workshops alongside UNITY trainers, building skills she plans to bring back to her community to strengthen youth-led initiatives. By learning directly from trainers and collaborating with fellow Executive Committee members and Earth Ambassadors, she expanded her toolkit for civic engagement and community impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Amaya shared, “Being able to connect with my region, engage in cultural practices, and share parts of our way of life showed me how powerful it is when communities come together to learn, grow, and support one another.” Her words capture the heart of the National UNITY Council’s mission—creating space for Native youth to unite, learn parliamentary process, debate issues, and return home ready to lead.
The National UNITY Council (NUC) remains the cornerstone of UNITY’s movement, bringing together representatives from over 300 youth councils across urban, rural, and reservation communities. Through collective action, leadership development, and adoption of priority issues, Native youth develop the skills necessary to uplift their communities and address challenges with a unified voice. Amaya’s leadership reflects the NUC’s vision to inspire hope and change lives for the better in Indian Country.
As a Western Region representative serving on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Amaya plays a critical role in representing youth voices from her region. She collaborates with fellow regional representatives and Co-Presidents to guide discussions, shape national priorities, and ensure that Native youth perspectives remain central in decision-making. Through her commitment to cultural preservation, education, and peer connection, Amaya continues to strengthen the UNITY network and uplift the next generation of Indigenous leaders.