Southern Plains Region
UNITY Regional Profile
The Southern Plains Region consists of geographical areas and the states of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The Southern Plains region has 35 affiliated youth councils in 3 states within the UNITY Network.
2024 Fall Native Youth Meetup
2022 SPRING SOUTHERN PLAINS VIRTUAL MEET-UP
2021 Fall Southern Plains Virtual Meet-Up
UNITY News: Southern Plains Updates
Anagali Duncan Amplifies Indigenous Voices Through Literature “As Indigenous people, we are inherently world-builders,” shared Anagali (Shace) Duncan, a UNITY…
In a powerful convergence of culture and leadership, UNITY’s Executive Committee traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, to participate in the…
“Leading Through Knowledge: Natalie Battiest’s Path to Empowering Native Communities” The power of research as a tool for transformation is…
Georgia Adeline Harjo, a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Choctaw, Seminole, and Cheyenne tribes, has been a dynamic…
Calling all Native youth and their Advocates! You are Invited! The National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUC EC) is thrilled…
Rise and Vote: Amplify Native Voices CLICK below to download two Free UNITY GOTV toolkits designed to empower Native youth in…
Mahiya Ramirez Inspires Native Youth Through Creativity and Connection For Mahiya Ramirez, Muscogee Nation citizen and Vice President of the…
Thinking about joining the National UNITY Council (NUC) Executive Committee? It’s a great way to make friends, network and gain…
On August 15th I was able to head to Livingston, TX to visit with the Inner Voice Youth Council and…
Written Report by National UNITY Council’s Southern Plains Representative, Mahiya Ramirez On August 15th, I had the opportunity to journey…
Meet Anagali! He is from Stilwell, Oklahoma, and is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. For high school, he attended…
I attended “On the Far End” , a one woman show put on byMary Katheryn Nagle, a citizen of the…
2023-24 National UNITY Council Executive Committee BIOGRAPHIES Jonathan Arakawa, UNITY Co-President Tribe: Lower Elwha Klallam, Washington Jonathan Arakawa is…
6/2/2023 10:12:09 Chelbie Turtle 25 Under 25 Participated in and assisted with the Cherokee Nation Youth Summit 2023 Cherokee Nation;…
6/1/2023 11:46:40 Elwood McClellan Jr Southern Plains Rep “May is always an exciting month, whether your getting ready for a…
Southern Plains Regional Representative: Mahiya Ramirez
Mahiya Ramirez – UNITY Southern Plains Area Representative/Vice President
Tribes: Muscogee (Creek) Nation
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Mahiya Ramirez, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is an undergrad student at the University of Central Oklahoma studying photographic arts and seeking a minor in Visual Media; with her degree, she aims to merge her love for storytelling and Indigenous Communities. She also wants to uplift and highlight Indigenous voices within Indigenous communities and throughout the U.S. Raised in Oklahoma on the Muscogee Reservation, she has gained an immense appreciation for her teachings and Indigenous communities. Through her work, Ramirez aims to merge her passion for storytelling and the love she carries for her Indigenous communities to uplift and amplify Indigenous voices within Indian Country and beyond. She is a former member and speaker of the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council and has held other executive committee roles since 2017. In 2019, she was awarded The Mvnettvkle Onaya (Youth Visionary Award for Fostering Advocacy), as well as MNYC Member of the Year. She currently serves on the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) Executive Committee as the Vice President and Southern Plains Representative, in which she represents UNITY-affiliated youth, with her position she aims to create safe spaces, and ensure everyone feels seen and heard.. She will continue to be the best of herself and a role model for all native communities in the Southern Plain Region and across the United States.
Southern Plains REGION
Mahiya Ramirez, Southern Plains Regional Representative/ Vice-President
mr.southernplains@unityinc.org
National UNITY Council Executive Committee
Southern Plains Region Youth Councils
- Three Fires of PBPN
- Field Kindley Memorial High School Youth Council
- Indigecomms
- Firekeepers Youth Council
- Haskell Indian Nations University
- Absentee-Shawnee
- Fire Lodge Youth Council
- Sac & Fox Nation Youth Council
- WAT.RISE
- Anadarko UNITY Council
- Etem Omvlkusen Unity Council
- Kickapoo UNITY Council
- WahZhaZhe Youth Council
- Cheyenne-Arapaho UNITY Youth Council
- Penola District Youth Council
- Jones Academy Warrior Spirit UNITY
- Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council
- Mvskoke Nation Youth Council
- IAMNDN
- N8V Generation
- Deleware County Inter-Tribal Youth Council
- Iowa Tribe Of OK Unity Youth Council
- Many Nations Youth Council
- E.A.G.L.E.S. Youth Council
- Tulsa Native Youth Board
- IHCRC Native Nations Youth Council
- Okemah Indian Community Youth Council
- Kognito
- Osage Nation youth Council
- Thlopthlocco Tribal Town
- Wetumka N8V Youth Council
- Alabama-Coushatta Inner Voice Youth Council
- Tigua Youth Council
- Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
- UNITY of Texas Council
Anagali Duncan, 21, Cherokee, Oklahoma
School: Junior, Stanford University; Major: Ethnic Studies and Minor in Public Policy
Platform: The Indigenous Literature Book Drop Initiative is dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and empowering indigenous youth by providing access to books authored by indigenous writers. The project will include purchasing books, preparing presentation materials, and organizing book drop events at local schools. Over the course of a month, I will lead efforts to secure funding, collaborate with schools and UNITY, and deliver presentations on the significance of indigenous literature. This initiative aims to foster pride in indigenous heritage, encourage reading, and enrich the educational experience by highlighting indigenous voices and stories within the school community.
Georgia Harjo, 17, Muscogee (Creek), Oklahoma
School: Senior, Southeast High School
Platform: I plan to launch a series of cultural gatherings aimed at revitalizing and connecting our community to its Native identity in an urban setting. These events will cover a range of subjects including traditional crafts like ribbon skirts, moccasins, beadwork, and basketry, as well as cultural practices such as powwow and princess etiquette, dance classes, and language lessons. The goal is to offer hands-on learning experiences in a central location, with sessions tailored to the interests of 10-15 participants. I will facilitate and manage the project, including advertising, registration, and securing venues such as The Muscogee Nation Resource Center and We the People Consulting LLC. With support from local organizations and artists, I aim to begin this initiative after June 1st, when I will have more availability.
Jenna Makes Good, 22, Dakota Sioux, Kansas
School: Senior, Haskell Indian Nations University; Major: Indigenous Studies; Associate’s Degree in Communications (2021)
Platform: I envision creating an Indigenous Youth and Elders Community Center to foster intergenerational connection, cultural revitalization, and wellness. This center will be a dynamic space for youth to engage with their heritage through language lessons, cultural workshops, and holistic wellness activities. Surrounding the center, I imagine fruit trees, berry bushes, a community garden, and a space for horses to support youth programs and enhance their connection with nature. The center will offer language immersion programs led by fluent elders, cultural workshops on traditional arts and crafts, sustainable living initiatives, and mental health support tailored to Indigenous youth. With a projected timeline of about one year for implementation, I plan to oversee the development as a project manager, balancing this role with my full-time college studies while ensuring the hiring of qualified staff to positively impact the community.
Jori Cowley, 23, Cherokee/Shawnee, Oklahoma
School: Bachelor’s in Sociology and Native American Studies (2022), University of Oklahoma
Platform: I propose establishing an Indigenous Leadership Institute in Tulsa, aimed at nurturing and empowering future leaders within the Indigenous community. With a projected budget of $80,000 and a timeline of 2-3 years for full implementation, this institute will focus on developing leadership skills, cultural knowledge, and community engagement. As the Program Manager, I will oversee the project’s development and execution, working closely with Leadership Tulsa to finalize the proposal and ensure the institute’s success.
“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.”