On Friday, June 27, over 3,000 Native youth, advisors, and community leaders gathered in San Diego with culture sharing at the National UNITY Conference: the Lighting of the UNITY Fire. This spiritual gathering marked the official start of the conference’s main sessions and reminded everyone present that this event is more than a gathering—it is a commitment of belonging, healing, and shared purpose. The lighting of the UNITY Fire symbolizes igniting the hope within each Native youth.
Opened by the National UNITY Council Co-Presidents Watson Whitford and Kaytlynn Johnston, and accompanied by an opening prayer from Miss Indian World, Dania Wahwasuck (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation/Pyramid Lake Paiute), the lighting ceremony honored traditional protocols. Youth lined the lawn in silence, holding their tribal banners and wearing their regalia, as the UNITY Drum called in the spirit of unity. Elders from local Kumeyaay tribes offered land acknowledgments and words of encouragement to all who came to learn and lead.
Later that evening, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, hosts of the 2025 Local Planning Committee, extended a powerful welcome during the official UNITY Welcome Reception. Tribal Chairman Cody Martinez addressed the crowd with heartfelt words of encouragement, followed by local California tribes sharing different traditional Bird Songs, dances, and hand games that introduced participants to the cultural richness of Southern California’s Native peoples. The event created a welcoming atmosphere filled with light refreshments, laughter, and the hum of cultural exchange.
The UNITY Fire and Welcome Reception reflect UNITY’s deep commitment to spiritual wellness—a core pillar of its youth leadership development framework. In a world that often isolates and pressures Native youth to assimilate, UNITY offers something rare: a space where cultural identity is celebrated, not hidden; where spiritual teachings are a strength, not a side note. This night provided grounding for youth who may be reconnecting with their traditions for the first time, and reaffirmation for those already walking that path.
Many Native youth come from communities where access to language, ceremonies, or cultural events is limited. For them, this space is transformational. As one youth shared: “That we are not alone and our struggles and accomplishments matter. I didn’t grow up around my culture, but here, I got to be a part of it.” Another shared, “I learned that no matter where you come from, being Native is something you carry inside.”
The cultural welcome by the Kumeyaay people emphasized the importance of sharing across tribal lines. As the largest Native youth gathering in the country, UNITY’s ability to bring together over 300 tribes and nations is a living expression of intertribal solidarity. These shared teachings and songs create bridges between youth who come from urban, rural, and reservation settings—showing them that their diversity is a strength, and that this space is built for all.
More than 3,000 attendees from around the country came together to celebrate their culture and explore strategies for using their voices and leadership to create positive change in their communities. Youth attendees and trainers held meaningful discussions and explored actions to promote positive mental health and substance abuse prevention efforts. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is the presenting sponsor.
“It’s always so inspiring to see our youth come together and demonstrate so much passion for their communities,” said Mary Kim Titla, UNITY executive director. “Our goal is always to empower Native youth to become cultural stewards and future leaders. Youth, chaperones, trainers, and staff felt a renewed sense of pride and purpose during the conference that will fuel them when they return home.”
UNITY is proud to recognize the 2025 major Conference sponsors: Gila River Indian Community, Vadon Foundation, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Titan Facility Services, LLC, The Chickasaw Nation, Arizona Public Service, Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation (MHA), United Auburn Indian Community (among others).
By grounding the conference in ceremony, the UNITY Fire and Welcome Reception set a tone of reverence, cultural pride, and safety. It is this spiritual foundation that allows Native youth to flourish throughout the week—reminding them that their ancestors walk beside them, and that in this circle, they are not alone.