The conference was held January 17-19 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel
Phoenix, Ariz. – More than 600 Native youth from tribal communities throughout the United States gathered for the UNITY Midyear Conference over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Addressing the most important issues they face today, attendees celebrated Dr. King’s legacy by building real-world action plans rooted in service, justice, and community power. The three-day conference combined organized training with community building events, cultural programming, and spaces that strengthened identity, belonging, and leadership across regions.
“Our goal for this conference was to equip young people with tools for change. Our youth-led, adult supported curriculum was designed so that attendees could finish a full 10-step plan to take home and implement in their communities,” said Mary Kim Titla, UNITY executive director. “The top issues were mental health and wellness, social justice, cultural revitalization, and climate action, the importance of which were also addressed by our keynote speakers.”
UNITY opened the conference by partnering with the Arizona Science Center for a free screening of the documentary “Remaining Native.” After the screening, there was a Q&A with director Paige Bethmann and Nike N7 Ambassador and film subject Ku Stevens. Olympic champion Billy Mills delivered the Saturday keynote, challenging youth to lead with discipline, purpose, and community responsibility. Indigenous leader Judith LaBlanc delivered Sunday’s keynote address focused on leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement.
ASU sponsored college and career workshops, and other exhibitors participated in a College & Career Fair throughout the weekend. The speakers and programs were complemented by business meetings, an Earth Ambassador presentation advisor training, UNITY O’odham Cu:dk & Waila (Chicken Scratch) Dance, UNITY Intertribal Round Dance, and opportunities for cultural sharing and community building.
By the end of the conference, attendees finalized their full action plans and presented them for peer affirmation and strengths-based feedback, with one group per track selected to share at the General Assembly.
In the spirit of MLK Day, Native youth left Phoenix ready to turn vision into action. UNITY invites partners, tribes, schools, and community organizations to support implementation of these plans through mentorship, grants, or other forms of collaboration.
UNITY’s National Conference will celebrate 50 years of excellence and will take place July 10-14 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Registration is now open, with advanced registration rates available through February 28. Visit www.unity.org for more information.
