The conference unites Native youth who are ready to build a movement of collective impact across Native Country
Mesa, Arizona – United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) will host an exclusive screening of the documentary Remaining Native at the Arizona Science Center on Friday, January 16, 6-9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Attendance is limited to 250 guests. Reserve your spot through this link. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Paige Bethmann and Nike N7 ambassador Ku Stevens, whose story is the subject of the documentary. UNITY’s annual Midyear Conference will take place January 17-19 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel and will engage Native youth from across the country through workshops, breakout sessions, and cultural sharing. Round dances on Saturday and Sunday evening are also open to the public.
Remaining Native is a powerful documentary told through the perspective of Ku, a 17-year-old Native American runner. As he trains, the memory of his great-grandfather’s escape from an Indian boarding school weaves together a story of resilience, identity, and hope. Registration is required for the screening and can be completed through this link.
In addition, the public is invited to attend traditional round-dance events during the conference.
The O’odham Cu:dk & Waila (Chicken Scratch) Dance will take place Saturday, January 17, from 7-11 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Ballroom at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix. The O’odham Cu:dk is the traditional round dance held in recognition of the aboriginal lands of the O’odham. It is a meaningful opportunity for conference attendees and community members to come together in celebration, connection, and respect through song and dance.
The UNITY Round Dance will take place on Sunday, January 18, from 7-11 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come together in the circle—bring your hand drums, wear your favorite ribbon skirt/shirt, and enjoy a good time. The event will be hosted by MC Taylor “Cheii” Begay, with Nathan Littlechild Jr. serving as Stickman. Invited singers include Jeremy “Worm” Dearly (Sharpshooter), Valentino “Spazz” Dewitt (Indian Hill), Frankie Graves (Battle River), and Gavin Begay (Blacklodge).
UNITY’s three-day conference will focus on “Collective Impact: Building Power Through Purpose,” offering immersive training in community organizing and youth council development, equipping participants with tools to create meaningful change in their communities. Youth will engage in hands-on training centered around asset mapping, interactive team-building, and Indigenous leadership practices. They will create a 10-step action plan for a community service project addressing one of four critical areas: mental health and wellness, social justice, cultural revitalization, or climate action.
Keynote speakers include Olympian Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota); Judith La Blanc (Caddo), executive director of Native Organizers Alliance (NOA); filmmaker Paige Bethman (Haudenosaunee); and Kutoven Stevens (Yerington Paiute), activist, student, and long-distance runner.
A complete conference agenda can be found on UNITY’s website.