(Pictured left to right: Hamilton Seymour, National UNITY Co-President, Chairman Brian Cladoosby, NCAI President, Lance Sanchez, UNITY Western Region Representative, Jackie Pata, NCAI Executive Director, Chairman Cedric Cromwell, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe)

Hamilton Seymour, Nooksack, National UNITY Council Co-President, and Lance Sanchez, Tohono O’odham, Western Region Representative, teamed up to address tribal leaders during a General Assembly at the National Congress American Indians (NCAI) convention in downtown Phoenix. The youth leaders gave a PowerPoint presentation about UNITY’S history and track record of serving Native youth in leadership development since 1976.

“Being able to address tribal leaders as a youth is a blessing. For leaders to take the time to listen to our UNITY Update speaks volumes about the acknowledgment of the work we are doing. To see our tribal leaders in action was so exciting and reaffirmed that I’m on the right path to be a leader nationwide,” said Hamilton Seymour.

Seymour and Sanchez spoke about UNITY youth programs including Today’s Native Leaders, the National UNITY Council Network, 25 under 25 and Earth Ambassadors. They also explained about youth council development and encouraged tribal leaders to partner with UNITY.

“Addressing tribal leaders at NCAI 2016 was truly an honor and inspiring to see just how much our leaders support us and will continue to do so for future generations until we as young leaders fill their positions,” said Lance Sanchez.

The youth leaders presented UNITY bags and t-shirts to NCAI President Brian Cladoosby and NCAI Executive Director Jackie Pata. President Cladoosby praised both young men for their remarks and leadership.