Amaya Escalante stepped into April with courage, purpose, and a clear reminder that Native youth leadership carries responsibility. Whether speaking out for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, emceeing UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Block Party, or competing at the Gathering of Nations Co-ed Softball Tournament, Amaya represented her people, her community, and the UNITY movement with pride.
Her month reflected the many ways Native youth lead: through advocacy, celebration, cultural connection, public speaking, athletic participation, and showing up for community.
Amaya attended the 4th Annual Thunderbird Throttle Charity Ride at Casino Arizona, an event centered on raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Thunderbird Throttle describes the event as a charity motorcycle ride for MMIP and the only Native American ride during Arizona Bike Week.
The ride brought together Indigenous riders, Tribal leaders, cultural performers, and community advocates. Additional coverage noted that more than 200 riders traveled from Chandler to Scottsdale for the 4th annual ride, which focused on MMIP awareness, Native youth in foster care, and families impacted by the crisis.
Amaya was invited to speak on behalf of UNITY, where she addressed MMIP and spoke for those who feel their voices have been silenced. She also shared about the National UNITY Council Resolution, “Restoring Balance: Healing Trauma & Ending Violence in Native Communities,” emphasizing why this work matters for Native communities.
During the event, Amaya participated alongside Jalen Harvey, and together they hosted an informational table representing UNITY. They shared information about UNITY’s mission, gave out UNITY merchandise, connected with community members, and engaged with youth at the event.
Amaya also served as emcee for UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Block Party at UNITY headquarters. The event was filled with joy, celebration, and community, honoring the legacy and impact of UNITY over the years.
As emcee, Amaya helped guide the gathering and shared her personal journey, including how UNITY has shaped her into the person she is today. She also connected with youth councils and royalty members who attended, making the celebration even more meaningful.
For Amaya, having her family present to support her and witness her work with youth made the experience especially powerful. Her leadership helped bring energy, warmth, and meaning to a milestone celebration rooted in UNITY’s long-standing mission to uplift Native youth.
Amaya also participated in the Gathering of Nations Co-ed Softball Tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The tournament took place April 25–26 in Albuquerque and included Native teams competing in multiple divisions.
For Amaya, stepping back onto the field was an incredible feeling. She shared that the experience was not only about playing the game, but also about representing who she is, her Tribe, and where she comes from. She competed with a team from New Mexico and was supported by her family throughout the tournament.
The larger Gathering of Nations event in Albuquerque is one of the most well-known Indigenous gatherings in the country, bringing together song, dance, markets, community, and cultural celebration. Amaya’s participation in the softball tournament reflected the strength of Native youth showing up in sports, community, and cultural spaces with pride.
Reflecting on her month, Amaya shared, “Every space I stepped into this month whether speaking, leading, or competing reminded me that my voice carries my people, my purpose carries responsibility, and my journey is bigger than myself.”
That quote captures the heart of her leadership. Amaya understands that when she speaks, emcees, competes, or represents UNITY, she carries more than her own story. She carries her community, her Tribe, her family, and the Native youth who are watching and learning from her example.
Amaya’s leadership reflects the mission of the National UNITY Council, which brings together Native youth, Native Hawaiian youth, and Alaskan Native youth to study common concerns, strengthen leadership skills, and speak with a positive and unified voice. Through MMIP advocacy, youth outreach, cultural celebration, and community representation, Amaya is helping inspire hope and change lives for the better in Indian Country.
As the Western Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Amaya Escalante plays an important role in representing Native youth voices from her region while helping strengthen UNITY’s national network. Her April service shows that Native youth leadership is powerful in every arena—from the microphone, to the community table, to the softball field—and that every space becomes stronger when Native youth lead with purpose.