The month of July has been filled with unforgettable memories, and good blessings. After being elected as the new Western Region Representative and Secretary for the National UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) Executive Committee, my life has truly took a turn, and there’s no amount of words to express my gratitude to the Western Region in having full faith I can hold this position!
Beginning the month of July, I was fortunate to attend my second National UNITY Conference in Washington D.C. with the FINAL (Future Inspired Native American Leaders) Youth Council from the Phoenix Indian Center!! It truly was an amazing experience, and i’m extremely grateful to attend such an amazing conference with the people I consider my brothers and sisters. Most of all, it’s truly amazing to meet more youth from around the Nation, and be able to create new friendships!
A week after attending the National UNITY Conference on July 15, 2023, I attended the 36th Annual Gila River Youth Conference in Bapchule, Arizona, which was my first event as UNITY Western Region Representative! The theme of the conference being, “Continuing to motivate & encourage through culture.” Which I truly loved their theme, as it’s important as youth to learn who we are as Indigenous Peoples. This conference was a humbling experience, i applaud the Akimel O’odham/ Pee-Posh Youth Council for hosting such an unique conference! The conference consisted of guest speakers, a variety of workshops pertaining to life after high school, traditional games like Gins (Mens Stick game) and Toka (Women’s traditional sport), as well as cultural teachings. I would also like to congratulate the newly elected district representatives who were elected at the conference!
Following the Youth Conference, July 18-19, 2023, I volunteered with the Phoenix Indian Center as they hosted the Educational Summit for NABI (Native American Basketball Invitational) Twentieth Annual Invitational at Phoenix College. I was assigned to check-in the girl’s teams that were in attendance of the summit. It was so exciting meeting different teams from all around the nation and even around world! I was even able to meet some familiar faces that attended the National UNITY Conference weeks prior! The summit had so many amazing presenters, and I was even able to meet Rosalie Fish who is an Athlete at the University of Washinton, and an advocate for our Missing Murdered Indigenous Peoples. It was truly and memorable experience being able to meet such an amazing person, and she has truly become an inspiration to myself.
During the Educational Summit, July 18, 2023, I was able to be on a podcast with Colton Shone who is an Anchor and reporter for Arizona Family’s news station for a podcast focusing on Indigenous people and issues. Myself, and two other representatives: Mahiya Ramirez (Southern Plains Representative) and Marla Mesarina (Midwest Representative), as well as our Male Co-president, Jonathan Arakawa were able to speak on issues we each face in our own tribal communities. It truly was a meaningful talk we had as one, and was an eye-opener to hear the similar issues all of our communities face, as well as different issues. I’m thrilled to see the finish product, and really excited for all of you to listen in on it and hope to bring more recognition to other important issues we all face in our tribal community!
Of course, we had to end the month on a good note! So on July 31, 2023, I was invited to the White Mountain Apache Tribal Youth Council Inaugration in Whiteriver, Arizona. I was honored to be in attendance of an historic event as this was the first inauguration for the Youth Council since the Covid-19 pandemic. A quote I truly loved that was said by the Youth Council Advisor, Eileen Crocker, “the group you’ll never see sitting in the back.” Which I loved because at ever UNITY Conference either Midyear or National, I always see the White Mountain Apache Tribal Youth Council sitting in the front! It was an amazing event, and i’m grateful to have made the drive, because the drive was truly beautiful. I was able to meet the members that were sworn into the Youth Council, and also witness their oath of office. As well as there Female and Male Co-Presidents: Jada Vargas and Shane Paxson Jr, speeches where they focused on their expectations and goals for their upcoming term with the Youth Council! Also in attendance of the inauguration were the Fort Mcdowell Yavapai Nation Youth Council and the Yavapai Apache Youth Council that came from Camp Verde, Arizona! There was so much positive energy in one room, and extremely humbled to have been apart of such a historic event! I have great intentions that the White Mountain Apache Tribal Youth Council will do an amazing job at representing their community, and their people!
Overall, this month has truly been productive, and i’m extremely grateful to have attended and volunteered at many memorable events! I hope to continue to meet more of our neighboring tribes either at events or gatherings, and most importantly meet all of the amazing and inspiring Youth Leaders within the Western Region!