Western Region
UNITY Regional Profile
The Western Region consists of geographical areas and the states of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. The Western region has 65 affiliated youth councils in 3 states within the UNITY Network.
The Western Region is a significant region within the UNITY Organization, as it is the current UNITY Headquarters office located in Mesa, AZ. The western part of this region trails through the desert of Arizona to the vast semiarid grasslands of Nevada, ending with the Rocky Mountains of Utah. Within these states, there are approximately fifty federally recognized Tribes and thirty-plus Youth councils. Each is unique and different through culture, language, and government.
2025 Spring Native Youth Meetup
2022 SPRING Western VIRTUAL MEET-UP
2021 Fall Western Virtual Meet-Up
UNITY News: Western Updates
Western Regional Representative: Amaya Escalante
Amaya Escalante– UNITY Western Area Representative
Tribes: Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona
Click + to learn more:
Lios enchim aniavu, Ketchem Allea?
Hello everyone—may Creator walk with you all.
Amaya Escalante is a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe from Tucson, Arizona, currently serving as the Western Area Representative for the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee. In her role, she represents Native youth from Arizona, Nevada, and Utah—advocating for youth empowerment, cultural pride, and leadership development.
This fall, Amaya will begin coursework at Pima Community College, pursuing certifications in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training and Fire Science. Her long-term goal is to become a paramedic and serve her community through emergency response and public safety.
Amaya’s leadership journey began early. She served as Junior Miss Pascua Yaqui (2022–2023), where she used her platform to uplift and mentor young Yaqui women—encouraging them to embrace cultural leadership roles, build confidence, and celebrate their heritage.
She later served as Vice President of the Yoeme Youth Council (2023–2024), leading community initiatives focused on cultural preservation, service, and youth advocacy.
She is also an active member of the CHOKIM (Stars) Leadership Group, collaborating with peers to address local issues and organize impactful service projects throughout the community. Whether through cultural events, outreach programs, or grassroots efforts, Amaya continuously finds ways to give back and uplift others.
Amaya is passionate about being a role model for Native youth, encouraging them to step into their power as changemakers and community leaders. Her purpose is rooted in cultural preservation, mental health advocacy, and healing generational trauma. “When we invest in our Native youth, we plant the seeds of strong, resilient leaders who will carry our nations forward,” she says.
Her vision is to see more Indigenous youth step out of their comfort zones, use their voices, and lead with confidence. She is committed to helping young people build essential life skills—like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—while also nurturing emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and civic responsibility.
Tua Lios enchim hiokoe utte’esia
Thank you all, and may the Creator bless you.
WESTERN REGION
Jalen Harvey, Western Regional Representative/Secretary
National UNITY Council Executive Committee
Western Region Youth Councils
1. Young River People’s Council, Salt River, Arizona
2. Lutu’uria Youth Council, Navajo Nation, Arizona
3. Dzilyijiin Youth Council, Arizona
4. PYT Leaders of Tomorrow, Arizona
5. Akimel Oodham/Pee Posh Youth Council, Gila River, Arizona
6. Fort Yuma Youth Council, Arizona
7. Hikiwan District Youth Council, Tohono O’odham, Arizona
8. Morningstar Leaders Youth Council, Arizona
9. Office of Dine YOUTH, Navajo Nation, Arizona
10. Mesa STRENGTH Youth Council, Mesa Public Schools, Arizona
11. White Mountain Apache Tribal Youth Council, Arizona
12. Hopi High School Youth Council, Arizona
13. Tribal Images Youth Council, Tucson Public Schools, Arizona
14. Mountain View High School Native American Club, Arizona
15. BaHManya Magiyoda Youth Council, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Arizona
16. Native Insights Youth Council, Navajo Nation, Arizona
17. Colorado River Indian Tribes Youth Council, Arizona
18. Ak-Chin Youth Council, Arizona
19. Dookoliid Youth Council, Arizona
20. Yavapai Apache Youth Council, Arizona
21. Chukut Kuk District Youth Group, Tohono O’odham, Arizona
22. Fort Mohave Youth Council, Arizona
23. Cesar Chavez High School Native American Youth Council, Arizona
24. Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council, Arizona
25. Language and Culture- Yaqui Youth Group, Arizona
26. Sif-Oidak District Youth Council, Tohono O’odham, Arizona
27. Arizona Facts of Life, Arizona
28. Trevor Browne Native Youth Council, Arizona
29. Tucson Native Youth Council, Arizona
30. San Carlos Apache Youth Council, Arizona
31. Page High School UNITY, Arizona
32. Dine College Youth Council, Arizona
33. Future Inspired Native American Leaders Youth Council, Arizona
34. Youth MOVE, Pascua Yaqui, Arizona
35. Tohono Oodham Nation Youth Council, Arizona
36. Reach UR Life Youth Council, Arizona
37. Phoenix Union High School District Youth Council, Phoenix, Arizona
38. Winslow Residential Hall Youth Council, Arizona
39. Azee Bee Nahagha of Dine Nation, Arizona
40. Baboquivari District Youth Council, Arizona
41. Camelback High School Native Youth Council, Phoenix, Arizona
42. GuVo District Youth Council, Tohono O’odham, Arizona
43. North High School Native Youth Council, Phoenix, Arizona
44. San Lucy District Youth Council, Tohono O’odham, Arizona
45. Schuk Toak Youth Alliance, Tohono O’odham, Arizona
46. Tse dil Doil Youth Council, Navajo Nation, Arizona
47. Wa:k Youth Council, Tohono O’odham, Arizona
48. Yoeme UNITY Youth Council, Pascua Yaqui, Arizona
49. Pascua Yaqui Education Youth Council, Arizona
50. Pascua Yaqui Boys and Girls Club, Arizona
51. District 17 Youth Council, Navajo Nation, Arizona
52. Red Mountain UNITY Council, Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe, Nevada
54. UNITY of Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Nevada
55. Pyramid Lake High School UNITY Youth Council, Nevada
56. Shoshone-Paiute Tribe Duck Valley Indian Reservation, Nevada
57. Yerington Paiute Tribe, Nevada
58. UNITY Aneth/Montezuma Creek, Utah
59. Albert R Lyman Middle School Youth Council, Utah
60. Alpine School District, Utah
61. Monument Valley High School, Utah
62. Navajo Mountain High School, Utah
63. Navajo Mountain Junior High School, Utah
64. San Juan High School Youth Council, Utah
65. White Horse High School Youth Council, Utah
Jizelle Juan, 18
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Mountain View High School / East Valley Institute of Technology
Jizelle Juan is a proud member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. She is a senior at Mountain View High School and a second-year student in the Medical Assistant program at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). Jizelle currently serves as President of the Young River Peoples Council, where she leads youth efforts focused on cultural preservation, civic engagement, and community wellness.
A former Jr. Miss Salt River, Jizelle gained valuable leadership experience and continues to represent her community through traditional dance, jewelry making, and her role on the Get Out the Vote Committee. She plans to pursue a career in the medical field and is passionate about increasing Indigenous representation in healthcare. Jizelle hopes to use her voice, skills, and cultural knowledge to uplift her community and inspire the next generation of Native youth.
Laylalanai Gocobachi, 19
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
University of Arizona
Lios enchim aniavu, ketchem allea? Hello, my name is Laylalanai Gocobachi, and I am a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, with roots in the Barrio Libre and New Pascua communities of Tucson, Arizona. I’m currently an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona, majoring in Environmental Science with a focus on soil, air, and water. My passion for protecting the environment comes from witnessing the impacts of pollution, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity in our communities. I am committed to working with Indigenous and marginalized communities to blend education, science, and traditional ecological knowledge for a healthier future. Lios enchim hiokoe utte’esiavu — May Creator bless you all.
Vydell Willie, 18
Navajo Nation
Navajo Preparatory School / Incoming Northern Arizona University Student
Vydell Willie is a proud citizen of the Navajo Nation and a recent graduate of Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico. A dedicated student leader, he was involved in Student Senate and Natural Helpers while earning the Navajo Nation Seal of Bilingual Proficiency. This fall, Vydell will begin his college journey at Northern Arizona University as an undeclared major, eager to explore his academic interests. He was recently selected as a UNITY 2025–2026 Earth Ambassador, where he will continue his advocacy for environmental stewardship and protecting Mother Earth. Vydell is passionate about how caretakers can positively impact the environment and hopes to integrate this passion into his future career. He values faith, family, culture, and creativity—enjoying time with his grandmother, riding bikes with his sister, making digital posters, and reading his Bible. Guided by these values, Vydell is excited to grow as a leader and make a positive impact in both his community and the world.
Elise Lamas, 19, Tohono O’odham, Arizona
School: Diploma, Copper Canyon High School (2024); Enlistment, U.S. Navy
Platform: The project aims to address the issue of sexual harassment and assault within Native communities, highlighting its often-ignored and taboo status. It will involve a series of workshops, both online and in-person, beginning with a respectful and safe environment disclaimer. Participants will be informed of the sensitive nature of the topic and encouraged to leave if uncomfortable, while ensuring that discussions remain confidential. The workshops will feature introductions, a PowerPoint presentation on the connections between sexual assault and broader social issues such as MMIP, human trafficking, and substance abuse, and a discussion on community-specific challenges and strategies for change. Breakout sessions will generate ideas for improving dialogue about sexual harassment and assault, followed by sharing of resources and tools tailored for Native communities. The project will be executed over 4 to 6 months. Evaluation will focus on relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. My role will involve observing, evaluating, and contributing a youth perspective on the topic.
Evelyn Enos, 19, Akimel O’odham/Tohono O’odham, Arizona
School: Sophomore, Arizona State University; Major: Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior); Minor: American Indian Studies and Psychology
Platform: I plan to conduct a four-month series of writing workshops to develop the writing skills of Native youth in my area, with the goal of compiling their finished works into a published novel dedicated to their contributions. This project aims to give the youth a platform to showcase their talents and impact literature. Collaboration with Labriola at the ASU Hayden Library will provide valuable guidance, while involving my youth council will support both this writing initiative and an additional project to teach and design traditional attire, blending cultural education with creative skills.
Gabriella Nakai, 17, Choctaw/Navajo, Arizona
School: 1st year student, Stanford University; Major: Earth Systems (Environmental Science and Policy)
Platform: I propose launching a yoga-focused podcast to promote environmental and personal wellness among Native youth. This initiative will blend guided yoga sessions with lessons on growth, resilience, and environmental stewardship, making wellness education accessible and engaging. As a 200-hour certified yoga instructor, I will lead the podcast, creating content that encourages physical health and environmental consciousness. The project aims to develop over a few months, with its impact assessed through podcast analytics and social media engagement, ultimately fostering a generation of youth who are both physically grounded and spiritually uplifted.
Ian Teller, 23, Navajo, Arizona
School: Master’s Degree in Music Industry (2022), University of Southern California; Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (2021), Fort Lewis College
Platform: I am working on a project with CNAY’s Democracy’s Indigenous program aimed at boosting voter awareness and participation among the Navajo community for the 2024 election. Our strategy involves creating a social media campaign that features interviews with Navajo and Native individuals to generate interest and educate voters. This initiative targets young Navajo voters aged 18 to 24 across the 110 chapters of the Navajo Nation, as well as non-Native individuals interested in Native perspectives. By leveraging social media, we seek to bridge communication gaps in rural areas and engage with a broad audience, aiming for significant viewership and interaction. The project will progress through production, filming, and editing phases, with content released leading up to the November 2024 primaries.
Laney Marie Lupe, 23, White Mountain Apache, Arizona
School: Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Sports Science (2023), Park University
Platform: The “N’dee Strong Youth Summer Sports Camp” aims to address high rates of diabetes and obesity in the community by offering a free, multi-sport camp for youth aged 8-18. Hosted at the Mighty Falcon’s sports complex, the camp will feature a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse, with activities tailored for different skill levels. The program will include health education booths, motivational talks from local athletes, tribal members, and elders, and will reward participants with a shirt and water bottle. Planning for the camp will start 5-8 months in advance, covering logistics such as space usage, registration, and volunteer coordination. The event will be evaluated based on past community sports camps and its effectiveness in engaging youth. The project’s success will be enhanced by learning from previous organizers, ensuring a well-managed and impactful camp.
Precious Vicente, 24, Akimel O’odham/Hopi, Arizona
Career: Interpretive Ranger, National Park Service (Casa Grande Ruins)
Platform: I am planning a Culture Day at Casa Grande Ruins to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage, with a focus on the O’odham community. This event will feature a guided tour of the park, a social dance with community singers in our pollinator garden, and traditional O’odham gambling games in the park’s movie theater. Over three months, I will coordinate all aspects of the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly and all logistical needs, such as seating and setup, are met. This initiative aims to honor our cultural connections and engage the community through meaningful activities.
Samantha Eddy, 22, Navajo, Arizona
School: Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Studies; Minor in American Indian Studies (2023), University of Utah
Platform: I plan to undertake an oral history project to document the stories of Diné individuals regarding the construction of male and female hogan structures and related rituals. This project aims to preserve and return these narratives to the community, allowing them to own and share their cultural heritage. The estimated budget will cover travel, honorariums, recording equipment, food, and car rentals. The project is expected to span one or two academic semesters to allow adequate time for community engagement and research. In this project, I would serve as the principal investigator, overseeing the collection and analysis of oral histories.
Steve Harvey, 22, San Carlos Apache, Arizona
School: Sophomore, University of Arizona; Major: Sociology; Minor: Psychology
Platform: I am organizing a one-week outdoor program to support Native youth transitioning out of foster care. The program will offer a culturally immersive experience with a focus on healing and personal growth, featuring sessions on internal transformation, community engagement, and societal change. Scheduled from August 19–25, the activities will include academic support, cultural workshops, and community service, all designed to help participants address trauma, build resilience, and connect with their identity and community.
Talon Watchman, 14, Navajo, Arizona
School: Senior, Chaparral High School
Platform: I am creating the Young Indigenous Entrepreneurs Foundation to support young aspiring entrepreneurs by offering education and resources. The foundation will feature a laboratory equipped for developing business prototypes, providing practical experience and support for innovative ideas. The project aims to foster entrepreneurial skills and opportunities for Indigenous youth, with a construction timeline of approximately one year. As the Founder, I will also serve on the board of directors to ensure the foundation stays true to its mission and vision.

“Being here with UNITY is such a great experience. You get to meet so many new people and learn more about different tribes and their cultures.””

“The gathering, the sharing of cultures, the UNITY of our people!”

“Our YOUTH is the future!”

“It’s the best place to be open about what you think and what you want to do for your school or community. They make you feel like family and welcome you openly.”

“Great organization that allows empowerment for the Native youth to excel in leadership skills, networking opportunity, and early professional growth.”

“Awesome for youth group & leadership.”