The National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC) program has had an impactful year, serving as the collective voice of Native youth nationwide. Elected annually in July, the two Executive Committees serving in 2024 have upheld UNITY’s mission of fostering the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth through a wide range of initiatives, […]
The UNITY 25 Under 25 program exemplifies the transformative power of Native youth leadership. This year, 25 outstanding leaders from diverse tribal communities across the United States showcased their ability to drive change through initiatives rooted in cultural preservation, environmental justice, mental health advocacy, and economic empowerment. Their collective efforts highlight UNITY’s mission to foster […]
The 2023-24 Circle of Earth Ambassadors has redefined what it means to lead with purpose and passion, using their voices and actions to advocate for environmental stewardship and sustainability in Indian Country. Selected for their demonstrated leadership and commitment to their communities, these ambassadors have made a lasting impact through innovative initiatives, educational workshops, and […]
December marked a celebratory season of service and recognition for Georgia Harjo, who continued her role as Miss Indian Oklahoma and UNITY 25 Under 25 leader with grace, creativity, and generosity. Celebration and Recognition On December 1st, Georgia received notice she was a semifinalist for the prestigious Gates Scholarship. A few days later, she was […]
The Missoula Native Youth Council played a key leadership role in the Montana Tribal Language Series, a four-session cultural event held at the University of Montana’s Payne Family Native American Center. With over 120 attendees across the series, the event focused on spiritual wellness through the revitalization and celebration of Indigenous languages. The series highlighted […]
Honoring Heritage at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Evelyn Enos, an Akimel O’odham and Tohono O’odham youth leader, exemplifies servant leadership through her active participation in cultural and national events. As a UNITY 25 Under 25 honoree, Evelyn recently took part in the Native American Heritage Month celebration at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in […]
“Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon: Building Healing and Connection for Indigenous Youth” “The overwhelming feeling of wishing I could go back in time to hug my younger self and tell her everything is going to be okay is not unfamiliar to me,” shares Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon, a proud Mohegan tribal member and UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee. These words […]
Gabriella Nakai, a proud citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Navajo Nation, understands that true leadership means honoring the past, serving the present, and creating pathways for future generations. As a UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee, Gabriella spent the fall and winter seasons demonstrating servant leadership that uplifts Indigenous communities across the […]
On a crisp winter evening, the ACIR InnerVoice Youth Council embraced the holiday spirit by supporting the annual Tribal Christmas Dinner at the Polk County Commerce Center, where over 100 elders, families, and community members gathered to celebrate, connect, and reflect. The dinner has long been a cherished tradition, bringing together generations to honor the […]
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), in partnership with the Center for Native American Youth and the White House, co-hosted the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The event, held at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building, brought together nearly 150 Native youth leaders nationwide to engage in […]
