In a powerful convergence of culture and leadership, UNITY’s Executive Committee traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, to participate in the 81st Annual National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Convention. The convention served as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the celebration of tribal sovereignty and self-determination. This year marked the third year of partnership […]
What drives someone to run 100 miles through rugged mountain trails, facing darkness, exhaustion, and pain? For Christopher Porcaro, the answer is simple: purpose. This September, the Seattle-based father and outdoor enthusiast completed the Mountain Lakes 100-mile ultramarathon in Oregon, raising over $6,200 for UNITY and Indigenous Earth, two organizations dedicated to supporting Native youth […]
Kaylee Evans Leads with Purpose Across the Southeast Leadership steeped in cultural pride and resilience drives Kaylee Evans as Southeastern Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. This October, the Haliwa-Saponi and Lumbee youth leaders united Native youth and celebrated Indigenous heritage through impactful events and initiatives that honored tradition and inspired connection. “October […]
Leadership transcends borders for Liliana Mars, a proud Narragansett and Navajo youth leader serving as Northeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Liliana uses her roles from the Pacific coast to the Southeast and back to her Northeast homeland to inspire Native youth, promote cultural pride, and foster unity. “All throughout September, I […]
The Missoula Native Youth Council (NYC) brought energy, education, and cultural leadership to the annual Halloween event at Russell Elementary School, reaching over 200 community members. While the event was packed with festive fun, the Council used the opportunity to spotlight a serious message as part of Red Ribbon Week: the dangers of commercial tobacco […]
Watson Whitford, UNITY Male Co-President, exemplifies dedication to cultural heritage and community engagement through his recent activities. Whitford participates in significant cultural events that not only reflect his commitment to his roots but also his leadership within the Native youth community. Engaging in Ceremony and Tradition At the beginning of July, during the National UNITY […]
Mazie Countryman, the UNITY Northwest Region Representative, has been actively engaged in a series of significant events that highlight her commitment to fostering community and cultural pride among Native youth. Throughout July and August, Countryman participated in various activities that not only celebrated tribal heritage but also encouraged youth involvement and leadership. In July, Countryman […]
In August and September, Jalen Harvey, the Secretary and Western Region Representative for UNITY, embarked on a transformative journey filled with new opportunities and experiences that shaped her personal and professional growth. As August commenced, Harvey concluded a pivotal summer internship with UNITY. She expressed her gratitude, stating, ” This internship has been filled with […]
“Leading Through Knowledge: Natalie Battiest’s Path to Empowering Native Communities” The power of research as a tool for transformation is at the heart of Natalie Battiest’s leadership as a UNITY 25 Under 25 honoree. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, her dedication to community-based research highlights how Native youth can inspire progress, […]
October was a powerful month of creativity, connection, and leadership for Mahiya Ramirez. As a Muscogee Nation citizen and UNITY Executive Committee member, she carried out a diverse slate of projects—ranging from artistic expression to national-level advocacy for Native youth. Creative Culture Through Fashion On October 19th, Mahiya traveled to Lawton, Oklahoma to complete a […]
