For Jamie Crowe (Pueblo of Tesuque), Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, July was a month of growth, purpose, and commitment to the environment. The month began in San Diego, California, at the National UNITY Conference, where over 3,000 Native youth gathered to learn, share, and lead. Jamie returned home with a […]
The month of July was a full one for Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), UNITY’s Male Co-President, blending national leadership, cultural celebration, and community engagement. The month began at the National UNITY Conference, where Watson connected with Indigenous youth from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meeting with the new cohort of Executive Committee members […]
Ethan Hedgepeth: Uplifting Native Youth Through Wellness, Leadership, and Cultural Pride Ethan Hedgepeth, a proud Cherokee and Tuscarora leader from North Carolina, brings heart, determination, and cultural pride to his role as the 2025–2026 Southeast Area Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Representing Native youth from twelve southeastern states, Ethan is dedicated to […]
July was a whirlwind month for National UNITY Council Northeast Representative and Secretary Liliana Mars (Narragansett, Navajo), filled with cultural celebration, community service, and heartfelt leadership milestones. The month began on a high note as Liliana attended the National UNITY Conference in San Diego, California, where she was re-elected to her leadership roles. “The National […]
Amaya Escalante: Uplifting Youth, Culture, and Community Through Leadership and Service Lios enchim aniavu, Ketchem Allea? Hello everyone—may Creator walk with you all. Amaya Escalante, a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe from Tucson, Arizona, is a dedicated leader, culture bearer, and passionate advocate for Native youth. As the Western Area Representative for the […]
Alina Sanchez: Leading with Culture, Courage, and a Commitment to Youth Empowerment Michuksüs, oya set Alina Sanchez. Hello, my name is Alina Sanchez. I am a 17-year-old proud citizen of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe, and I’m honored to serve as the Pacific Area Representative on the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Entering her senior […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Melissa KaszubaJuly 11, 2025 melissa@uriascommunications.com UNITY Wraps Up a Successful Sold-Out National Conference With the theme “Voices of H.O.P.E. Empowering Youth, Transforming Communities,” theconference provided opportunities for learning, sharing, and celebration [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”43989,43990,43991,43992,43993,43994,43995,43996,43997,43998,43999,44000,44001,44002,44003,44004,44005,44006,44007,44008,44009,44010″ img_size=”full” autoplay=”yes” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1753114353651{padding-top: 55px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] Phoenix, Ariz. – More than 3,000 attendees from […]
During the 2025 National UNITY Conference, the organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth took center stage to share the lasting impact of Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) and the opportunities available through the Dreamstarter® Program—a leadership initiative that has helped Native youth across the country turn their dreams into community solutions. Though […]
Before the official kickoff of the 2025 National UNITY Conference, a group of Native youth leaders arrived early in San Diego to participate in UNITY’s Earth Ambassadors Pre-Conference Training—a powerful experience blending cultural connection, environmental education, and action planning for climate justice. These youth make up the newly selected 2025–2026 Circle of UNITY Earth Ambassadors, […]
On Friday, June 27, over 3,000 Native youth, advisors, and community leaders gathered in San Diego with culture sharing at the National UNITY Conference: the Lighting of the UNITY Fire. This spiritual gathering marked the official start of the conference’s main sessions and reminded everyone present that this event is more than a gathering—it is […]
