For Tia Butler of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, January was a month rooted in cultural education, community outreach, and preparing for the UNITY Midyear Conference. Throughout the month, Tia continued working with students and community members to share teachings about traditional plant medicines and Indigenous ecological knowledge. These educational efforts help pass down […]
Service, culture, and education guided the start of the year for Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN). As a Southern Plains Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Victor spent January engaging in community service, tribal governance discussions, cultural education, and academic progress—demonstrating what it means to lead through action. On […]
From the moment youth leaders arrive, the energy of the UNITY Midyear Conference is something you can feel in the room. For Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria, the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Arizona was a powerful reminder of why Native youth leadership matters. Held from January 16–19, the gathering brought together […]
Hope for the future of Indian Country was on full display this January as hundreds of Native youth gathered in Phoenix, Arizona for the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference. Among the leaders helping guide that momentum was Watson Whitford, Chippewa Cree and Navajo leader and Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. The Midyear Conference […]
January offered moments of reflection and connection for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria, who serves as the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Through community gatherings and personal reflection activities, Alina spent the month strengthening relationships while focusing on wellness and growth. At the beginning of the month, Alina […]
January offered Alina Sanchez two powerful reminders that leadership often happens at the intersection of advocacy, education, and culture. As the Pacific Region Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina participated in gatherings that encouraged reflection on community challenges while uplifting Native presence on college campuses. On January 24, Alina attended the CYBHI […]
When Native youth show up fully as themselves—culture first, community always—powerful things happen. This January, Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe embodied that spirit of servant leadership at the 2026 UNITY Mid-Year Conference in Phoenix, creating space for cultural exchange, deeper regional connection, and youth-led growth. As a Western Region Executive Committee member, Amaya […]
2026 National UNITY Conference | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma For nearly five decades, United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) has uplifted individuals and youth councils whose leadership strengthens Native youth, families, and communities across Indian Country. As part of the 2026 National UNITY Conference—a historic gathering marking UNITY’s 50th Anniversary —we are proud to honor exceptional […]
The conference was held January 17-19 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel Phoenix, Ariz. – More than 600 Native youth from tribal communities throughout the United States gathered for the UNITY Midyear Conference over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Addressing the most important issues they face today, attendees celebrated Dr. King’s legacy by building real-world […]
January marked an important time of transition and growth for Vydell Willie of the Navajo Nation, a UNITY Earth Ambassador in the Western Region. As the new year began, Vydell stepped into a new academic semester at Northern Arizona University while continuing to stay active in leadership and personal development. At the beginning of the […]
