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 attended Native Sisters Circle’s “Talking Tuesday” gathering on January 6. The weekly space brings together young Native women to share a meal, reconnect, and support one another. After returning from the holiday break, the gathering provided an opportunity for participants to catch up, share stories, and spend time in a safe and welcoming environment.
For Alina, the weekly gatherings are an important part of maintaining strong relationships within the community.
“I love Tuesdays,” she shared. “Tuesdays are for reflection, talking, and sharing a safe space.”
Throughout January, Alina also participated in the Substance Use Prevention Education (SUPE) Cohort, which met weekly on January 8, 15, 22, and 29. During these sessions, participants began working on their Winter Counts, a traditional form of reflection that records meaningful life events and experiences over time.
Creating a Winter Count encouraged participants to reflect on memories from childhood through young adulthood and consider how those experiences shape who they are today. For Alina, the activity became an opportunity for healing and self-understanding.
“My winter count was healing, just as much as this cohort and space is,” she shared.
Programs like the SUPE Cohort combine cultural reflection with prevention education, creating spaces where Native youth and young adults can explore personal wellness while building leadership skills and community connections.
Through these gatherings, Alina continues to demonstrate how leadership often begins with reflection—taking time to understand one’s story, connect with community, and support others along their own journeys.
