Behind every powerful youth gathering is a team of leaders working tirelessly to make it happen. This January, Liliana Mars of the Narragansett and Navajo Nations dedicated much of her time to preparing for one of UNITY’s most impactful events of the year—the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference. As a Northeast Executive Committee Member of the […]
When Native youth speak up about the challenges facing their communities, powerful solutions begin to emerge. This January, Mazie Countryman—Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone Bannock, and Navajo leader—helped create that space for change while serving as Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Mazie traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the 2026 UNITY […]
Leadership takes many forms—planning for the future, uplifting culture, and creating spaces where Native youth can connect and grow. This January, Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi continued to embody that spirit of servant leadership as a Midwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. The month began on January 4 with […]
For Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque, January was filled with moments of pride, inspiration, and renewed commitment to Native youth leadership. As a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Jamie began the year by reconnecting with fellow youth leaders and celebrating an important milestone within their family. From January 16–19, […]
January marked a month of connection, transition, and cultural engagement for Rhiannon Eaglespeaker of Blackfeet and Kiowa heritage. As a Rocky Mountain Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Rhiannon began the year by strengthening relationships with Native youth leaders across the country and continuing community involvement in Montana. The month began with Rhiannon […]
Phoenix, Arizona — January 19, 2026 During the UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, the National UNITY Council (NUC) officially adopted a powerful resolution titled “Restoring Balance: Healing Trauma & Ending Violence in Native Communities.”Approved at the National UNITY Council Business Meeting with a quorum present, the resolution establishes a unified, youth-driven framework to address some […]
For Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the UNITY Midyear Conference was more than a leadership gathering—it was a space to reconnect with culture, build relationships, and strengthen the collective voice of Native youth. As a Western Region Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Amaya attended the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference held […]
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 […]
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 […]
