Some of the strongest community connections happen in everyday spaces—whether it’s distributing food to families in need or gathering on the basketball court after a long day. For Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, February was about showing up for his community in ways that bring people together. At the beginning of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] The National UNITY Council (NUC) continues to move forward because of the leadership, commitment, and impact of UNITY Youth Councils across the country. As we prepare for the upcoming UNITY Midyear Conference, the NUC Executive Committee is pleased to share this 30-day notice of items that will be presented for review and action […]
Stepping into leadership isn’t always comfortable—but it is always powerful. This November, Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN) embraced that growth, representing his tribe and Native youth on both local and national stages as a Southern Plains Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. On November 5, Victor attended a Youth […]
Leadership is about creating spaces where Native youth know they belong. This October, Ethan Hedgepeth, of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage, strengthened connections both regionally and on campus—reminding Native students that they are never alone. As a Southeast Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Ethan co-hosted a Southeast and Southern Plains Regional Meetup over […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] In the heart of Oklahoma City, at the First Americans Museum, Native Youth from across the state and beyond would gather for an immersive two day experience of peer bonding, community building, and resource mapping. This two day Healing Circle would focus on highlighting the power of community and healing through shared stories. […]
Balancing college finals, community leadership, and preparing for fatherhood? That’s next-level responsibility. This December, Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation showed what it means to lead with heart, hustle, and humility—proving that Native youth leadership is about showing up, even when life gets busy. As a Southern Plains Executive Committee member of the […]
Even while facing personal health challenges, Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque chose to lean into leadership and purpose. October was a demanding month, but it became a powerful reminder that healing and service often walk hand in hand. As a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Jamie traveled to Oklahoma […]
