Helena Sorenson has been quietly making big things happen for the UNITY family for a long time. From turning complex travel logistics into smooth arrivals, calm check-ins, and “we’re good” moments when everyone else is stress-sweating. Her career started in service, including volunteer work with the American Red Cross, and grew into decades of travel […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
[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 […]
Interested in exploring all that Arizona State University has to offer? UNITY is partnering with ASU and is offering campus tours during the Midyear Conference January 16, 2026. Explore the Downtown Phoenix campus and the vast areas of study they have to offer from Public Service to Design and the Arts. During the tour, ASU […]
