When UNITY summer intern Roshaun Norcross (Navajo) joined acclaimed Phoenix artist Antoinette Cauley and the Phoenix Mercury for a month-long mural mentorship, she stepped into more than an art project—it became a transformative journey rooted in cultural expression, professional growth, and community connection. “This month-long program helped me be an even bigger part of the […]
A 75-foot-long string of red ribbons carrying names and messages now hangs at a memorial site for San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, who was reported missing in Mesa, Arizona, and whose remains were found 100 miles away near Globe, Arizona, earlier this year. During the National UNITY Conference, held in late June in San […]
When Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi returned from the UNITY Conference, she didn’t slow down—in fact, she sped up. Within days, she was developing workshops, meeting with local leaders, and hosting hands-on activities that wove together environmental education, cultural preservation, and youth leadership. Her July became a powerful example of how one committed leader can inspire […]
This July, UNITY Earth Ambassador Nizhoni Deschene, Navajo and Turtle Mountain Chippewa, dedicated his efforts to bridging the gap between Indigenous knowledge, financial literacy, and authentic youth leadership. Continuing his internship at Tallsalt Advisors, a Native-led investment advisory firm, he took on key responsibilities that advanced both internal operations and client-facing initiatives. From compiling detailed […]
For Amaya Escalante (Pascua Yaqui Tribe), July was a month dedicated to leadership, cultural preservation, and civic engagement. Following her attendance at the 2025 National UNITY Conference, Amaya presented her conference report to the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council during one of their biweekly meetings — a trip made possible through the council’s sponsorship. While there, […]
Featuring Earth Ambassador: Jizelle Juan (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Western Region) This month, Earth Ambassador Jizelle Juan embodied the spirit of youth leadership through cultural celebration, civic engagement, and powerful public speaking. As a committed member of the Young River Peoples Council, she took part in two executive board meetings, two general council meetings, […]
Featuring Earth Ambassador: Vydell Willie (Navajo Nation, Western Region) Community Events: Honoring Legacy Through Celebration This July, UNITY Earth Ambassador Vydell Willie found himself in the heart of community celebrations and civic milestones across the Navajo Nation. He began the month by attending the Day 3 Summer Council Session, where his uncle’s Country Western band […]
Amaya Escalante: Uplifting Youth, Culture, and Community Through Leadership and Service Lios enchim aniavu, Ketchem Allea? Hello everyone—may Creator walk with you all. Amaya Escalante, a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe from Tucson, Arizona, is a dedicated leader, culture bearer, and passionate advocate for Native youth. As the Western Area Representative for the […]
Jovi Williams, 20 Tribe: White Mountain Apache Tribe Individual Member Jovi, a 20-year-old member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, resides in the community of Dishchii’bikoh on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. Born from the Dzil T’adn (Mountain Based People) to the Sai Yagaidn (White Sands People), Jovi has emerged as a dedicated […]
Jizelle Juan, 18 Tribe: Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Youth Council: Young River Peoples Council Jizelle Juan, an 18-year-old from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, is a passionate advocate for Indigenous youth and a rising leader in both her tribal nation and professional aspirations. A recent graduate of Mountain View High School and the […]
