INDIGENOUS STEWARDSHIP
Welcome Relatives
Inspiring Hope. Changing Lives.
UNITY’s Mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native youth, and to help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement.
Youth Programs
The heart of UNITY is its affiliated youth councils, which are sponsored by tribes, Alaska Native villages, high schools, colleges, urban centers, and others. LEARN MORE »
Scholarships & Awards
Stay up to date on our scholarship opportunities and awards throughout the year. If you are aware of a candidate please have them apply. LEARN MORE »
Native Youth
A space dedicated to listing all the latest news and events happening among Native youth across the country.
LEARN MORE »
Membership
Native American youth can make a difference, but first, they must be organized and prepared for action. An effective way to accomplish this is through a youth council. LEARN MORE »
🎉 Sponsor Spotlight 🎉
UNITY is proud to recognize Gila River Health Care as a valued sponsor of the 2026 National UNITY Conference as we celebrate 50 years of empowering Native youth.
By supporting Native youth and investing in healthy communities, Gila River Health Care is helping strengthen future generations of Indigenous leaders.
Thank you, Gila River Health Care, for your partnership and support of Native youth across Indian Country.
🌟 Proven leaders, continued commitment! The 2025 National UNITY Conference celebrates Native youth leaders who have stepped forward to continue serving their regions. 🌟
Congratulations to our NUCEC Regional Representative candidates running unopposed and seeking their second term:
Southeast Region
Ethan Hedgepeth
Pacific Region
Alina Sanches
Rocky Mountain Region
Rhiannon Eagle Speaker
Great Plains Region
Weston Bird
These dedicated leaders have chosen to continue serving their regions, building on the work they`ve already accomplished and helping shape the future of Native youth leadership.
Learn more about all the NUCEC candidates by visiting 👉 www.unityinc.org. Click on Youth Council Programs, then navigate to National UNITY Council Regions.
Join us in congratulating these outstanding young leaders as they continue their journey of service! #UNITYOK2026
🌟Young leaders, big dreams! The 2025 National UNITY Conference showcases the future of Native youth leadership — meet your NUCEC candidates!🌟
Representing the Western Region, we’re proud to introduce the candidates:
Jada Vargas, 20
White Mountain Apache Tribe
White Mountain Apache Tribal Youth Council
Landon Martinez, 18
Gila River Indian Community
Akimel O`odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council
Learn more about all the NUCEC candidates by visiting 👉 www.unityinc.org. Click on Youth Council Programs, then navigate to National UNITY Council Regions.
Let’s celebrate and support these future leaders of Native youth! #UNITYOK2026
We`re thrilled to introduce the next four keynote speakers joining us at the 50th Anniversary National UNITY Conference!
✨ Paulina Alexis
✨ Dallas Goldtooth
✨ Christian Wassana
✨Julian Brave Noisecat
Each of these incredible Indigenous leaders, storytellers, actors, filmmakers, and advocates brings a unique voice and powerful perspective that will inspire Native youth from across North America.
As we celebrate 50 years of UNITY, this year`s conference is shaping up to be one you won`t want to miss.
⏳ The countdown is officially on! Pre-Conference activities begin July 9, and we`ll soon be welcoming thousands of Native youth, advisors, presenters, and special guests to Oklahoma City for an unforgettable week of leadership, culture, connection, and celebration.
Who`s ready for #UNITYOK2026 ? ❤️💙
🌟 The 2026 National UNITY Conference is almost here, and it`s time to meet the inspiring young leaders running for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC)! 🌟
Representing the Southwest Region, we’re proud to introduce the candidates:
Jesse Crowe, 23
Pueblo of Tesuque
Pueblo of Tesuque Youth Coalition
Tzeitel Manuelito, 15
Navajo
Kirtland Central Dine` Youth Council
Learn more about all the NUCEC candidates by visiting 👉 www.unityinc.org. Click on Youth Council Programs, then navigate to National UNITY Council Regions.
Let’s celebrate and support these future leaders of Native youth!
For the first time ever, the UNITY Gaming Lounge is bringing an official Gaming Tournament to the 50th Anniversary National UNITY Conference!
Whether you`re ready to compete, cheer on your friends, or just enjoy an evening of fun, this is your chance to be part of UNITY history.
📍 Room 204 | OKC Convention Center
📅 July 11, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM
Celebrate 50 years of UNITY by connecting with fellow Native youth through gaming, community, and a little friendly competition.
A huge thank you to our partners College of the Muscogee Nation and Gaming Is Rezilience for helping make this event possible.
#UNITYOK2026
🪶 Powwow, Gourd Dance, Stomp Dance, Staff & Event Information 🪶
Schedule
Gourd Dance: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Grand Entry: 7:00 PM
Stomp Dance (4th Floor Ballroom)
Begins: 7:00 PM
MC: Chebon Kernell
Contest
Tiny Tot
Registered Tiny Tot receives $5 (First 50 participants).
Juniors (Ages 6–12)
1st – $75 | 2nd – $50 | 3rd – $25
Girls: Cloth • Buckskin • Fancy Shawl • Jingle
Boys: Straight • Traditional • Grass • Fancy
Teen (Ages 13–17)
1st – $100 | 2nd – $75 | 3rd – $50
Girls: Cloth • Buckskin • Fancy Shawl • Jingle
Boys: Straight • Traditional • Grass • Fancy
Young Adult (Ages 18–24)
1st – $150 | 2nd – $100 | 3rd – $75
Women: Cloth • Buckskin • Fancy Shawl • Jingle
Men: Straight • Traditional • Grass • Fancy
Specials
Team Dance (Girls & Boys): 1st $300 • 2nd $200 • 3rd $100
Potato Dance: $100 each to 2 winners
Two Step: $100 each to 2 winners
Street Clothes: $100 each to 2 winners
Lulu Contest: $100 Winner
Warhoop Contest: $100 Winner
Stickhorse NDN Relay: 1st $300 • 2nd $200 • 3rd $100
Scavenger Hunt: 15 prize categories with $20 prizes
Powwow Staff
MC: Corey Still & Max Bear
Arena Director: Marshall Williamson
Head Lady Dancer: Audrina Greeley
Head Man Dancer: Titus Wassana
Head Little Girl: Lamiyah Gray
Head Little Boy: Princeton Degollado
Head Gourd Clan: Star Hawk Society
Host Drum: Full Metal Jacket
Tabulators: David Strong & Regina Youngbear
Registration: Melissa Buffalomeat & Vida Blackwolf
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Lucky Star Casino
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes
Muscogee Nation Business, LLC
Join us for an unforgettable evening of dancing and singing. We look forward to welcoming dancers, singers, families, and visitors for an exciting weekend!
🌟 The 2026 National UNITY Conference is approaching, and it`s time to meet the young leaders running for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC)! 🌟
Representing the Northwest Region, we’re proud to introduce the candidates:
Kahmussa Green, 20
Confederated Tribes of Warm Spring
Individual Member
Dean Smith, 18
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon
Siletz Tribal Youth Council
Lance Stone, 17
Klamath Tribe
Klamath Tribes Youth Council
Helen Sekaquaptewa, 17
Yakama Nation
Yakama Nation Youth Council
Learn more about all the NUCEC candidates by visiting 👉 www.unityinc.org. Click on Youth Council Programs, then navigate to National UNITY Council Regions.
Let’s celebrate and support these future leaders of Native youth!
UNITY CONFERENCES
2025 MIDYEAR CONFRENCE RECAP
2025 NATIONAL CONFRENCE RECAP
NEWS & EVENTS
Providing a Safe and Empowering Environment
