UNITY - Native Youth

UNITY is proud to announce the seventh class of the 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders—a national recognition program honoring outstanding Native American and Alaska Native youth who exemplify UNITY’s mission and live a balanced life grounded in spiritual, mental, physical, and social well-being. Since 2014, this program has celebrated exceptional Native youth leaders who are making a meaningful impact in their communities across Indian Country. Each honoree will receive a handcrafted beaded medallion and participate in a seven-month leadership development experience designed to strengthen their impact and elevate their voices. The 2026 class will be recognized at the 50th National UNITY Conference, July 10–14, 2026, in OKC, Oklahoma. 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders Aliyah Atencio, 23, Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM Angelina Hinojosa, 20, Pinoleville Pomo Nation, CA Anisa Pelayo, 22, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, NV Dylan Dettloff, 21, Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, WI Evynn Richardson, 23, Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe, NC Gabriel Spinks, 24, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation, MN Gianni Lacey-Howard, 24, Occaneechi-Saponi Tribe, NC Grace Fox, 24, Seminole Nation, OK Jalen Harvey, 20, Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Acoma, Hopi Tribe, AZ Keona Hosteen, 23, Navajo Nation, NM Kiian Huenemann, 21, Navajo Nation, NM Krissia Tuzroyluk, 22, Native Village of Point Hope, AK Laylalanai Gocobachi, 20, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, AZ Mahiya Ramirez, 23, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, OK McKaylin Peters, 24, Menominee Indian Tribe, WI Meranden Numkena, 24, Hopi / Navajo Nation, AZ Myson Galindo, 17, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, AZ Ohiya Walker, 17, Cheyenne River Sioux, Red Lake Ojibwe, Mvskoke Creek, AZ Paige Nakai, 24, Navajo Nation, NM Priya Simpson, 22, White Mountain Apache Tribe, NM Reg Macarro, 20, Pechanga Band of Indians, CA Summer Wildbill, 21, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, OR Ursula Myron-Salvata, 20, Hopi Tribe, NY Vydell Willie, 19, Navajo Nation, AZ Whitney Robinson, 18, Apsáalooke (Crow), MT Congratulations to these incredible leaders! /25-under-25/

Don’t wait, buy your limited edition 50th anniversary merch now and arrive in style at our 2026 conferences 😎 Shop using the link in our bio!

When youth voices rise, the Tribal Leadership listens. UNITY identified top 10 issues within Native American Youth at the 2025 National Conference in San Diego, California. This morning during the General Assembly, our Co-Presidents and members of our Executive Committee stood in front of 1,000+ Tribal Leaders to inform and advocate for issues that youth face. #AdvocacyinAction #NativeYouth #UNITY #NCAI

⏰ Two weeks left to save! The discounted registration rate for the UNITY Midyear Conference ends May 31. Don’t miss your chance to register at the lower rate and join Native youth leaders from across the country for leadership development, networking, cultural exchange, and unforgettable experiences. Secure your spot before the deadline and be part of the UNITY experience. Register today!

May 21 is Native Nonprofit Day — a time to recognize and support Native-led organizations making an impact in Indigenous communities every day. At UNITY, we are dedicated to empowering Native youth through leadership development, cultural connection, and opportunities that help shape the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Your support helps provide mentorship, programs, conferences, and leadership experiences for Native youth across the country. Join us in investing in Native youth, Native leadership, and Native futures. Donate today.

✨ Got a talent you’re ready to share? Talent Night at the 2026 National UNITY Conference is your moment to take the stage and showcase your skills — whether it’s singing, dancing, spoken word, comedy, music, or something completely unique. All performers must register in advance using the Talent Night sign-up link. No same-day sign-ups will be accepted, so make sure to complete your registration before the event. Bring the energy, creativity, and confidence — we can’t wait to see you shine on stage! 🌟 Sign up using the link in bio.

🚨 DEADLINE TODAY — 5 PM! 🚨 This is your final chance to audition for UNITY News! 🎤 We’re looking for Native youth ages 18–24 to become the next UNITY News Anchors! Your audition video must be 60 seconds or less — so submit yours before 5 PM today! Don’t miss your shot to represent Native youth on the UNITY stage.

✨ Culture Night at the 2026 National UNITY Conference is your chance to share the beauty, strength, and traditions of your Nation, Tribe, or community with youth from across Turtle Island. From traditional songs and dances to regalia, storytelling, and cultural presentations — this is a night to celebrate who we are together. All participants must register in advance using the Culture Night sign-up link. No same-day sign-ups will be accepted, so be sure to complete your registration prior to the event. Come ready to represent, connect, and celebrate culture in a powerful way. 🪶🔥 Sign up using the link in bio.

Celebrating 50 years of UNITY means celebrating the leaders who continue to make an impact long after their time on the Executive Committee. Today we spotlight former UNITY Co-President Matthias Lupe, who was elected in 2006 and has remained committed to serving and uplifting his community through leadership, advocacy, and education. Thank you, Matthias, for continuing to lead with purpose and for inspiring the next generation of Native youth leaders. ✨

🚨 REMINDER! UNITY News auditions are due May 14th! 🚨 Do you have what it takes to be the next UNITY News Anchor? 🎤 We’re looking for Native youth ages 18–24 to serve as: 📰 Main Anchors ☀️ Weather Anchor 🏈 Sports Anchor Selected participants will receive: ✔️ FREE National UNITY Conference registration ✔️ Monetary prize ✔️ All-expense paid trip to Phoenix to film at a professional TV station Your audition video must be 60 seconds or less, so bring your creativity, confidence, and personality! Don’t miss your chance to shine on the UNITY stage. Apply before the deadline! Link in bio and highlights

May 21st is Native Nonprofit Day — a day to uplift organizations making a difference in Native communities. At UNITY, we empower Native American and Alaska Native youth through leadership development, cultural connection, and community engagement opportunities that help shape the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Your donation helps provide programs, mentorship, conferences, and leadership experiences for Native youth across the country. Join us in investing in Native youth and Native futures. Donate today using the link in bio.

✨ UNITY MODEL CALL ✨ Have you ever wanted to try modeling or walk in a fashion show? Now’s your chance! ❤️💙 At the 50th Anniversary National UNITY Conference, youth will have the opportunity to participate in the UNITY Fashion Show featuring Red Berry Woman. Both young men and young women are encouraged to apply! To be considered for the FIRST ROUND of auditions, applicants must submit: • A video of your walk • A front profile photo • A side profile photo 🚫 There will be NO in-person auditions. Everyone must complete the online submission first to be considered for the first round. **Deadline to apply: June 30th at 11:59 PM MST Apply here: /forms/d/10z4GoAh2Np3Zv83XIrvk6mS_PYQ5ngD3d9Zokwpr_Z0/edit?usp=drivesdk