PORTLAND, OR – More than 2,800 Native youth from around the country came together to celebrate their culture and nurture their spiritual, mental, physical, and social well-being. The National UNITY Conference was held from June 29 to July 3 in Portland, OR. Attendees had the opportunity to visit Nike World Headquarters; hear keynote presentations from Marcus “Emcee One” Guinn – the official DJ for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indigenous Canadian actor and playwright – and physician Dr. Evan Adams; and enjoy a special performance by Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas.
“The theme of our National Conference was ‘Revitalizing Our Roots,’ and I can confidently say that we really hit the mark by energizing and educating the youth attendees about personal development, advocacy, and wellness,” said Mary Kim Titla, UNITY Executive Director. “The cultural sharing and connections made at the National Conference are inspiring and instill me with so much hope for the future of our Native communities.”
Pre-conference activities included campus tours at Portland State University, emcee training, and a Native Youth Empowerment Night. Spiritual development was the theme of the conference’s opening day, with attendees encouraged to wear red in honor of missing and murdered Indigenous people. The day started with the lighting of the UNITY Fire and a cultural blessing. Dr. Adams provided the keynote address, which was followed by the official recognition of UNITY’s 25 Under 25 honorees. The welcome reception featured a Canoe Families Coastal Jam with Northwest tribal singing and dancing.
Day two was College and Career Readiness Day, which focused on mental development. Emcee One kicked off the day with his inspirational keynote presentation, and youth attended workshops throughout the day. The next day was Wellness Warrior Day, which included a trip to Nike World Headquarters and the return of the UNITY 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Traditional Skirt & Shirt Day focused on social development, with a fashion show, cultural sharing, and a special and lively performance by hip-hop artist Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas who was joined by Emcee One and hoop dancer Eric Hernandez. The UNITY gala was preceded by a fashion show presented by Norma Flying-Horse “Red Berry Woman.” The evening concluded with award and scholarship presentations.
UNITY youth peers elected Kaytlynn Johnston (Bishop Paiute Tribe of California) and Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo of Montana) as co-presidents of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee.
During their one-year term, Johnston and Whitford will work with the following 10 area representatives who were also elected by youth councils during the conference:
- Great Plains Area Representative: Sophie Landin, Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara of North Dakota
- Midwest Area Representative: Marla Mesarina, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe/Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe of Minnesota
- Northeast Area Representative: Liliana Mars, Narragansett/Navajo of Rhode Island
- Northwest Area Representative: Maize Countryman, Northern Arapaho/Navajo/Eastern Shoshone of Idaho
- Pacific Area Representative: Ashley Johnson, Bishop Paiute of California
- Rocky Mountain Area Representative/Vice President: O’Shay Birdinground, Apsaalooke (Crow) of Montana
- Southeast Area Representative: Kaylee Evans, Haliwa-Saponi/Lumbee of North Carolina
- Southern Plains Area Representative: Mahiya Ramirez, Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma
- Southwest Area Representative: Jaime Crowe, Pueblo of Tesuque of New Mexico
- Western Area Representative/Secretary: Jalen Harvey, Navajo/Acoma Pueblo/Hopi of Arizona
During the UNITY Gala, the following awards and scholarships were presented:
- UNITY J.R. Cook Advisor of the Year: Victoria Quintero, Gila River Indian Community of Arizona
- UNITY Eddie Wadda Alumni of the Year: Melissa Isaac, Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan
- UNITY Youth Council of the Year: Nez Perce Tribe NAHOVA
- Golda Cook Scholarships:
- Gabriel Jurado, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Oregon State University (major in oceanography; minor in marine conservation and management)
- Amelia Hernandez, Yerington Paiute Tribe, University of Nevada at Reno (major in elementary education with a specialization in early childhood)
- J.R. Cook Memorial Scholarship: Ally Gee, Navajo Nation, University of Washington (major in public health-oriented public health practice)
Throughout the weekend, several colleges, Native artists, and Native-focused organizations participated as exhibitors. Nike, N7, and Native American Network & Friends were the conference’s presenting sponsors. Other major sponsors included Casey Family Programs, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Coushatta Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, Illuminative, NBC Universal, Poarch Creek Indians, Portland Trail Blazers, Shakopee Mdewakaton Sioux Community, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and Yakama Nation. Tribal Ready was the event’s internet sponsor.
