05/07/2026
When we invest in the next generation of leaders, more becomes possible for our shared future.
Please join us in celebrating Whitney Robinson (Apsáalooke/ Diné), one of UNITY’s 2026 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders! Whitney is the only representative from Montana selected in this year’s class, and the only Apsáalooke tribal member included in this cohort.
Whitney, a senior at Skyview High School and President of the Billings Student Tribal Council, had to go through a rigorous application process to be selected including criteria such as demonstrating leadership and community impact, cultural involvement and identity, and a committing to overall wellness.
We are so grateful to witness this major accomplishment and to have been a small part of Whitney’s journey through support for the Billings Student Tribal Council’s fundraising efforts to attend the UNITY Midyear Conference earlier this year.
To everyone who donated and helped make that experience possible: thank you. Opportunities like UNITY help open doors for young Native leaders to build confidence, connection, and experience.
Join us in the comments as we lift up Whitney and this incredible accomplishment!
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (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 its launch in 2014, this biennial 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 Oklahoma City, 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—welcome to the UNITY family!
Stay tuned to learn more about each honoree on UNITY’s website.
https://unityinc.org/25-under-25/
