MESA, Ariz. – The United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) turned 45 years old today.

The organization provides leadership opportunities and skills for Native youth. It prepares and encourages them to be active members of their communities. UNITY was established on April 16, 1976, by founder J.R. Cook (Cherokee).

“We are proud to be the oldest and longest-running nonprofit organization focused solely on Native youth leadership development,” Mary Kim Titla, UNITY’s executive director and former UNITY youth participant and trustee, said in a statement. “Today, we celebrate our entire UNITY family, all 250,000 plus youth we have served since day one.”

In celebration of the birthday, a special logo was developed by artist Evynn Richardson of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe from North Carolina. She is also the artist behind UNITY’s Native Vote campaign and the 2020 National UNITY Virtual Conference logo design.

Two special video tributes will be released today on UNITY’s website and social media channels (Instagram, Facebook). An interview with Cook will debut at 4 p.m. (ET). The video was produced by Marcus Anthony Guinn, a UNITY alum. An anniversary highlight video featuring youth participants over the decades will premiere at 9 p.m.

UNITY is in the midst of a 45th-anniversary fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $45,000 in 45 days.

Seminole tribal member Mahala Rain Billie-Osceola was recently featured on UNITY’s website.

UNITY’s midyear conference will be held April 23-24. The national conference will take place from July 2-6 in Dallas.

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