ONAMIA STUDENTS ATTEND NATIONAL UNITY CONFERENCE
Students spend part of their summer in Washington, D.C.
By SARAH BARTEN, MILLE LACS CORPORATE VENTURES
A group of students from Onamia High School had the incredible opportunity to attend the National Unity Conference in Washington, D.C. from June 30 to July 3, 2023. The conference brought together Indigenous communities from around the United States, providing a space for them to celebrate their cultures, share stories, and heal from the challenges faced by tribal youth.
Attending the Unity Conference was a transformative experience for youth. Keith King, Max Blake, Emma Wind, Phoenix-Rose Nayquonabe, Xiana Nayquonabe, and Emma Barnett were able to connect with other youth who share their passion for preserving their heritage and advocating for tribal rights. Also at Unity was Mille Lacs Band member Bella Nayquonabe, who attended in hopes of starting a chapter at Berkeley. Learning from each other's experiences, they built a strong network of support.
One of the highlights of the conference was hearing from inspiring leaders such as Matika Wilbur, who sold everything in her Seattle apartment and created Project 562, which reflects her commitment to visit, engage with, and photograph all 562-plus Native American sovereign territories in the United States.
They also heard from Marilynn Malerba, the Treasurer of the United States, who is the first Native American to hold the office. And lastly, they heard from Norma Baker-Flying Horse, a Grammy Award-winning Hidatsa, Dakota Sioux, and Assiniboine Woman. Her work is high in demand from many of Indian Country’s dignitaries, and she regularly makes appearances on the red carpet or at some of the most prestigious events celebrating Native people.
The speakers' stories of resilience and strength left a lasting impact on the students, inspiring them to take pride in their heritage and work towards a better future for their communities. The importance of unity among Indigenous peoples was emphasized throughout the conference, reminding everyone that by standing together, they can create meaningful change.
Workshops, panel discussions, and cultural performances allowed the students to celebrate their diversity and express themselves freely. Here’s what some of the attendees had to say:
“Attending Unity empowered me to become an advocate for our communities,” said Bella Nayquonabe. “We learned about land rights, environmental concerns, and cultural appropriation.” Bella said she is returning to her community and University of California, Berkeley this fall with a renewed sense of purpose.
“Unity provided a fun space for us to express ourselves and be proud of our identities,” said Max Blake. Max shared that the sense of belonging and camaraderie that was felt at the conference was really empowering and gave all of them confidence to just be themselves.
“Attending Unity was an experience that I’ll be forever grateful for,” said Emma Wind. “Seeing the strength and resilience from other leaders showed me that it is okay to dream big and that I can do whatever I put my mind to.”
The cost of this trip is paid for by fundraising through the Misi-zaaga’iganing basketball tournament the Onamia Indian Education program hosts each year. The students expressed their gratitude for individuals like Chris Nayquonabe, Charmaine Shivers, and Virgil Wind, who have played a significant role in fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment. Through advocacy and creating opportunities like the Unity Conference, they have provided a safe and enjoyable learning experience that celebrates the youth and their cultural heritage.
"As a past attendee of the Unity Conference myself, I wanted my students to experience the same empowerment and motivation that I felt. The trip was driven by the desire to inspire them to bring action back to our community,” said Chris Nayquonabe, Director of Indian Education at Onamia Schools. “Witnessing their growth and enthusiasm throughout the conference reaffirmed the importance of providing opportunities for our youth to connect, learn, and become advocates for positive change.“
During their free time, the students were able to explore the city with their chaperones, further enriching their experience at the conference. Overall, attending the Unity Conference was a truly transformative journey, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for their identities and cultural heritage
