UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc.) is the largest Native youth leadership gathering in the country, and this year saw over 3,000 Native youth traveling across the nation to San Diego, California. The annual gathering is a place of sharing: sharing resources, knowledge, connections, and on the final day, sharing in celebration as awards and scholarships are presented to this generation of leaders. 

It’s always an exciting time for youth, and this year’s event led to even more excitement as Salt River’s own Young River People’s Council won the UNITY 2025 Youth Council of the Year award. 

YRPC stood out among dozens of youth councils nationwide for its “year-round efforts in civic engagement and cultural revitalization,” according to event organizers. “Their work reflects the core pillars of UNITY, especially mental and social wellness,” said a presenter at the awards gala. Then, the screens overhead filled with young O’odham and Piipaash faces as they called YRPC to the stage. 

As YRPC members gathered under the spotlight, Youth Services Supervisor, Janyse Salinas, expressed her pride and admitted it was hard to not be emotional.

“It’s unexpected, but I want to give a huge shout-out to these kids because they are doing the work on the ground to heal and to help their community in every way possible,” Salinas said. “They’re doing the work, and I’m just so proud of them.”

This win marks the second time YRPC has received the national award – the first was in 2018, also in San Diego. Back on the stage to accept the award, the new Young River People’s Council carried the same pride as their predecessors in representing emerging leaders and voices in the Community.

In a statement shared online following the announcement, the council wrote:

“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication, leadership, and heart our young leaders have poured into our community. From cultural preservation to youth advocacy, community service, and personal growth, these teens have shown up with heart, purpose, and power.”

All youth councils attending the UNITY Conference submit a yearly report presenting their activities and outreach efforts in their communities. The YRPC report highlighted initiatives relating to the four elements of the UNITY logo: spiritual, mental, physical and social. Events in 2025 included the Be The Change Youth Summit, Pickle Slushies for the Polls, Get Out the Vote efforts, and the Native Youth Identity Conference.

The Young River People’s Council currently has 23 members, ages 13 to 21. Membership is open to enrolled members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. For more information or to apply, visit srpmic-nsn.gov/government/yrpc or call (480) 362-6390.

Follow YRPC on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest activities.

A conversation with Janyse Salinas

Was there a particular event or focus YRPC had this year that you think factored into the win?

Salinas: We weren’t aiming for any award or recognition; we simply shared the work our youth council has been doing in the community over the past year. Our focus has always been on community, creating positive change for youth, and revitalizing our culture. I think what truly stood out was how our youth consistently showed up with heart and commitment. Whether it was a meeting or an event, they bonded as a team, learned to collaborate, and found creative ways to engage the community. Their goal has always been to create safe, welcoming spaces for youth and families to grow, connect, and learn together. The three events highlighted in our submission were:

• The Be the Change Youth Summit held last October
• Pickle Slushies for the Polls, our voter registration drive
• The Native Youth Identity Conference in February

What were your first thoughts when you saw YRPC won?

Salinas: We were all honestly shocked! It was a huge and unexpected surprise. As mentioned, our youth and team do this work from the heart—not for awards or recognition—but because we believe in creating positive spaces for youth and contributing to the good happening in our community.

How does this win compare to the 2018 win?

Salinas: Most of our current youth were still in elementary school when YRPC last received this award in 2018. But I think it’s a powerful reflection of the continued positive impact this program has on Salt River youth. We had to rebuild from the ground up when we re-started in 2022 after the pandemic. Many previous members had aged out or moved on, but a few did return in those early days to help this new group, especially by sharing cultural teachings like traditional dance. We are forever grateful for their support and leadership.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

Salinas: Reflecting on the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing incredible growth in our youth. It’s difficult to fully express what we get to witness from the lightbulb moments that come through hard work to the quiet confidence that begins to take root and eventually bloom.

We’ve watched once-shy and nervous members grow into public speakers, taking healthy risks and stepping into their leadership. They’ve become true ambassadors for Salt River and approaching that responsibility with humility, heart, and sincerity. I’m incredibly honored to walk alongside them, offering support, guidance, and encouragement.

And just a heartfelt reminder: all of our youth deserve safe spaces, patience, and compassion from each of us. Stepping into leadership and growing publicly within the community takes incredible bravery. If you choose to offer them anything, let it be a steady hand, a kind word, and guidance rooted in care. They are open to learning, but let that learning be shaped by love, encouragement, and genuine support.

A heartfelt thank you to SRPMIC Council, our ACM Dawn Sinoqui, the Youth Services Department, and all tribal departments who partner with us—your support makes all of this possible. And to the parents: you are the backbone of this work. Your constant positivity, flexibility, and belief in your children and this program mean everything.

A conversation with Sommer Lopez

What were your first thoughts when you saw YRPC won?

Lopez: My first thought was, “All the girls are going to cry.” And they did. But more than that, I felt so proud to see them recognized—not just for their accomplishments, but for how they carry themselves. They are generous, respectful, and curious. They juggle school, family, friendships, and personal growth—all while choosing to give back to our community.

How does this win compare to the 2018 win?

Lopez: I was part of YRPC as President when we received this same award in 2018, and now, years later, I had the privilege of witnessing a new group walk into that honor. It reminded me that we’re all part of something ongoing—each generation adding its own chapter.
This group has only been involved since 2022, and yet their presence is already strong and steady. They aren’t chasing awards—they’re lifting their community, honoring their roots, and carrying traditions forward with courage and clarity.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

Lopez: Believe in our youth—not just as future leaders, but as leaders right now. Invest in them. Listen to them. Create spaces where they can grow without fear, and where their culture and identity are not only accepted, but celebrated. I feel incredibly honored to walk alongside this group as my first cohort of youth council members. They welcomed me with open hearts as I stepped into this role—helping me make that shift from mentee to mentor. That bond will always mean something special to me. Thank you to everyone who has supported YRPC—staff, mentors, families, and community members. To any young person thinking about joining—do it. You’ll gain a second family, discover your voice, and learn just how much power you already carry.