Four Sister Tribes Youth Host O’odham Cu:dk and Waila Dance at UNITY Midyear Conference

January 30, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

United National Indian Tribal Youth Inc.

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Youth leaders from the Four Sister Tribes hosted the O’odham Cu:dk and Waila (Chicken Scratch) Dance during the UNITY Midyear Conference on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.

UNITY is honored to host the annual O’odham Cu:dk, recognizing and celebrating the aboriginal lands, culture, and traditions of the O’odham people. The O’odham Cu:dk is the traditional round dance of the O’odham, featuring songs, stories, and dances that have been passed down through generations and continue to strengthen cultural identity and community connections.

This special cultural celebration is collaboratively planned by youth councils and partners representing the Four Sister Tribes, including the Ak-Chin Youth Council, Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council, Tohono O’odham Nation Youth Council, Young River Peoples Council, Betty Fairfax High School Youth Council, Cesar Chavez High School Youth Council, and the Four Sister Tribes Royalty.

The event takes place as part of the UNITY Midyear Conference, which is expected to welcome more than 800 Native youth leaders ages 14–24 from across the country. The conference provides immersive training focused on community organizing, leadership development, environmental stewardship, and cultural resilience, empowering youth to return home prepared to lead positive change in their communities.

About UNITY

Founded in 1976, United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) is the nation’s oldest and largest Native youth leadership network, representing more than 300 affiliated youth councils in 34 states. UNITY’s mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian and Alaska Native youth.