Youth Councils in Action
Watching Native youth plan and lead their own powwow stood out to Mazie Countryman during an April shaped by school responsibilities and community connection. At Highland High School’s powwow in Pocatello, Idaho, she supported the Fort Hall Youth Council’s fundraisers and recognized the leadership of the young people organizing the gathering.
“I really enjoyed seeing the Native American youth at Highland Highschool plan out and lead their own powwow,” she wrote. “The youth are the leaders of tomorrow!!!”
Countryman, who identifies as Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, and Navajo, served as Northwest Representative in UNITY’s 2023–2024 National UNITY Council Executive Committee cohort. The cohort connects regional councils and individual members, represents Native youth perspectives, and develops leadership through cooperation and community service.
Her April report described two powwows: the University of Utah Powwow, which she attended with family in Salt Lake City, and the Highland High School gathering, where she helped with fundraising. Together, they offered time for cultural connection and an opportunity to contribute to youth-led work.
At Highland, Countryman’s support placed her alongside a council she had worked with throughout the year. She had helped serve the feast at the Fort Hall Round Dance in January and supported two cakewalks at the Shoshone-Bannock High School Powwow in March.
The repeated involvement shows a relationship built through practical contributions. Food service, fundraising support, and attendance at community gatherings each gave her a way to remain engaged with the council’s work.
Countryman also acknowledged studying for finals and having personal responsibilities during April. Her account reflects a young leader balancing college commitments with the community activities she could attend and support.
That balance connects with UNITY’s holistic approach to development, which includes educational growth, cultural identity, social relationships, and leadership. Her experience recognizes both the responsibilities of the student serving as a representative and the contributions of other youth organizing in their own school.
The Highland gathering offered a visible example of the leadership she wanted to celebrate: young people taking responsibility for a cultural event, supported by peers and a youth council working within the community.
