Male Co-President Watson Whitford Inspires Unity and Wellness in Native Communities
For Watson Whitford, a proud Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader serving as Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is about more than holding a title. It’s about fostering connection, resilience, and wellness within Native communities. From advocating for cultural preservation to promoting mental health, Watson’s work exemplifies the mission of UNITY: to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth.
Balancing Education and Service
While pursuing a degree at Montana State University and taking 16 challenging credits, Watson exemplifies the balance between personal growth and community service. His involvement with the Buffalo Nations Indigenous Food System program on campus highlights his commitment to addressing food sovereignty and sustainability in Indigenous communities.
“Through Buffalo Nations, I’ve learned so much about the importance of traditional food systems and how they contribute to our well-being as Native people,” Watson shared. “It’s inspiring to see how these efforts can unite our communities and create lasting impact.”
Promoting Mental and Spiritual Wellness
Watson has also stepped forward as a spiritual leader, praying at several impactful events this month, including a Suicide Awareness webinar and a documentary screening of Bring Them Home. Both events focused on healing and addressing critical issues facing Native communities.
“Being able to open and close these events in prayer is an honor,” Watson said. “It’s a reminder that our spirituality is a source of strength and healing for our people.”
In addition to these events, Watson participated in a gourd dance in Billings, MT, and sang with a drum group for Truth and Reconciliation Day, honoring the survivors and victims of the boarding school system. These moments celebrated cultural traditions and created spaces for reflection and unity.
A Voice for Change and Representation
As a UNITY leader and Wellness Warrior, Watson embraces opportunities to share UNITY’s vision and values with diverse audiences. Speaking at the Taiwanese Youth Conference, he introduced the organization’s mission and encouraged cross-cultural dialogue about leadership and service.
“UNITY has taught me that leadership is about collective impact,” Watson explained. “Whether we’re working on our campuses, in our hometowns, or across nations, we’re stronger when we come together.”
Watson’s participation in events like these highlights the power of UNITY to bring Native youth from across the country together, fostering a network of leaders dedicated to uplifting their communities.
Honoring Culture and Mobilizing Grassroots Efforts
One of Watson’s goals is to host a round dance in Bozeman, MT, honoring UNITY and other organizations working to uplift Indigenous communities. Events like this celebrate cultural traditions and create spaces for dialogue, healing, and connection.
“Civic engagement and volunteering are how we continue our culture and strengthen our communities,” Watson said. “Every event, every prayer, every song is a step toward building a stronger, unified future.”
The Collective Impact of UNITY
Watson’s work reflects UNITY’s commitment to fostering servant leadership, personal development, and cultural pride among Native youth. By addressing critical issues like mental health, food sovereignty, and cultural preservation, he is making a tangible impact on the lives of others while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
“When times are difficult, know you have people that are there for you,” Watson said. “UNITY has shown me the importance of leaning on one another and lifting each other up.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Hope
Through his dedication to education, cultural advocacy, and spiritual leadership, Watson Whitford exemplifies the transformative power of servant leadership. His efforts honor the resilience of Indigenous peoples and pave the way for future generations to embrace their heritage and lead with purpose.
Watson’s story reminds us that leadership is not about individual achievements—it’s about empowering communities and fostering unity. As he continues his journey, Watson inspires Native youth everywhere to find strength in their culture, connect with others, and work together to create a brighter future.