“Bridging Generations: Sophie Landin Leads Youth and Elders in Community Growth”
For Sophie Landin, a dedicated member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation and Great Plains Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership means bringing people together—young and old—to strengthen their community. This month, Sophie’s focus on collaboration with elders and her youth council in White Shield, North Dakota, highlighted the power of intergenerational mentorship in fostering resilience, cultural pride, and a shared sense of purpose.
“Working with our elders and cultural department to plan for Native American Heritage Month has really made me happy,” Sophie shared. “I see so many changes in our community this year.”
Building Bridges Between Generations
This month, the MHA Youth Leadership Council took a significant step by involving elders and the cultural department in their planning for Native American Heritage Month. These collaborations create opportunities for elders to share their wisdom and cultural teachings, providing a foundation for youth to embrace their heritage and develop leadership skills.
“This is something new for our council—no one took the initiative before to do this,” Sophie explained. “The input from our elders is invaluable, and it’s inspiring to see how much we can accomplish when we work together.”
Intergenerational mentorship is a cornerstone of resilience in Native communities. Elders provide protective factors for youth by passing down traditions, stories, and values that strengthen identity and belonging. These connections are vital in helping youth avoid risky behaviors, offering guidance and grounding them in their cultural roots.
Consistency Builds Community
While planning for Native American Heritage Month, Sophie and her council have been working on a fundamental aspect of youth leadership: holding consistent meetings. For many youth councils, including MHA’s, the pandemic disrupted regular gatherings, making it difficult to maintain momentum. Now, Sophie’s council is rebuilding that rhythm, and each meeting is a step forward.
“Getting into the habit of holding consistent meetings is a win for us,” Sophie said. “Every meeting means the world to our participants who are building a strong sense of belonging in our White Shield community.”
This effort reflects UNITY’s mission to foster the social, mental, physical, and spiritual development of Native youth. By creating spaces where youth can connect, share ideas, and grow together, councils like Sophie’s are laying the groundwork for a thriving, unified community.
The Power of Collaboration
Through their work with elders and cultural leaders, Sophie’s youth council exemplifies how collaboration can drive positive change. This partnership ensures that cultural knowledge is preserved and actively celebrated in ways that resonate with today’s youth.
“Planning for Native American Heritage Month has been all about preparation,” Sophie said. “But more than that, it’s about creating meaningful events that reflect who we are as a community.”
By incorporating elder input and cultural teachings, the council fosters a deeper understanding of identity and pride among its members—an essential component of UNITY’s vision to empower Native youth.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Sophie’s dedication to youth council development and intergenerational mentorship is paving the way for lasting change in White Shield. Her work demonstrates the importance of civic engagement, cultural preservation, and collective accountability in creating a robust and self-reliant community.
“Seeing the changes in our community this year makes me so proud,” Sophie said. “It’s amazing what we can achieve when we all come together.”
A Legacy of Unity
Sophie Landin’s leadership shows that the path to a thriving community is built on connection, collaboration, and consistency. By involving elders, fostering accountability, and creating a sense of belonging, Sophie and her youth council are making an impact that will be felt for generations.
Through her servant leadership, Sophie is celebrating her community’s identity and inspiring Native youth across the country to embrace their roles as future leaders. With every meeting, idea, and collaboration, Sophie proves that unity is the key to progress.