Photo: The late Grandpa Warren Skye, former Conference Elder, Fire Keeper Nearly all our ceremonial ways are centered around the use of air, water, pant life, animal life, and the use of fire. For this reason, a member of the 1995 Executive Committee of the National UNITY Council by the name of SleepyEye LaFromboise, Seneca/Dakota, […]
On April 16, 2026, communities across the country are invited to greet the dawn in a moment of reflection, unity, and hope as United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) celebrates its 50th birthday. To begin this milestone day, UNITY will host a Sunrise Prayer at 6:00 a.m., welcoming Native youth, elders, families, and community […]
Helena Sorenson has been quietly making big things happen for the UNITY family for a long time. From turning complex travel logistics into smooth arrivals, calm check-ins, and “we’re good” moments when everyone else is stress-sweating. Her career started in service, including volunteer work with the American Red Cross, and grew into decades of travel […]
For Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, February was about using both cultural expression and community service to bring people together and support important causes. As a Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Rhiannon participated in events that raised awareness while continuing to give back to families in need. During the second weekend of February, […]
For Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, February was filled with opportunities to share culture, strengthen community relationships, and support youth leadership through song, dance, and tradition. As a Midwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Gabriel spent the month participating in gatherings that celebrated Indigenous culture across Michigan and […]
Sometimes leadership means stepping in to help others move forward. For Mazie Countryman, Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, February was about strengthening youth leadership while staying connected to culture and community. During the month, Mazie attended a round dance in her community, a gathering that brought people together through song, dance, and […]
For Ethan Hedgepeth, February was focused on strengthening connections between Native youth councils and Native student organizations. As the Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan continues to support youth leadership both in his region and on his college campus. On February 21, Ethan attended the North Carolina Native American Youth Organization […]
Some of the strongest community connections happen in everyday spaces—whether it’s distributing food to families in need or gathering on the basketball court after a long day. For Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, February was about showing up for his community in ways that bring people together. At the beginning of the […]
In the Fort Berthold community of White Shield, North Dakota, February was a month focused on culture, creativity, and personal growth. Weston Bird, Great Plains Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, helped support events that strengthened connections within the community while encouraging youth […]
For Watson Whitford, February was a month centered on community, ceremony, and connecting with Indigenous youth across borders. As Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a student leader at Montana State University, Watson continued to support gatherings that strengthen relationships among Indigenous communities. Early in the month, the Montana State University […]
