“Leading with Purpose: Watson Whitford Champions Culture, Wellness, and Unity” Leadership rooted in resilience and community defines Watson Whitford’s journey as Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. As a proud Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader, October marked his dedication to building connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities while prioritizing mental health and […]
“Speaking Strength: O’Shay Birdinground Amplifies Native Voices at NCAI Conference” “Not a lot of people get to meet this many high-level tribal officials every day,” said O’Shay Birdinground, a proud Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation and UNITY Executive Committee Member for the Rocky Mountain region. Reflecting on his recent experience at the National Congress of American Indians […]
Empowering Indigenous Women: Highlights from the Native American Women’s Conference On November 7th and 8th, the Wildhorse Pass Resort in Arizona became a gathering place for Native American women of all backgrounds, united by a common purpose: to empower one another and forge a stronger path for future Indigenous women leaders. The Native American Women’s […]
“Bridging Generations: Sophie Landin Leads Youth and Elders in Community Growth” The magic of intergenerational collaboration shines through in Sophie Landin’s leadership as the Great Plains Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Her efforts this month in White Shield, North Dakota, brought elders and youth together, demonstrating how civic engagement and cultural pride […]
The Navajo Prep Naat’áanii Youth Council demonstrated their deep respect for service members and their commitment to community by volunteering at the annual Veteran’s Dinner hosted at the Farmington Indian Center. With 10 youth members taking part, this event served not only as a tribute to Native American veterans but also as a valuable opportunity […]
Alyssa Mosley, a proud citizen of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation of Bridgeton, New Jersey, embodies the essence of servant leadership. As a UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee, she has dedicated herself to cultural revitalization, intertribal connection, and advocacy for Indigenous sovereignty. Her recent endeavors have taken her across borders and into dialogues that honor […]
On Election Day, members of the Young River People’s Council (YRPC) demonstrated youth leadership and civic responsibility by volunteering at the Salt River Community Multi-Purpose Building, one of the local polling centers for the 2024 U.S. General Election. As part of the Council’s Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative, YRPC youth created a welcoming and […]
Connecting Across the Midwest: Marla Mesarina Inspires Youth Leadership Through Engagement Connecting Native youth across regions with purpose and heart defines Marla Mesarina’s role as Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Hosting a virtual fall meetup during a busy academic period, this Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate […]
On November 4, 2024, the IAMNDN Youth Council proudly collaborated once again with the Medicine Park Wildlife Refuge Aquarium to cohost the annual Native American Heritage Day. With over 150 attendees, this event served as a vibrant celebration of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and resilience. As part of the celebration, IAMNDN invited Comanche youth dancers to […]
Balancing school, work, and community events while fostering unity is a hallmark of Jamie Crowe’s servant leadership. As a member of the Pueblo of Tesuque and Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, their work this month celebrated traditions, promoted wellness, and inspired joy within their community. “This was a fun event, especially […]
