This autumn, Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, continued his journey of cultural connection and community building — traveling across borders, honoring sacred sites, and creating space for Indigenous students to gather and grow. His month reflected a balance of tradition, education, and leadership rooted deeply in service and ceremony.
Watson began his travels by attending the National Indigenous Cultural Expo Pow Wow in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where he represented UNITY and connected with Indigenous youth and leaders from across Turtle Island. There, he shared his work as Co-President, focusing on strengthening cross-border relationships and building solidarity among Indigenous nations. “We have so many beautiful Indigenous peoples that come from many different places in the world,” Watson shared. “Meeting others and seeing the greatness of our people through dance reminds me why I do this work.”
Soon after, he attended the Black Hills Pow Wow in Rapid City, South Dakota — one of the largest gatherings of Native nations in North America. The event served as both a celebration and an affirmation of Indigenous identity, unity, and artistry. On his journey home, Watson and a close friend made meaningful stops at Bear Butte and Devils Tower, sacred sites of the People of the Seven Fires (Sioux Nations), where they offered prayers and paid their respects to the holy beings of the land.
While his travels connected him to ceremony and culture, Watson also continued his studies in Environmental Horticulture at Montana State University, where he applies his passion for environmental stewardship and Indigenous knowledge. Alongside his academic work, he played an active role in the American Indian Council, helping organize events that promote inclusion and connection among students.
This month’s events included a Pumpkin Painting Night and a Clown Dance Gathering, both designed to strengthen community ties between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in the Bozeman area. These lighthearted, welcoming activities created a bridge of understanding through laughter, creativity, and shared experience. “Building community can be healing and is a step closer to a better world,” Watson reflected.
Before the month came to a close, Watson also traveled to Northern Cheyenne Country, where he participated in a ceremony that deepened his understanding of Indigenous youth identity and the teachings that shape their paths. The experience reinforced his belief that leadership begins with cultural grounding — learning from the past to guide the present and future.
As the Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Watson represents Native youth voices from across Indian Country and beyond, advocating for unity through cultural exchange, education, and healing. His October journey — spanning classrooms, ceremonies, and powwows — shows that leadership is not confined to one place or title; it’s a lifelong practice of connection.
Through his work, Watson continues to live the mission of UNITY: empowering Native youth to lead with culture, compassion, and courage — one drumbeat, one classroom, and one community at a time.