In Billings, Montana, young leaders gathered for the Rocky Mountain Leaders Conference, a space dedicated to empowering Native youth across the state to step forward and claim their voices. Among them was Rhiannon Eaglespeaker (Blackfoot/Kiowa), the newly elected Rocky Mountain Regional Representative for the National UNITY Council. For Rhiannon, the event was not just about introductions—it was about planting seeds of connection that will grow into strong partnerships between youth councils and tribal leaders. “The empowerment of leaders across the state of Montana gives young leaders the chance to build their relationships with councils and leaders and make a name for themselves as young people to elders,” Rhiannon reflected.
Since the conference, Rhiannon has taken that spirit of connection onto the powwow trail, where she has been meeting with youth councils and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. These conversations highlight the importance of UNITY’s Top Ten Issues Facing Native Youth, especially youth voice in decision-making, cultural preservation, and building healthy peer networks. By actively reaching out, Rhiannon ensures that youth councils in the Rocky Mountain region are not isolated but part of the larger national movement for Native youth leadership.
The Rocky Mountain Leaders Conference itself provided a powerful example of what collective impact looks like. Leaders from various tribes across Montana gathered to share ideas, enhance their leadership skills, and celebrate their cultural identities. Rhiannon’s role as regional representative is to carry these voices forward, ensuring that their concerns and priorities are heard at the National UNITY Council meetings.
The National UNITY Council is made up of more than 300 youth councils nationwide, each contributing to a shared vision of uplifting Native youth and strengthening communities. Through the annual adoption of the Top Ten Issues, youth councils align their local projects with national priorities, creating a ripple effect of service and advocacy across Indian Country. As the Rocky Mountain Representative, Rhiannon plays a key role in ensuring that the energy of local councils is connected to UNITY’s broader mission.
Rhiannon’s story reminds us that leadership begins with building relationships—whether with elders, peers, or other councils. By showing up at conferences, traveling to powwows, and introducing herself, she is creating a network of youth leaders who will work together to protect culture, address pressing issues, and uplift their communities. Her leadership demonstrates that one introduction can lead to long-term collaboration and collective empowerment.
For Native youth across the Rocky Mountain region, Rhiannon’s work is an invitation to get involved. Whether by starting a youth council, attending a leadership conference, or reaching out to their UNITY representative, every young person has a role to play. Together, under leaders like Rhiannon, Native youth can strengthen their identities, amplify their voices, and ensure that future generations inherit not just traditions, but thriving, connected communities.