Leadership is about creating spaces where Native youth know they belong. This October, Ethan Hedgepeth, of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage, strengthened connections both regionally and on campus—reminding Native students that they are never alone.
As a Southeast Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Ethan co-hosted a Southeast and Southern Plains Regional Meetup over Zoom alongside Southern Plains Representative Victor Organista. The virtual gathering created space for youth leaders across regions to connect, share updates, and strengthen collaboration. Regional meetups like this are vital to the UNITY network, ensuring Native youth voices remain unified and informed between national conferences.
By organizing and participating in regional dialogue, Ethan helped advance one of the core objectives of the National UNITY Council—to provide a forum where Native youth can study issues, establish priorities, and work together in a respectful and dignified manner.
Earlier that month, on October 1st, Ethan attended the ECU Native Organization interest meeting at the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center on the East Carolina University campus. The meeting brought Native students together to explore involvement and community-building opportunities on campus.
Reflecting on that experience, Ethan shared, “The ECU interest meeting meant a lot to me because it showed me that I am not the only Native youth at this college.” In higher education spaces where Native students may feel isolated, moments like this are powerful reminders of shared identity and mutual support.
Campus engagement is an important extension of UNITY’s mission. When Native youth build networks at colleges and universities, they create support systems that strengthen academic success, cultural pride, and leadership development.
The National UNITY Council (NUC) represents more than 300 affiliated youth councils nationwide and serves as the collective voice of Native youth, including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives. Through regional meetups, national gatherings, and youth-led initiatives, UNITY empowers young leaders to advocate for their communities and remain grounded in their cultural identity.
As a Southeast Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan plays a key role in organizing regional engagement and elevating youth voices from his area. By connecting Native students across state lines and fostering belonging on campus, he continues to build strong circles of support—proving that leadership starts with creating spaces where Native youth feel seen, heard, and connected.