Hope for the future of Indian Country was on full display this January as hundreds of Native youth gathered in Phoenix, Arizona for the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference. Among the leaders helping guide that momentum was Watson Whitford, Chippewa Cree and Navajo leader and Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. The Midyear Conference […]
2026 National UNITY Conference | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma For nearly five decades, United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) has uplifted individuals and youth councils whose leadership strengthens Native youth, families, and communities across Indian Country. As part of the 2026 National UNITY Conference—a historic gathering marking UNITY’s 50th Anniversary —we are proud to honor exceptional […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] The National UNITY Council (NUC) continues to move forward because of the leadership, commitment, and impact of UNITY Youth Councils across the country. As we prepare for the upcoming UNITY Midyear Conference, the NUC Executive Committee is pleased to share this 30-day notice of items that will be presented for review and action […]
Leadership doesn’t clock out for winter break. Even during a quieter December, Watson Whitford of Chippewa Cree and Navajo heritage continued doing what strong Native youth leaders do best—building relationships, honoring culture, and planting seeds for future UNITY growth. As one of the Co-Presidents serving on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Watson balances academic […]
Some moments remind you exactly why you lead. For Mazie Countryman—Northern Arapaho, Shoshone, and Navajo leader and Co-President of the National UNITY Council—November was filled with those moments. At BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Mazie participated in Culture Night, dancing with the Native society on campus. It was her first time dancing in years, and she stepped […]
When Indigenous youth step into leadership spaces—on campus, on the field, and in front of tribal leaders—real change begins. This November, Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, demonstrated what it means to lead at every level. While continuing his studies at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, Watson […]
In October, Mazie Countryman (Northern Arapaho, Shoshone, Navajo), Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, focused on strengthening Native visibility and advocacy at Brigham Young University–Idaho. Mazie participated in an informational booth with the Native American Society, where students showcased their tribal identities and shared their experiences with the campus community. She was also […]
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 […]
This fall, Mazie Countryman (Northern Arapaho), Female Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, embraced a season of transition, balance, and reconnection. While adjusting to a new school and schedule, Mazie continued to show her dedication to the UNITY mission — finding ways to stay involved, support wellness initiatives, and uplift Native communities even […]
This fall, Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, journeyed north on a path rooted in prayer, culture, and leadership. His travels took him from Bozeman, Montana, to Hinton, Alberta, Canada, where he attended an Anishinaabe ceremony that hadn’t been practiced among his Chippewa Cree people of Rocky Boy for […]
