When culture, celebration, and youth leadership collide, you get a month like this. In October, Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe stepped into powerful spaces across Arizona—honoring tradition, uplifting Native youth, and strengthening community ties as a Western Region Executive Committee member of the National UNITY Council. October began with the 41st Annual Native […]
Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), Pacific Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, spent her month surrounded by community, creativity, and compassion. Through cultural workshops, healing circles, and community service, Alina demonstrated how leadership can blossom through connection — one shared story, sweet treat, and heartfelt step at a time. She began […]
Liliana Mars (Narragansett, Navajo), Northeast Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, showed how leadership can move seamlessly between celebration and service. Between traveling to powwows, joining regional UNITY meetups, and mobilizing her community for a large-scale food distribution effort, Liliana balanced cultural pride with urgent action — proving that leadership means showing […]
This fall, Gabriel Loonsfoot (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, embodied the heart of service through cultural preservation, youth leadership, and community restoration. From rebuilding sweat lodges to leading his youth drum group across state lines, Gabriel’s actions reflected a deep commitment to his people, his culture, […]
Even while facing personal health challenges, Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque chose to lean into leadership and purpose. October was a demanding month, but it became a powerful reminder that healing and service often walk hand in hand. As a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Jamie traveled to Oklahoma […]
This fall, Weston (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara), Great Plains Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, demonstrated what true leadership looks like — courage, community, and resilience in the face of challenge. Though the season brought both celebration and hardship, Weston continued to embody the UNITY mission by uplifting youth and honoring culture within […]
This fall, Liliana Mars (Narragansett, Navajo), Northeast Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, journeyed far from home to close a chapter that carried deep personal meaning — her reign as Miss Sycuan Powwow Princess. Traveling cross-country from her home community to California, Liliana spent the season dancing, singing, and connecting with countless […]
This fall, Victor Organista (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation), Southern Plains Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, spent the season embodying UNITY’s mission — connecting cultures, strengthening community, and empowering youth leadership across Indian Country. From powwows to fiestas, classrooms to broadcasts, Victor’s month was a vibrant reflection of what it means to […]
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, Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), Pacific Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, showed that leadership doesn’t always happen on a big stage — sometimes it happens through everyday acts of connection, service, and joy. From running a school snack shack to sharing stories with her Native Sisters Circle and […]
