Tia Butler’s month was rooted in intention. Whether preparing plant starts for Tribal and community members through the Siletz Food Sovereignty Program or visiting Indigenous-centered museum exhibits in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tia spent her time learning, reflecting, and giving back. Her leadership shows how Native youth can nurture community wellness through food sovereignty, […]
For Tia Butler, March was a month of healing, connection, and purpose. Through round dances, youth wellness spaces, environmental law conversations, and Tribal food sovereignty work, Tia continued to grow as a Native youth leader rooted in community care and future-focused advocacy. Her leadership shows how healing and justice can move together—through ceremony, relationships, education, […]
The National UNITY Council has taken a unified stand through its resolution, “Restore the Balance: Healing Trauma & Ending Violence in Native Communities,” reflecting the voices of Native youth nationwide and outlining a path rooted in healing, cultural strength, and action. Adopted at the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference, the resolution highlights urgent challenges facing Native youth, including […]
Sometimes leadership means stepping in to help others move forward. For Mazie Countryman, Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, February was about strengthening youth leadership while staying connected to culture and community. During the month, Mazie attended a round dance in her community, a gathering that brought people together through song, dance, and […]
February was a month of collaboration, education, and hands-on environmental work for Tia Butler of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, who serves as a Northwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. Throughout the month, Tia continued her work in community education and environmental stewardship by attending several conferences, workshops, and trainings focused […]
When Native youth speak up about the challenges facing their communities, powerful solutions begin to emerge. This January, Mazie Countryman—Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone Bannock, and Navajo leader—helped create that space for change while serving as Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Mazie traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the 2026 UNITY […]
Phoenix, Arizona — January 19, 2026 During the UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, the National UNITY Council (NUC) officially adopted a powerful resolution titled “Restoring Balance: Healing Trauma & Ending Violence in Native Communities.”Approved at the National UNITY Council Business Meeting with a quorum present, the resolution establishes a unified, youth-driven framework to address some […]
For Tia Butler of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, January was a month rooted in cultural education, community outreach, and preparing for the UNITY Midyear Conference. Throughout the month, Tia continued working with students and community members to share teachings about traditional plant medicines and Indigenous ecological knowledge. These educational efforts help pass down […]
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 […]
In a season often filled with rush and noise, Tia Butler chose intention. This December, the Northwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council slowed down in the best way—by planting seeds of knowledge, culture, and care throughout her community. Representing the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Tia dedicated the month to educational outreach […]
