UNITY

Rhiannon Eaglespeaker: Championing Culture, Community, and Youth Voice

Rhiannon Eaglespeaker carries a powerful legacy as a young Indigenous leader, proudly representing her rich cultural heritage from the Blackfoot (Bloods) of Alberta, Canada, and the Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma. As the 2025–2026 Rocky Mountain Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, she represents Native youth from Montana and […]

Carrying the Flag, Sharing the Purpose: Gabriel Loonsfoot’s Summer of Representation

For Gabriel Loonsfoot (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians), summer 2025 has been a season of cultural pride, youth engagement, and leadership on both national and tribal stages. At the National UNITY Conference in San Diego, Gabriel connected with Native youth from across the country, representing the Midwest region and his community with honor. Soon after, […]

Stepping into Tradition: Weston Bird’s Journey Toward the Dance Circle

Featured Photo by Karen LoneFight The sound of drums, the swirl of regalia, and the energy of the grand entry at the White Shield Powwow sparked something powerful in Weston Bird (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Tribes) this July. Surrounded by community, he stepped onto the arena for the first time, guided by experienced dancers who shared […]

Liliana Mars: Leading with Grace, Culture, and Compassion

Liliana Mars, a proud Narragansett and Navajo young leader, is a shining example of how cultural pride and service can come together to create powerful change. With a heart rooted in advocacy, wellness, and cultural preservation, Liliana recently graduated with honors and a 4.0 GPA from Acellus Academy. This fall, she will begin a new […]

Jamie Crowe: Championing Health Equity and Cultural Revitalization for Native Youth

Jamie Crowe: Championing Health Equity and Cultural Revitalization for Native Youth Jamie Crowe, a proud member of the Pueblo of Tesuque, stands as a committed advocate for the health and well-being of Native communities. Serving her second term as the Southwest Regional Representative and Vice President on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Jamie brings […]

Rooted in Culture, Leading with Purpose: Tia Butler’s Summer of Community Wellness

For Tia Butler (Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians), the weeks following the 2025 National UNITY Conference have been a season of connection, tradition, and advocacy. Since returning home, she has been fully immersed in community life — “These activities were so meaningful, as they were an outlet to not only connect with community members, but […]

Building Community Connections: Victor Organista’s Summer of Service

For Victor Organista (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation), service isn’t just a duty — it’s a way of life. As a Program Assistant at the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Victor spent his summer investing in the next generation, from guiding elementary school field trips to creating spaces for community […]

ADVOCACY IN ACTION WITH ALINA SANCHEZ

For Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), summer 2025 was a season of powerful advocacy. Fresh from the June 26–July 1 National UNITY Conference in San Diego, where she attended workshops and regional caucuses with Native youth leaders, Alina stepped confidently into her new role as Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive […]

Gabriel Loonsfoot: Leading with Song, Service, and Spirit

Gabriel Loonsfoot, a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, is a dedicated young leader who blends cultural tradition with youth empowerment. Serving as the 2025–2026 Midwest Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Gabriel also leads in his local community as Chairman of the Pokagon Band Youth Council. In both […]

Mazie Countryman’s Journey from UNITY Conference to Community Impact

For Mazie Countryman (Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock, Navajo), this summer’s National UNITY Conference in San Diego was more than an event — it was a defining moment in her leadership journey. Surrounded by thousands of Native youth leaders, Mazie found herself both inspired and empowered. “Being at the UNITY conference was impactful to say […]