As the seasons shift and the air grows crisp, the spirit of service and leadership remains steadfast among Native youth. Watson Whitford, a Chippewa Cree/Navajo member of UNITY’s Executive Committee representing the Rocky Mountain region, exemplified this enduring commitment during his participation in the White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The White House […]
The National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC) program has had an impactful year, serving as the collective voice of Native youth nationwide. Elected annually in July, the two Executive Committees serving in 2024 have upheld UNITY’s mission of fostering the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth through a wide range of initiatives, […]
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), in partnership with the Center for Native American Youth and the White House, co-hosted the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The event, held at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building, brought together nearly 150 Native youth leaders nationwide to engage in […]
Uplifting Youth through Servant Leadership Sophie Landin, an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation), exemplifies servant leadership as the Great Plains Regional Representative on UNITY’s Executive Committee. In her community of White Shield, North Dakota, Sophie focuses on empowering Native youth and celebrating culture. She works closely with elders and […]
O’Shay Birdinground Empowers Indigenous Youth to Lead “This was incredible to see just how many Indigenous youth can make an impact,” shared O’Shay Birdinground, a proud member of the Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation and a Rocky Mountain Regional Representative on UNITY’s Executive Committee. O’Shay’s inspiring leadership was on full display as he participated in the historic […]
Watson Whitford: Elevating Voices and Inspiring Hope for Native Youth “The fate of the world rests in the hands of the youth across the world, and because of that, we have hope,” said Watson Whitford, UNITY Male Co-President and a proud Chippewa Cree and Navajo Nations member. In November, Watson’s leadership reached new heights as […]
Voices of Change: Kaytlynn Johnston Inspires Native Youth Leadership “This work is vital to me. It’s given me new opportunities and new friendships,” shared Kaytlynn Johnston, UNITY’s Female Co-President and a proud member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe of California. Kaytlynn’s servant leadership shone brightly in November as the Master of Ceremony at the 2024 […]
“Liliana Mars: Championing Native Voices and Community Engagement” “Being able to attend the White House Tribal Youth Forum will always and forever be a blessing I am truly grateful for,” shared Liliana Mars, a proud Narragansett and Navajo youth leader and the Northeast Regional Representative on UNITY’s Executive Committee. Reflecting on her November experiences, Liliana […]
Marla Mesarina Uplifts Native Youth Through Connection and Purpose “Reconnecting with the youth council was very fulfilling as we all have been so busy,” shared Marla Mesarina, Midwest Regional Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. This month, Marla strengthened bonds with Native youth through impactful events, including attending the Leech Lake Youth Council […]
“Jamie Crowe: Inspiring Leadership and Elevating Native Youth at the White House Tribal Youth Forum” “Attending the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum was an extraordinary and important opportunity I took,” said Jamie Crowe, a proud member of the Pueblo of Tesuque and a UNITY Executive Committee representative for the Southwest region. Reflecting on her […]
