“Bridging Communities: Kaylee Evans Leads with Heart and Purpose” When Kaylee Evans speaks, Native youth listen. As the Southeastern Representative of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi and Lumbee Tribes, Kaylee’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to unity, culture, and service. She believes true leadership is […]
Commitment to fostering wellness and connection defines Jamie Crowe’s leadership, even amidst a busy schedule. As Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, their September work with a local youth council demonstrated how staying grounded in tradition can inspire the next generation of Native youth. “Being connected with my youth council during a […]
Growing Roots of Leadership: Sophie Landin Inspires Change in White Shield The power of tradition and intergenerational collaboration shapes the work of Sophie Landin, who represents the Great Plains on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. By empowering youth and engaging elders in White Shield, North Dakota, she has shown how leadership can build bridges, […]
Male Co-President Watson Whitford Inspires Unity and Wellness in Native Communities Watson Whitford’s role as Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee demonstrates leadership grounded in connection and wellness. As a Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader, his advocacy for cultural preservation and mental health exemplifies UNITY’s mission to develop Native youth spiritually, mentally, […]
Cultural celebration and resilience form the cornerstone of O’Shay Birdinground’s leadership as Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. From organizing traditional games to leading powwow preparations, this Apsáalooke (Crow) leader showcases how Indigenous heritage can inspire and unite communities. Elevating Leadership Through Tradition As the Arena Director for the Crow Fair […]
As a dedicated servant leader, Marla Mesarina, UNITY’s Midwest Regional Representative, has been a shining example of how youth can lead transformative efforts in their communities. Representing the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Marla’s work is deeply rooted in promoting holistic wellness—spanning social, mental, physical, and spiritual health—and making a lasting […]
Calling all Native youth and their Advocates! You are Invited! The National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUC EC) is thrilled to announce our joint regional meetups this fall, designed to unite youth councils and Native youth from across the country. These virtual gatherings welcome UNITY-affiliated youth councils and their supporters to reconnect, collaborate on shared […]
For Jamie Crowe, Southwest Representative of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a proud member of the Pueblo of Tesuque, leadership is deeply rooted in history and tradition. Jamie recently participated in a community celebration commemorating the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, an event that honors the resilience and cultural survival of the Pueblo people. Through […]
For Liliana Mars, a Narragansett and Navajo youth leader and Northeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is a blend of tradition, connection, and advocacy. This August, she embraced her role by engaging with her community at two Powwows, fostering conversations, and building relationships that strengthen the UNITY network in the Northeast. […]
For Watson Whitford, a Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader serving as the Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is about cultivating relationships, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to take pride in their roots. This August, Watson began his second year at Montana State University, balancing his academic ambitions with his commitment […]
