UNITY

Steady Momentum: Gabriel Loonsfoot Leads Through Advocacy, Culture, and Consistency

Leadership is not always measured by the loudest moment in the room. Sometimes, it is found in steady attendance, respectful advocacy, cultural participation, and the quiet commitment to keep showing up. For Gabriel Loonsfoot, a Pokagon Band of Potawatomi youth leader and Midwest Executive Committee Member, this month reflected a powerful kind of servant leadership: […]

Carrying UNITY to Campus: Ethan Hedgepeth Builds Bridges with Native Youth and Families

For Ethan Hedgepeth, leadership is about showing up where Native youth and families are already gathered and making sure they know they are part of something bigger. Through campus outreach and community conversations, Ethan used his voice to share UNITY’s mission, connect with youth and parents, and strengthen pathways for Native youth leadership in the […]

Courts, Courage, and Community: Victor Organista Creates Safe Spaces for Youth

Spring break became more than a week away from school for youth in the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation community. Through basketball nights, field trips, carnival games, and a talent show, Victor Organista helped create a week filled with safety, joy, learning, and connection. His leadership showed how Native youth can make a powerful difference by […]

Restore the Balance: Native Youth Leading Healing and Change

National UNITY Council Executive Committee Town Hall — May 5, 2026 Across Native communities, youth are leading with clarity, courage, and cultural strength—naming the challenges of today while actively shaping pathways toward healing and justice. The National UNITY Council Executive Committee has taken a unified stand through its resolution, “Restore the Balance: Healing Trauma & […]

UNITY 50th Anniversary Pin Swap: Bring Your Youth Council, School, Tribe, or Organization Pins!

Get ready to fill those lanyards! In celebration of UNITY’s 50th Anniversary, all registered National UNITY Conference attendees will receive a special keepsake memento: the official 50th Anniversary logo pin. This commemorative pin is for attendees to keep as a reminder of this historic gathering and their place in UNITY’s 50-year legacy. But the fun […]

UNITY 50th Flashback Runway Costume Contest

Get ready to serve looks from the past 50 years! UNITY is excited to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with the UNITY Flashback Runway Costume Contest during Talent Night at the 2026 National UNITY Conference. Join us for Flashback Night on Saturday, July 11, at 7:00 PM during Talent Night. Youth and adults are invited to […]

Restore the Balance: Native Youth Leading Healing and Change

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 […]

Dancing for Awareness: Rhiannon Eaglespeaker Helps Bring Attention to MMIW on Campus

For Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, February was about using both cultural expression and community service to bring people together and support important causes. As a Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Rhiannon participated in events that raised awareness while continuing to give back to families in need. During the second weekend of February, […]

Where the Drum Leads: From Michigan to Ontario

For Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, February was filled with opportunities to share culture, strengthen community relationships, and support youth leadership through song, dance, and tradition. As a Midwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Gabriel spent the month participating in gatherings that celebrated Indigenous culture across Michigan and […]

Growing NORTHWEST Youth Councils

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 […]