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 […]
Leadership takes many forms—planning for the future, uplifting culture, and creating spaces where Native youth can connect and grow. This January, Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi continued to embody that spirit of servant leadership as a Midwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. The month began on January 4 with […]
For Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque, January was filled with moments of pride, inspiration, and renewed commitment to Native youth leadership. As a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Jamie began the year by reconnecting with fellow youth leaders and celebrating an important milestone within their family. From January 16–19, […]
January marked a month of connection, transition, and cultural engagement for Rhiannon Eaglespeaker of Blackfeet and Kiowa heritage. As a Rocky Mountain Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Rhiannon began the year by strengthening relationships with Native youth leaders across the country and continuing community involvement in Montana. The month began with Rhiannon […]
When Native youth come together with purpose, powerful ideas begin to take shape. This January, Weston Bird of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation continued his leadership journey by helping guide youth through planning, healing, and community engagement during the UNITY Midyear Conference and back home in North Dakota. As the Great Plains Regional Representative […]
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 Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the UNITY Midyear Conference was more than a leadership gathering—it was a space to reconnect with culture, build relationships, and strengthen the collective voice of Native youth. As a Western Region Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Amaya attended the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference held […]
Native youth leadership is strongest when it uplifts the well-being of the community. This January, Ethan Hedgepeth of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage stepped into that role by helping guide important conversations around mental health and wellness while continuing to stay connected with Native students on campus. As a Southeast Executive Committee Member of the National […]
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 […]
Service, culture, and education guided the start of the year for Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN). As a Southern Plains Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Victor spent January engaging in community service, tribal governance discussions, cultural education, and academic progress—demonstrating what it means to lead through action. On […]
