Leadership doesn’t clock out for winter break. Even during a quieter December, Watson Whitford of Chippewa Cree and Navajo heritage continued doing what strong Native youth leaders do best—building relationships, honoring culture, and planting seeds for future UNITY growth. As one of the Co-Presidents serving on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Watson balances academic […]
If December had a soundtrack in Pokagon territory, it would be drums, laughter, and community coming together. Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians wrapped up the year with a powerful mix of service, cultural leadership, and youth mentorship—proving that Native youth leadership doesn’t take holidays. As a Midwest Executive Committee Member of […]
Finals season can test anyone—but for Native youth navigating college life, having community makes all the difference. This December, Ethan Hedgepeth, of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage, was reminded of the strength that comes from staying connected. As a Southeast Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Ethan continues to balance academic responsibilities with leadership […]
Not every month is about big travel or packed schedules. Sometimes leadership looks like slowing down, showing up locally, and taking time to reflect. This December, Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque did just that—centering community, gratitude, and growth as a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. In Santa Fe, New […]
November was a month of culture, competition, and confidence-building for Weston (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara), Great Plains Regional Representative, as he supported youth leadership at home and elevated Native youth voices on a national stage. Back in White Shield High School, Weston helped lead his Youth Council’s annual Handgames Tournament, welcoming students from Twin Buttes and […]
Throughout November, Tia Butler of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Executive Committee Member for the Northwest, spent the month deeply engaged in relationship-building, cultural celebration, and advocacy work across the region and beyond. One of the most meaningful moments of the month was celebrating the Siletz Tribe’s Restoration alongside the Siletz Tribal Youth Council […]
Some moments remind you exactly why you lead. For Mazie Countryman—Northern Arapaho, Shoshone, and Navajo leader and Co-President of the National UNITY Council—November was filled with those moments. At BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Mazie participated in Culture Night, dancing with the Native society on campus. It was her first time dancing in years, and she stepped […]
Some birthdays are about cake. Others are about calling. For Amaya of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, November wasn’t just another trip around the sun—it was a month rooted in growth, gratitude, and stepping boldly into leadership spaces that uplift Native youth across Indian Country. As a Western Region Executive Committee member of the National UNITY […]
November continued to be a month of powerful representation and cultural engagement for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria. As Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina stepped into spaces that uplifted Native leadership, artistry, and visibility across Sacramento. On November 22, Alina attended the Tribal Youth Leadership Summit hosted […]
When Indigenous youth step into leadership spaces—on campus, on the field, and in front of tribal leaders—real change begins. This November, Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, demonstrated what it means to lead at every level. While continuing his studies at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, Watson […]
