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 […]
Hope for the future of Indian Country was on full display this January as hundreds of Native youth gathered in Phoenix, Arizona for the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference. Among the leaders helping guide that momentum was Watson Whitford, Chippewa Cree and Navajo leader and Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. The Midyear Conference […]
2026 National UNITY Conference | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma For nearly five decades, United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) has uplifted individuals and youth councils whose leadership strengthens Native youth, families, and communities across Indian Country. As part of the 2026 National UNITY Conference—a historic gathering marking UNITY’s 50th Anniversary —we are proud to honor exceptional […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] The National UNITY Council (NUC) continues to move forward because of the leadership, commitment, and impact of UNITY Youth Councils across the country. As we prepare for the upcoming UNITY Midyear Conference, the NUC Executive Committee is pleased to share this 30-day notice of items that will be presented for review and action […]
December wasn’t quiet for Rhiannon Eaglespeaker—it was powerful, emotional, and deeply rooted in culture. As a Rocky Mountain Executive Committee member of the National UNITY Council, Rhiannon spent the month immersed in ceremony, mentorship, and intertribal connection across the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and into Alberta, Canada. The month began with service to youth. Rhiannon was […]
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 […]
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 […]
When culture, connection, and community come together, leadership naturally follows. During Thanksgiving week, Rhiannon Eaglespeaker (Blackfeet/Kiowa), Rocky Mountain Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, stayed deeply engaged in cultural mentorship, intertribal relationship-building, and youth activities across Montana. Rhiannon continued leading beading classes with high school dorm students at St. Labre—an ongoing project she […]
This autumn, Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, continued his journey of cultural connection and community building — traveling across borders, honoring sacred sites, and creating space for Indigenous students to gather and grow. His month reflected a balance of tradition, education, and leadership rooted deeply in service […]
This fall, Rhiannon Eaglespeaker (Blackfoot and Kiowa), Rocky Mountain Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, continued to lead through culture and connection — one bead, one song, and one act of community at a time. From the grand entry arena of the Black Hills Powwow to the classrooms of St. Labre Indian […]
