At the National UNITY Council (NUC) Business Meeting on June 30, 2025, during the National UNITY Conference in San Diego, California, more than 130 Native youth leaders representing over 60 affiliated youth councils across 23 states gathered to identify the most urgent challenges facing their peers and communities. Guided by both regional discussions and survey […]
Watson Whitford, known by his spiritual name Wapanatak, meaning “Morning Star,” stands as a beacon of cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership. Representing the Diné Nation and enrolled in the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Watson bridges two vibrant Indigenous communities, calling both Rocky Boy, Montana, and Red Mesa, Utah, home. Deeply rooted in his heritage, […]
Rhiannon Eaglespeaker carries a powerful legacy as a young Indigenous leader, proudly representing her rich cultural heritage from the Blackfoot (Bloods) of Alberta, Canada, and the Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma. As the 2025–2026 Rocky Mountain Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, she represents Native youth from Montana and […]
The month of July was a full one for Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), UNITY’s Male Co-President, blending national leadership, cultural celebration, and community engagement. The month began at the National UNITY Conference, where Watson connected with Indigenous youth from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meeting with the new cohort of Executive Committee members […]
Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, 18 Tribe: Blackfoot, Kiowa Youth Council: BTSC(Billings student tribal council) Rhiannon EagleSpeaker/WhiteShield, 18, is a proud member of the Kainai (Blackfoot/Blood), Kiowa, Arapaho, and Southern Cheyenne tribes. Enrolled with the Blackfoot in both the United States and Canada, Rhiannon was born in Browning, Montana, and holds dual citizenship in both countries. She is […]
Ready to lead? The National UNITY Council (NUC) is accepting petitions for Area Representative and Co-President (Female and Male) positions on the Executive Committee. This is your opportunity to represent Native youth, uplift your region, and help shape the future of Indigenous leadership. Available Positions: Area Representatives from UNITY’s ten regions Co-Presidents (must be former […]
The Missoula Native Youth Council played a vital role in the success of Welcoming Our Future, a four-session series focused on Child and Maternal Health, held at the University of Montana’s Payne Family Native American Center. With each session welcoming 45–50 youth and family members, the event fostered learning, connection, and social wellness for Native […]
Watson has proven to be an exceptional leader, dedicating his time and efforts to preserving cultural traditions, building connections with Indigenous youth, and strengthening the ties in his community. In February, Watson’s journey took him across multiple locations, each offering opportunities to further his leadership skills and deepen his commitment to his cultural heritage. One […]
Are you a Native youth artist with a passion for design? Here’s your chance to showcase your creativity! UNITY is inviting Native youth ages 14 to 24 to submit their original artwork for the 2025 National UNITY Conference Logo Contest. The winning design will be used on promotional materials for this summer’s National UNITY Conference […]
The 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Arizona brought together Native youth from across the country to explore deeper levels of self-awareness, cultural identity, and spiritual wellness. As part of UNITY’s commitment to providing young leaders with a stronger sense of belonging, several hands-on cultural workshops focused on personal storytelling, traditional knowledge, and cultural revitalization. […]
