Native youth from across the Midwest gathered with UNITY Earth Ambassadors for an intensive training on environmental leadership. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the program blended traditional knowledge, scientific approaches, and youth-driven advocacy to prepare participants as leaders for climate action. Some youth drove over 11 hours to attend […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The UNITY Earth Ambassadors (Midwest) Gathering, held August 21–24, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, brought Native youth together for an immersive training rooted in the stewardship of the four elements—Fire, Earth, Wind, and Water. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the event combined cultural traditions, environmental science, and […]
Earth Ambassador Laylalanai Gocobachi took part in a panel titled What is Food? at the Arizona Good Food Forum. Alongside intergenerational Indigenous leaders—including her grandfather, Robert Valencia—she discussed food as relationship, memory, and a vision for future generations. Sharing the stage with her grandfather was especially meaningful, planting seeds of inspiration for her ongoing commitment […]
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, […]
Mazie Countryman, a proud citizen of the Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Navajo Nation, is a powerful voice for Indigenous youth leadership, community wellness, and climate justice. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Administration at Brigham Young University–Idaho, Mazie balances her academic commitments with deep community involvement, striving to create […]
Weston Bird, a proud member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations, is quickly emerging as a strong voice for Native youth leadership. At just 16 years old, Weston is already making a significant impact as the 2025-2026 Great Plains Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Entering his senior year of high […]
Bosho — Hello, my name is Victor Organista, and I am honored to represent the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Mayetta, Kansas, as the Southern Plains Area Representative for the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Currently a sophomore at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, Victor is pursuing a degree in Media Communications. […]
This July, McKaylin Peters of the Menominee Nation embodied the spirit of leadership and community engagement through a month filled with cultural representation, athletic mentorship, and civic involvement. One of her proudest moments came at the UNITY Conference in San Diego, where the Menominee Youth Council attended for the very first time. Formed in February, […]
Tia Butler, a proud citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is a passionate advocate and cultural leader dedicated to advancing the voices of Native youth. Recently elected as the 2025-2026 Northwest Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Tia brings a powerful blend of political insight, cultural grounding, and community-driven leadership […]
