This fall, Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, journeyed north on a path rooted in prayer, culture, and leadership. His travels took him from Bozeman, Montana, to Hinton, Alberta, Canada, where he attended an Anishinaabe ceremony that hadn’t been practiced among his Chippewa Cree people of Rocky Boy for more than 70 years.
“I hope that by attending this ceremony, the ceremony will find its way back to the Chippewa Cree people of Rocky Boy,” Watson shared, reflecting on the deep spiritual purpose behind his travels. Guided by ceremony, language, and prayer, his leadership as Co-President reflects the strength of Indigenous traditions and their power to guide the next generation of Native youth.
During his time in Canada, Watson connected with Indigenous leaders and youth organizers to explore new partnerships between UNITY and First Nations communities. His goal is to continue inviting Indigenous youth from Canada to attend UNITY conferences, strengthening the bonds of kinship that cross colonial borders and bringing together young leaders who share common values of community, healing, and hope.
Returning to Montana, Watson also participated in a film festival that featured Bring Them Home, a moving story about the return of the bison to the Blackfeet Nation. “This is my fifth time watching this film, and I’m always filled with hope and encouragement after watching it,” he said. Through the event, Watson connected with potential supporters who could help fund future youth and cultural projects through the Montana State University American Indian Council, continuing his work to build opportunities for Native students and leaders on campus.
He also joined his community in honoring relatives affected by the boarding school era, participating in a Remembrance Prayer Walk where he sang in tribute to those who never made it home. Moments like these, steeped in healing and remembrance, are central to Watson’s approach to leadership — blending advocacy with ceremony to uplift both spirit and community. Alongside his cultural and leadership work, Watson continues to excel academically as a student at Montana State University, having made substantial progress by the halfway point of his semester. Balancing school, leadership, and cultural commitments, he still finds time to focus on connecting with youth and plans to revitalize the UNITY Co-Presidents’ Instagram page to share updates, reflections, and messages of encouragement.
Watson reminds us, “When you are so entrenched in your everyday life, remember the prayers said at the ceremony you attended.” His words reflect the essence of his leadership — rooted in humility, grounded in prayer, and guided by the responsibility to carry forward teachings that have sustained his people for generations.
As the Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Watson represents Native youth across Indian Country and beyond. His commitment to reconnecting cultural knowledge, promoting intertribal unity, and honoring ceremony demonstrates the heart of UNITY’s mission: empowering young leaders to create change through culture, community, and collective healing.