Co-Presidents

Mazie Countryman, Co-President
Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock, Navajo, Idaho
CONTACT:
National UNITY Council Executive Committee
Email: fcopresident@unityinc.org
Mazie Countryman is a proud citizen of the Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Navajo Nation. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Administration at Brigham Young University–Idaho, where she excels as a full-time student dedicated to improving community health and wellness.
While balancing her academic journey, Mazie actively serves as Female Co-President of the Fort Hall Youth Council, where she leads with compassion, commitment, and a strong focus on community engagement. For the past two years, she represented Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska as the Northwest Area Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Her advocacy centers on amplifying youth voices and creating meaningful change across the UNITY network.
Mazie’s leadership extends to national and international platforms. She is a 2024 Brave Heart Fellow through the Center for Native American Youth, where she works to bridge the representation gap in climate justice while uplifting Indigenous perspectives. Additionally, she is a member of the 2024 International Youth Leadership Coalition through the U.S. Department of State, representing Native youth voices on a global scale.
A former Girl Scout of eight years, Mazie continues to embody the values of honesty, fairness, kindness, and service in all aspects of her life. Whether organizing events, volunteering in her community, or mentoring fellow youth, she believes deeply in the power of service to create lasting impact.
Among her many accomplishments, Mazie became a certified Pharmacy Technician during her senior year of high school—demonstrating her drive, determination, and dedication to excellence. She approaches every opportunity with a positive mindset and a commitment to following through.
Mazie is a passionate advocate for Native youth, firmly believing they are the future of Indian Country. Her efforts are grounded in equity, access, and empowerment—ensuring that all youth, regardless of background or circumstance, have the tools and opportunities to thrive.
With humility and enthusiasm, Mazie looks forward to serving as the 2025–2026 Female Co-President of UNITY, where she will continue to uplift Native youth, build strong relationships, and lead with purpose. She welcomes new connections and is always open to collaboration, knowing that collective action is key to building a brighter future for all.

Watson Whitford, Co-President
Chippewa Cree & Navajo, Montana
CONTACT:
National UNITY Council Executive Committee
Email: mcopresident@unityinc.org
Watson W. Whitford, whose spiritual name is Wapanatak—meaning Morning Star—proudly represents the Diné Nation and is an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. He calls both Rocky Boy, Montana, and Red Mesa, Utah, home. Deeply rooted in his culture, Watson actively participates in the traditional ceremonies of both tribes, embracing teachings through song, dance, language, and prayer.
A graduate of Navajo Preparatory School, Watson is currently in his third year at Montana State University in Bozeman, pursuing a degree in Environmental Horticulture. His studies reflect his deep respect for the Earth and his dedication to sustainable practices that align with Indigenous knowledge systems.
Watson’s leadership journey began with UNITY in 2021 as an Earth Ambassador, where he explored his passion for environmental stewardship. From 2022 to 2024, he served as the Rocky Mountain Area Representative, amplifying the voices of Native youth across his region. Now entering his second term as Male Co-President, Watson is honored to serve all UNITY youth across North America.
His service with UNITY has shaped his commitment to leadership, culture, and community. Beyond UNITY, Watson serves as a member of the Indigenous Youth Leadership Coalition under the U.S. Department of State and is also part of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), where he advocates for Indigenous peoples on a global platform.
Watson encourages Native youth everywhere to remain grounded in their identities:
“Never forget who you are—speak your languages, practice your ceremonies, and respect everything.”
With humility, purpose, and cultural pride, Watson W. Whitford continues to lead by example—uplifting Indigenous youth, protecting cultural lifeways, and representing UNITY with honor and respect.
National UNITY Council EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Members of each UNITY-affiliated youth council appoint two individuals (one young woman, one young man) to serve as their representatives on the National UNITY Council (NUC). Native youth throughout the United States, who are UNITY affiliates, elect individuals to serve as Area Representatives on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. The ten geographical areas are as follows: Great Plains, Midwest, Northeast, Northwest, Pacific, Rocky Mountain, Southeast, Southern Plains, Southwest, and Western. Two youth leaders (one young man, one young woman) are elected by the NUC membership each year to serve as National UNITY Council Co-Presidents.
Past National UNITY Council CoPresidents
- 2020-2021
- Kiera Toya Jemez Pueblo
- Robert “Scottie” Miller Swinomish
- 2021-2022
- Audriana Mitchell Colorado River Indian Tribes
- Izaiah Fisher Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
- 2022-2023
- Chenoa Scippio Santa Clara Pueblo
- Colby White Thunder Alabama Coushatta
- 2023-2024
- Kaytlynn Johnston Bishop Paiute Tribe
- Jonathan Arakawa Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
- 2024-2025
- Kaytlynn Johnston Bishop Paiute Tribe
- Watson Whitford Chippewa Cree, Navajo
- 2025-2026
- Mazie Countryman Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock, Navajo
- Watson Whitford Chippewa Cree, Navajo
- 2010-2011
- J’Shon Lee White Mountain Apache
- Victor Fuentez Muscogee Creek Nation
- 2011-2012
- Amira Madison Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head
- Jared Massey White Mountain Apache
- 2012-2013
- Amira Madison Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head
- Jared Massey White Mountain Apache
- 2013-2014
- Dominique Lombardi Morongo Band of Mission Indians
- Nataanii Hatathlie Navajo Nation
- 2014-2015
- Sarah Scott Lummi Nation
- Brian Weeden Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
- 2015-2016
- Sassamin Weeden Mashpee Wampanoag
- Brian Weeden Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
- 2016-2017
- Sarah Scott Lummi Nation
- Hamilton Seymour Nooksack
- 2017-2018
- Sophie Tiger Commanche
- Hamilton Seymour Nooksack
- 2018-2019
- SuSun Fisher Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
- Joseph Davis Gila River Indian Community
- 2019-2020
- Brittany McKane Muscogee Creek Nation
- Robert “Scottie” Miller Swinomish
- 2000-2001
- LeAndra Bitsie Navajo Nation
- Michael Preston Gila River Indian Community
- 2001-2002
- LeAndra Bitsie Navajo Nation
- Darren Pedro Gila River Indian Community
- 2002-2003
- Kristy Dayson Little Traverse Bay Bands Of Odawa Indians
- Daniel “Dan” Terrio Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians
- 2003-2004
- Mary Smith Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Lee Baltazar Pascua Yaqui Tribe
- 2004-2005
- Misty Airington Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Daniel “Dan” Terrio Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians
- 2005-2006
- Latisha Stick Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Sherman Billie Mississippi Band of Choctaw
- 2006-2007
- Hannah Ward Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
- Matthias Lupe White Mountain Apache
- 2007-2008
- Kelsey Leonard Shinnecock Nation
- Joshua Tso Navajo Nation
- 2008-2009
- Juanita Toledo Jemez Pueblo
- Joshua Tso Navajo Nation
- 2009-2010
- J’Shon Lee White Mountain Apache
- Victor Fuentez Muscogee Creek Nation
- 1992-1993
- Lovina Louie Coeur d’Alene/ Okanagan & Lakes Band of the Colville Confederated Tribes
- Joseph Brown Thunder Ho-Chunk Nation/Oglala Lakota Nation
- 1993-1994
- Toni Edwards Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
- Joseph Brown Thunder Ho-Chunk Nation/Oglala Lakota Nation
- 1994-1995
- Pearl Yellowman Navajo Nation
- Leslie Caye Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
- 1995-1996
- Pearl Yellowman Navajo Nation
- Leslie Caye Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
- 1996-1997
- Sharon Watson Navajo Nation
- Leslie Caye Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
- 1997-1998
- Laura Morningstar Winder Seneca Nation
- Michael Killer Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
- 1998-1999
- Katharine Factor Kiowa
- Manny Lasiloo Gila River Indian Community
- 1999-2000
- Wilpita Bia Navajo Nation
- Leonard Kisto

