Mazie Countryman’s month was rooted in movement—dancing at powwows, supporting youth council fundraising, and helping Native youth prepare for a national gathering that will bring thousands of young leaders together. As a National UNITY Council Co-President, Mazie’s leadership reflected both community service and cultural connection, showing how Native youth leaders can help their peers feel prepared, supported, and proud of who they are.
Mazie participated in a food sale with the Fort Hall Youth Council, helping prepare breakfast burritos and spaghetti to support their efforts. Food sales are often more than fundraisers; they are community-building moments where youth work together, learn responsibility, and build support for shared goals. Mazie also met with the Fort Hall Youth Council to finalize plans for attending the National UNITY Conference. She shared that the youth are excited to attend, showing how her leadership helps encourage other Native youth to take part in UNITY’s national network.
The 2026 National UNITY Conference will be held in Oklahoma City as UNITY celebrates its 50th anniversary. UNITY describes the conference as an impactful five-day, youth-led annual event, with about 3,000 Native youth and advisors expected to attend.
Mazie also attended the Weber State powwow, the University of Utah powwow, and the Utah State University powwow, where she was able to dance at each gathering. Through these cultural events, Mazie stayed connected to community, tradition, and the intertribal relationships that continue to strengthen Native youth leadership.
The University of Utah hosted its 54th annual Pow Wow under the theme “Threading Our Legacies,” a celebration described as free and open to the public at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Utah State University also hosted its 48th annual “Echoing Traditional Ways” Pow Wow, describing the event as a celebration of renewal and the arrival of spring through song and dance. For Mazie, these gatherings were meaningful because they helped her feel rooted in identity and belonging.
Reflecting on her month, Mazie shared, “I learned that participating in cultural activities and events makes me feel connected to my people.”
Her words speak to the heart of cultural leadership. For Native youth, dancing, gathering, and being present in community are powerful ways to honor ancestors, strengthen identity, and carry forward teachings. Mazie’s participation in powwows reflects how culture continues to shape strong leaders who know where they come from and who they represent. Mazie also shared that she is looking forward to attending the Faith and Future Conference in Utah. Her excitement reflects her continued commitment to learning, connecting, and growing as a leader.
Through each experience, from fundraising with Fort Hall Youth Council to dancing at powwows across Utah, Mazie continues to model leadership that is both active and grounded. She supports youth councils, uplifts cultural connection, and helps Native youth see that they belong in spaces of leadership, celebration, and national UNITY.
Mazie’s work reflects the mission of the National UNITY Council, which brings together Native youth, Native Hawaiian youth, and Alaskan Native youth to study common concerns, strengthen leadership skills, and speak with a positive and unified voice. Through service, cultural engagement, and youth council support, she is helping inspire hope and change lives for the better in Indian Country.
As a National UNITY Council Executive Committee Co-President, Mazie Countryman plays a vital role in helping guide UNITY’s national network and representing Native youth voices across regions. Her leadership this month shows that when Native youth stay connected to culture and help others prepare for opportunities, they are not only honoring the past—they are dancing the future forward.