This fall, Gabriel Loonsfoot (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, embodied the heart of service through cultural preservation, youth leadership, and community restoration. From rebuilding sweat lodges to leading his youth drum group across state lines, Gabriel’s actions reflected a deep commitment to his people, his culture, and the land that sustains them.
Gabriel began the season by rebuilding two new sweat lodges for his community — a powerful act of renewal that ensures his people can continue holding monthly ceremonies. Working alongside his uncles, mother, and aunt, he helped restore a sacred space for prayer and healing. “As Indigenous people, we must always remind the world: we are the original people of this land,” Gabriel shared, emphasizing how ceremony and stewardship remain at the core of his leadership.
His dedication to cultural representation continued at the Walpole Island First Nation Powwow, where he proudly represented his community as Potawatomi Royalty. The event, filled with song, dance, and connection, allowed Gabriel to build relationships across tribal nations and honor the traditions that have carried his people for generations.
As a leader and mentor, Gabriel also guided his Youth Council drum group through a series of community presentations. The group traveled from their hometown of Dowagiac, Michigan, to Edwardsburg and Holland, sharing songs and stories at both a local gathering and the International Festival of Holland. With Gabriel as the lead singer, the group performed traditional songs while tribal relatives showcased their regalia and dance styles. Their presence reminded audiences of the living strength of Native culture — vibrant, proud, and rooted in community.
The season concluded with a project of remembrance and care. Gabriel and his youth council visited a historic cemetery in Hartford, Michigan, where their tribe’s chief and other Native ancestors are buried. Together, they cleaned and restored headstones with guidance from their advisors and support from the Center of History and Culture Department. It was a moment of humility and honor — tending to the resting places of their ancestors while passing down the responsibility of remembrance to the next generation.
Supported by family members and mentors, including Rebecca Williams, Jennifer Cowtuckmuck, and Marisela Goodrich, Gabriel continues to lead with purpose, balance, and cultural pride. His leadership journey this fall was not only about showing up at events — it was about rebuilding, teaching, and healing alongside his people.
As the Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Gabriel represents a network of Native youth leaders dedicated to preserving culture and empowering communities across Indian Country. His example reminds us that leadership isn’t just about being seen — it’s about building spaces, voices, and futures where culture and community can thrive for generations to come.