The month of July was a full one for Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), UNITY’s Male Co-President, blending national leadership, cultural celebration, and community engagement. The month began at the National UNITY Conference, where Watson connected with Indigenous youth from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meeting with the new cohort of Executive Committee members left him energized for the year ahead and ready to work together on UNITY’s priorities.
Outside of his UNITY role, Watson traveled to dance at powwows hosted by different tribes, continuing his commitment to living and sharing culture. Back home, he was invited to speak at the Chippewa Cree Tribal Education Conference as a keynote speaker, and later joined elders for a panel discussion at their second conference. His voice also reached audiences at the Land, Culture, Conservation, and Regeneration Conference, where he spoke on a panel, and through a webinar for the Native American Fibers Program, where he discussed traditional land management practices.
These opportunities to share knowledge, speak alongside elders, and represent his community are ones Watson approaches with gratitude and purpose. “I am very thankful for these opportunities and hope to continue encouraging our younger generations to keep our future strong.”
As UNITY’s Male Co-President, Watson plays a key role in the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, working alongside the Female Co-President and ten Regional Representatives to represent the UNITY Network so that common concerns are studied and addressed with a positive and unified voice. In this position, he helps set national priorities, foster collaboration between youth councils, and ensure the voices of Native youth are heard on issues that matter most. Whether on the powwow trail, behind a microphone, or in conversation with elders, Watson leads by example — grounding his leadership in culture while inspiring the next generation to step forward.