When more than 100 Indigenous youth gathered in Utah for a weekend centered on faith, culture, education, and the future, Mazie Countryman stepped into the room with a message rooted in experience: Native youth leadership matters now. As a National UNITY Council Executive Committee Co-President, Mazie helped young people see that their voices, choices, and community service can shape something bigger than themselves.
Mazie attended the Gathering of Tribes: Faith and Future youth conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she and her partner, Kyle Bean, were invited as guest speakers. The event brought together Indigenous youth from across North America for a multi-day gathering focused on cultural identity, faith, education, career pathways, and building friendships grounded in shared values. Speaking to youth ages 14 to 20, Mazie and Kyle shared their experiences working in leadership and what it means to serve their communities with purpose. Their message helped introduce more youth to UNITY and the opportunities available through the National UNITY Council.
One of the most meaningful parts of the conference for Mazie was seeing how youth responded after hearing about UNITY. Several young people approached her and shared that they were either planning to attend the upcoming National UNITY Conference or were interested in becoming more involved. That kind of response shows the power of peer-to-peer leadership. When Native youth hear from other Native youth who are already serving, organizing, and leading, the path forward feels more real and reachable. Mazie’s presence helped turn curiosity into connection—and maybe a few “wait, I can do that too?” moments.
The name “Gathering of Tribes” carried special meaning for Mazie. She reflected on how youth came from different backgrounds and Tribal Nations, yet still came together in community and unity. That experience reflects the larger mission of UNITY: to bring Native youth, Native Hawaiian youth, and Alaskan Native youth together so they can study common concerns, strengthen leadership skills, and speak with a positive and unified voice. In a room filled with young people from different places and experiences, Mazie witnessed the strength that comes when Indigenous youth gather with shared purpose.
Mazie shared that the experience gave her encouragement to continue doing the work. Speaking with youth, hearing their feedback, and seeing their interest in UNITY reminded her why leadership matters.
She reflected, “Experiencing this event made me realize how much our youth look up to older people in our communities. Our knowledge and experience encourages them to make good choices and do good things in their communities.”
Her words capture the responsibility and beauty of mentorship. Native youth leaders are not only building their own paths; they are becoming examples for those coming behind them.
Mazie’s leadership reflects the mission of the National UNITY Council to uplift Native youth by inspiring hope and changing lives for the better in Indian Country. Through her role as a guest speaker, mentor, and UNITY representative, she helped young people imagine themselves as leaders who can serve their communities and stay connected to culture, education, and purpose.
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 work at the Gathering of Tribes youth conference showed that when Native youth come together from many backgrounds, they do more than attend an event—they build community, strengthen confidence, and move forward in UNITY.