Great Plains Region
UNITY Regional Profile
The Great Plains Region consists of geographical areas and the states of
North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
The Great Plains region isn’t called Great for no reason, through North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, you’ll see the prairie, steppe, and grassland for as far as your eyes can see. There are 16 federally recognized tribes within these states. There is plenty of history in these states and the tribes have their own unique and distinct cultures and way of life.
Great Plains Tutorial: How to Set Up your UNITY Connect Membership Dashboard
2025 Spring Native Youth Meetup
2022 Spring Great Plains Virtual Meet-Up
2021 Fall Great Plains Virtual Meet-Up
UNITY News: Great Plains Updates
Great Plains Regional Representative: Weston Bird
Weston Bird – UNITY Great Plains Area Representative
Tribes: Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara
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Weston Bird is a proud member of the Hidatsa, Mandan, and Arikara Nations, currently serving as the Great Plains Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. At just 16 years old, Weston is entering his senior year of high school with a strong academic focus, aspiring to graduate with high honors and earn the distinction of valedictorian.
His journey in leadership began a year ago when he joined the MHA Youth Leadership Council. Since then, Weston has become an active force in his community, contributing to the planning and hosting of events such as Mother Corn Day, hand game tournaments, community meals, and fundraisers. His involvement has helped him discover and develop his natural leadership skills.
In addition to his dedication to community service, Weston is passionate about athletics. He participates in football, basketball, and jiu-jitsu—sports that have strengthened his discipline, resilience, and teamwork. These qualities, combined with his strong commitment to education, shape his approach to leadership.
Weston believes deeply in the power of youth voice and collaboration. His goals as a regional representative include uniting youth councils and individuals across the Great Plains to share ideas, strengthen communities, and inspire action. He is especially focused on expanding the number of active youth councils throughout the region and creating more opportunities for Native youth to lead.
Grounded in culture, discipline, and a commitment to service, Weston Louis Bird is a rising leader with a vision for a stronger, more unified future for Native youth in the Great Plains and beyond.
GREAT PLAINS REGION
Sophie Landin, Great Plains Regional Representative
To Contact the entire National UNITY Council Executive Committee
The National UNITY Network consists of 325 affiliated youth councils in 36 states. The Great Plains region has 12 affiliated youth councils in 3 states within the UNITY Network.
Great Plains Region Youth Councils:
1. MHA Youth Leadership Council, North Dakota
2. Turtle Mountain Chippewa UNITY Council, North Dakota
3. Warrior UNITY Youth Council, North Dakota
4. A.N.A Empowering Our Youth, North Dakota
5. Fort Berthold UNITY Chapter, North Dakota
6. Sisseton-Wahpeton Youth Council, North Dakota
7. Santee Sioux Nation Youth Council, Nebraska
8. Linkin Native Youth, Nebraska
9. Saint Francis Indian School Council, South Dakota
10. RST Defending Childhood Initiative Sicangu Youth Council, South Dakota
11. Aliive-Roberts County Youth Council, South Dakota
12. Oglala Sioux Youth Council, South Dakota
“Being here with UNITY is such a great experience. You get to meet so many new people and learn more about different tribes and their cultures.””
“The gathering, the sharing of cultures, the UNITY of our people!”
“Our YOUTH is the future!”
“It’s the best place to be open about what you think and what you want to do for your school or community. They make you feel like family and welcome you openly.”
“Great organization that allows empowerment for the Native youth to excel in leadership skills, networking opportunity, and early professional growth.”
“Awesome for youth group & leadership.”