Sometimes leadership means stepping in to help others move forward. For Mazie Countryman, Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, February was about strengthening youth leadership while staying connected to culture and community.
During the month, Mazie attended a round dance in her community, a gathering that brought people together through song, dance, and shared tradition. For many Native communities, round dances are spaces where families and friends reconnect, celebrate culture, and strengthen relationships across generations.
For Mazie, the experience was a reminder of the importance of staying grounded in culture while carrying out leadership responsibilities.
“Attending the round dance reminded me how much our culture keeps us connected and grounded,” she shared.
Alongside cultural gatherings, Mazie spent much of the month working directly with youth councils to help them navigate the UNITY youth council registration process. She provided guidance to the Klamath Youth Council and the Fort Hall Youth Council, assisting them with registration steps and helping them understand how to manage the required fees needed to officially establish and maintain their councils.
This behind-the-scenes work plays a crucial role in strengthening the UNITY network. By helping youth councils successfully register and organize, leaders like Mazie ensure that more Native youth have the opportunity to participate in leadership development, community projects, and national UNITY events.
The process involved a lot of coordination and problem-solving, Mazie found the experience rewarding because it helped set youth leaders up for future success. “Helping other youth councils with their registration taught me that true leadership is about clearing the path so everyone can succeed together,” she said.
Through both cultural participation and leadership support, Mazie continues to demonstrate the importance of guiding the next generation of Native leaders. By helping youth councils overcome challenges and build strong foundations, she is helping expand opportunities for Indigenous youth across the UNITY network.