Native youth leadership is strongest when it uplifts the well-being of the community. This January, Ethan Hedgepeth of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage stepped into that role by helping guide important conversations around mental health and wellness while continuing to stay connected with Native students on campus.
As a Southeast Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Ethan traveled to Phoenix, Arizona from January 16–19 to attend the UNITY Midyear Conference, one of UNITY’s key leadership gatherings that brings Native youth together from across the country. During the conference, Ethan helped lead a session focused on mental health and wellness, working with Native youth to develop practical plans for improving well-being within their communities.
Reflecting on the experience, Ethan shared, “I’m happy I was able to help lead Native youth on how to make a plan on how to improve mental health & wellness in their communities.” Sessions like this empower youth leaders to address challenges facing Native communities while encouraging peer support and culturally grounded healing.
Beyond facilitating the session, Ethan also participated in the conference’s round dance, where he shared his voice through song. Cultural gatherings such as round dances provide opportunities for Native youth to connect with tradition while strengthening relationships across regions within the UNITY network.
Shortly after returning from Phoenix, Ethan continued his campus engagement by attending a meeting of the East Carolina University Native American Organization (ECUNAO) on January 21. Staying active with Native student organizations ensures that Native youth pursuing higher education remain connected to culture, community, and peer support systems.
Ethan’s work reflects the mission of the National UNITY Council (NUC), which represents more than 300 affiliated youth councils nationwide and provides a platform where Native youth can study issues, share solutions, and build leadership skills rooted in Native heritage and teachings. UNITY’s programs empower Native youth—including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives—to strengthen their communities through advocacy, cultural engagement, and peer leadership.
As a Southeast Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan plays an important role in elevating youth voices, supporting regional collaboration, and helping guide national conversations about issues impacting Native youth today. Through wellness leadership, cultural participation, and campus engagement, he continues to help Native youth build stronger, healthier communities for the future.