For Mazie Countryman (Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock, Navajo), this summer’s National UNITY Conference in San Diego was more than an event — it was a defining moment in her leadership journey. Surrounded by thousands of Native youth leaders, Mazie found herself both inspired and empowered. “Being at the UNITY conference was impactful to say the least. Being surrounded by 3,000 Native youth gave me hope in our future, knowing we will break these generational traumas while being there for each other.”
Mazie’s conference experience was full of connections and cultural pride. She co-hosted a workshop with the Fort Hall Youth Council on the history of the Shoshone-Bannock people and their traditional plants. Her Northwest Region caucus meetings were just as powerful — “The room was packed and everyone enjoyed themselves to say the least. We danced to round dance songs, listened to youths’ impactful words, and came together as one.” In a touching moment of intertribal friendship, the Tulalip Youth Council from Washington gifted her a traditional woven headband during her workshop.
The UNITY Conference also marked a milestone for Mazie — she successfully ran for Female Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Stepping into this role, she carries the responsibility of helping guide UNITY’s national priorities while representing the voices and concerns of Native youth across the country.
Returning home to Fort Hall, Mazie wasted no time putting her leadership into action. She partnered with the Idaho Food Bank to distribute food to community members, planned movie nights with the Fort Hall Youth Council to bring families together, and led a debrief session using UNITY’s “grows and glows” reflection method to share lessons learned from the conference.
As the Northwest Region’s representative and now Female Co-President on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Mazie plays a vital role in advancing UNITY’s mission to represent the UNITY Network so that common concerns are studied and addressed with a positive and unified voice.
The Executive Committee works to guide national priorities, create spaces for respectful dialogue, and strengthen Native youth councils nationwide. Mazie’s leadership bridges local action and national advocacy, embodying the spirit of UNITY by fostering collaboration, honoring culture, and empowering Native youth to lead with vision and purpose.
