For Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, April was about connection—visiting with relatives, talking with youth and families, and building excitement for Native youth to experience UNITY’s national programs. While attending the Kyiyo Pow Wow in Missoula, Montana, Rhiannon used the gathering as an opportunity to share UNITY’s mission, answer questions, and encourage youth to take part in the upcoming National UNITY Conference.
Rhiannon attended the 57th annual Kyiyo Pow Wow at the University of Montana in Missoula. The 2026 Kyiyo Celebration was held April 17–18, and the University of Montana describes the annual Kyiyo Pow Wow as one of the oldest traditions of Kyiyo, bringing Native people from across the nation together through dancing, singing, and the sharing of stories.
The Kyiyo organization’s purpose is to bridge University of Montana students and faculty with Missoula and surrounding communities while engaging others in cultural traditions and promoting the cultural identity of American Indian and Alaska Native people. In that setting, Rhiannon’s outreach helped connect culture, community, and UNITY’s larger youth leadership network.
Throughout the powwow, Rhiannon talked with relatives, friends, and community members about UNITY and the upcoming National UNITY Conference. She answered questions about Nationals and listened as people shared that they were planning to attend and bring youth with them. These conversations matter because outreach often starts in familiar community spaces. Powwows bring families, youth, dancers, singers, and leaders together, creating natural opportunities to share resources and invite young people into leadership opportunities.
As the National UNITY Conference approaches, Rhiannon shared how encouraged she felt by the interest youth and families showed in UNITY’s programs. Their excitement reminded her that Native youth are ready to learn, participate, and connect with others across Indian Country.
Rhiannon reflected, “The upbringing of nationals is making me excited to see who all is wanting to participate and learn/ experience more about our programs which makes me really happy.”
Her words show the heart of her service as a regional representative. She is not only promoting an event. She is helping Native youth see that they belong in UNITY’s national circle.
Rhiannon’s leadership reflects the mission of the National UNITY Council, which brings together Native youth, Native Hawaiian youth, and Alaskan Native youth to study common concerns, strengthen leadership skills, and speak with a positive and unified voice. Through powwow outreach, youth engagement, and regional representation, she is helping inspire hope and change lives for the better in Indian Country.
As the Rocky Mountain Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Rhiannon Eaglespeaker plays an important role in representing youth voices from her region while helping strengthen UNITY’s national network. Her April outreach shows that one conversation at a powwow can become an invitation for a young person to step into leadership, community, and UNITY.