For Weston, leadership this month meant learning with his hands, listening with respect, and stepping out of his comfort zone to speak for something bigger than himself. From participating in a buffalo harvest with students across the MHA Nation to representing UNITY at the Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, Weston’s month reflected the power of cultural teachings and youth leadership growing side by side.
As the Great Plains Region Representative, Weston showed that Native youth leadership is not only about what you already know. It is also about being willing to learn, ask questions, build relationships, and rise together.
Weston joined Eya Fox and other students from across the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation for a buffalo harvest experience in Twin Buttes and White Shield. During the trip, students were able to learn about the ceremonial aspects of harvesting buffalo and the responsibilities that come with caring for the animal, the community, and the teachings connected to the process.
Weston shared that the Arikara Chief took part in the experience and taught students what the buffalo means to the people and how their mindset should be as they continued with the harvest. After observing the harvest from a distance, the buffalo was taken for field dressing. Students helped remove the innards, saved delicacies for community elders, and later helped break down the buffalo in White Shield. The hide and skull were donated to the school. This experience was both cultural and educational. It helped Native youth understand that harvesting is not only about food. It is about respect, gratitude, responsibility, and making sure community members, especially elders, are cared for.
Weston also represented UNITY at the 2026 Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas. RES 2026 took place at Caesars Palace from March 23–26 and was hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. The summit is recognized as one of the largest economic development gatherings in Indian Country, bringing together Tribal leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, corporate partners, and Native organizations focused on business growth and economic opportunity.
At RES, Weston learned more about how tribal politics are structured and what it takes to make change at higher levels of leadership. He also reflected on the importance of communication, networking, and making a strong impression when speaking with others. The 2026 RES theme, “Rising Together,” focused on networking, business development, teaming opportunities, and strengthening Native enterprise. For Weston, that theme became more than a conference slogan. It became a lesson in how Native leaders, organizations, and youth can support each other’s growth.
One of Weston’s biggest leadership growth moments happened at UNITY’s informational booth. With support from Tristan, he practiced stepping out of his shell and sharing information about UNITY with RES attendees.
He also had the opportunity to represent UNITY during the College Chapter of the Year competition session, where he shared what UNITY is all about and invited others to attend the National UNITY Conference.
These moments showed Weston’s willingness to grow as a communicator and advocate. Networking can feel intimidating, but by practicing in a real conference setting, he strengthened skills that will continue to serve him as a regional representative and youth leader. Tiny comfort zone? Evicted.
Weston shared that his favorite speaker at RES was Chris James, who stood out to him as confident and relatable. He also said his favorite session was the College Chapter of the Year competition because it gave him a chance to share UNITY’s mission with others. Through these experiences, Weston gained new insight into leadership, tribal governance, communication, and economic development. He also identified an area where he wants to keep growing: approaching people to create more networking opportunities. That self-awareness is part of leadership. Weston is not only participating in opportunities; he is reflecting on how to become stronger through them.
Reflecting on his month, Weston shared that he learned the importance of “Rising Together.”
That lesson connected both major parts of his report. During the buffalo harvest, Weston learned how community rises together through cultural teachings, shared responsibility, and care for elders. At RES, he learned how Native leaders rise together through networking, advocacy, economic development, and collaboration. Together, these experiences show how Native youth leadership can be rooted in tradition while also preparing young leaders to engage in modern systems of governance, business, and community change.
Weston’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 cultural learning, public outreach, and national networking, Weston is helping inspire hope and change lives for the better in Indian Country.
As the Great Plains Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Weston plays an important role in representing Native youth voices from his region while helping strengthen UNITY’s national network. His month of service shows that rising together begins with respect for culture, courage to grow, and the willingness to step forward so other Native youth can see what is possible.
