During the 2025 National UNITY Conference, the organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth took center stage to share the lasting impact of Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) and the opportunities available through the Dreamstarter® Program—a leadership initiative that has helped Native youth across the country turn their dreams into community solutions.
Though Billy Mills was originally scheduled to deliver the Friday keynote address, he was unable to attend in person due to illness. In his place, Running Strong staff offered a moving presentation on his legacy, showing a special video titled “Footprints” that detailed Billy’s historic win in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and his rise from poverty and loss on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Youth sat in awe as they learned how Billy overcame adversity and turned personal triumph into a mission to uplift Native communities through Running Strong.
As part of his legacy, Running Strong’s Dreamstarter Program awards $20,000 grants to Native youth leaders ages 14–26 who are committed to making a difference in their communities. Each year, Dreamstarter selects a theme—such as Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Wellness, or Social Action—and helps young leaders build, implement, and grow innovative projects grounded in Indigenous values. The organization also provides mentorship, professional development, and a platform for youth to share their stories nationally.
The Dreamstarter program is a natural fit with UNITY’s broader vision of cultivating social justice and community transformation through Native youth leadership. The program models what UNITY teaches: that Indigenous youth have the answers, and with the right support, they can lead movements, revitalize languages, protect the environment, and heal their people. Many youth left the presentation feeling empowered. “Learning about Dreamstarter made me realize I don’t have to wait to be older to begin my career goals,” said one participant. “I can start now.” One advisor commented, “My youth needed this. It gave them vision and tools. Billy’s legacy and Running Strong’s work show our kids that Native excellence is real—and it’s reachable.”
More than 3,000 attendees from around the country came together to celebrate their culture and explore strategies for using their voices and leadership to create positive change in their communities. Youth attendees and trainers held meaningful discussions and explored actions to promote positive mental health and substance abuse prevention efforts. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is the presenting sponsor.
“It’s always so inspiring to see our youth come together and demonstrate so much passion for their communities,” said Mary Kim Titla, UNITY executive director. “Our goal is always to empower Native youth to become cultural stewards and future leaders. Youth, chaperones, trainers, and staff felt a renewed sense of pride and purpose during the conference that will fuel them when they return home.”
As the Dreamstarter presentation wrapped up, so many young people walked away believing in the possibility of their own dreams. Through the powerful storytelling of Running Strong and the continued influence of Billy Mills, UNITY youth were reminded that their journey is part of something much larger—and that their dreams are worth funding, nurturing, and bringing to life.