Leadership takes many forms—planning for the future, uplifting culture, and creating spaces where Native youth can connect and grow. This January, Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi continued to embody that spirit of servant leadership as a Midwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council.
The month began on January 4 with the Pokagon Band Youth Council’s Annual Strategic Planning Meeting held at the tribe’s History and Culture Department conference room. During the meeting, youth leaders gathered with special guest Theresa Magnuson to discuss priorities and future initiatives for the council. Strategic planning meetings like this help youth leaders identify goals, develop projects, and strengthen their ability to serve their communities effectively.
Later in the month, Gabriel traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to attend the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference from January 16–19 at the Sheraton Downtown. The conference brought together more than 700 Native youth representing affiliated youth councils from across the country. Throughout the gathering, youth participated in curriculum sessions, leadership discussions, and cultural activities designed to strengthen the UNITY network.
One highlight of the conference was the UNITY Mock Pageant, which Gabriel helped organize and co-host alongside fellow Executive Committee member Liliana Mars. The event was judged by Native royalty including Aislynn Arnold and other respected judges, while participants brought humor and creativity to the stage. The mock pageant provided a fun and engaging way for youth to build confidence while celebrating Native culture and community.
Later that evening, Gabriel also shared his voice during the Midyear Round Dance, singing alongside the Young Star Drum Group and other invited singers. The gathering, emceed by Taylor Begay with stickman Nathan Littlechild Jr., created a powerful cultural moment where youth and leaders came together through song and dance. Sharing songs at UNITY events allows youth to connect deeply with their traditions while strengthening relationships across regions.
Reflecting on the spirit of community that carried through the month, Gabriel shared, “A strong community is not defined by perfection, but by its willingness to learn, listen, and move forward together.”
His experiences highlight the mission of the National UNITY Council (NUC): to represent Native youth with a unified voice while developing leadership skills rooted in Native heritage and teachings. Through leadership meetings, national conferences, and cultural gatherings, UNITY empowers Native youth—including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives—to collaborate on solutions and strengthen their communities.
The National UNITY Council represents more than 300 affiliated youth councils nationwide and provides a platform where Native youth can study issues, build leadership skills, and create meaningful change. As a Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Gabriel continues to uplift Native youth through planning, cultural sharing, and leadership development—helping ensure that the next generation of leaders remains connected, empowered, and ready to serve.