When culture, connection, and community come together, leadership naturally follows. During Thanksgiving week, Rhiannon Eaglespeaker (Blackfeet/Kiowa), Rocky Mountain Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, stayed deeply engaged in cultural mentorship, intertribal relationship-building, and youth activities across Montana.
Rhiannon continued leading beading classes with high school dorm students at St. Labre—an ongoing project she began in October. Teaching beadwork is more than crafting; it is cultural transmission. Through patience, storytelling, and laughter, she helps youth reconnect with tradition while building confidence in their creativity and identity.
She also assisted with the Northern Cheyenne Turkey Trot run, helping create a healthy and positive gathering space for community members during the holiday season. Events like this promote physical wellness while strengthening communal bonds—an important balance of mind, body, and spirit.
At the Billings Powwow, Rhiannon met with Rocky Mountain tribal leaders and engaged with many community members interested in learning more about UNITY. These conversations are powerful. They expand awareness of the National UNITY Council’s mission and open doors for future collaboration, growth, and youth council development in the region.
Her week also included participating in hand games at Lame Deer College, a meaningful cultural activity that brings people together through tradition and friendly competition. Moments like these reinforce Indigenous lifeways while fostering connection across generations.
Reflecting on the beauty of these gatherings, Rhiannon shared, “We all come together to have fun, laugh and even tell stories. But when it’s time to leave we all gather and take that fun into our minds to share with later, that’s how we grow and learn from one another, and that’s one of the beauties of letting go and getting to know people.” Her words capture the essence of intertribal unity—growth through shared experience.
Rhiannon’s November activities align closely with the mission of the National UNITY Council (NUC): to develop leadership skills in Native youth by drawing upon Native heritage and teachings while providing a forum to address issues impacting their communities. Through cultural education, community events, and relationship-building, she advances UNITY’s vision to inspire hope and create positive change for Native youth, including Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Native communities within the UNITY network.
The NUC represents over 300 affiliated youth councils nationwide and serves as the collective voice of Native youth. By showing up at powwows, community runs, cultural workshops, and intertribal gatherings, Rhiannon strengthens the UNITY network at the grassroots level.
As a Rocky Mountain Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Rhiannon plays a vital role in elevating youth voices, connecting with tribal leaders, and expanding UNITY’s reach throughout her region. Through beadwork, hand games, and community gatherings, she continues weaving together culture, connection, and leadership—one conversation at a time.