Watson Whitford, UNITY Male Co-President, exemplifies dedication to cultural heritage and community engagement through his recent activities. Whitford participates in significant cultural events that not only reflect his commitment to his roots but also his leadership within the Native youth community.
Connecting through Powwows
Throughout July, Whitford traveled extensively to powwows across Indian Country, including the Prairie Island Powwow in Minnesota, Arlee, Montana, and Mandaree, North Dakota. These gatherings not only celebrate Native culture but also provide a platform for Whitford to share information about UNITY with young attendees. His outreach efforts aim to inspire youth engagement, creating connections that empower the next generation.
Advocating for Elders
In addition to his ceremonial involvement, Whitford began a new role with the elders advocacy group in Rocky Boy. This position allows him to honor the wisdom of the elders by listening to them speak the Cree language and assisting in various organizational tasks, such as planning calendars and managing check vouchers. “I believe that this opportunity has helped me gain more experience,” he reflects, highlighting the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Educational Pursuits and Community Initiatives
As September rolled in, Whitford returned to his studies at Montana State University, taking on a challenging course load of 16 credits. Despite the difficulties, he remains committed to his education while continuing his work with the Buffalo Nations Indigenous Food System program on campus. His dedication to both academics and community initiatives exemplifies a holistic approach to personal and communal development.
Whitford also engaged with diverse audiences through various events. He participated in the Taiwanese Youth Conference with fellow UNITY Executive Committee Members, where he spoke about UNITY. He also contributed to a suicide awareness webinar by providing prayers to open and close the session. His presence at a gourd dance in Billings, Montana, and a fashion show in Rocky Boy further illustrates his commitment to cultural expression.
Honoring Indigenous Peoples
In a poignant moment of remembrance, Whitford sang with a drum group for Truth and Reconciliation Day, honoring Indigenous peoples who endured the trauma of the Indian boarding school system. This act of remembrance serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength within Indigenous communities.
Looking ahead, Whitford expresses hope for continued collaboration with Buffalo Nations and aims to plan a round dance in Bozeman to celebrate UNITY and other initiatives. He encourages youth to remember, “When times are difficult, know you have people that are there for you,” fostering a sense of solidarity and support within Indian Country.
A Commitment to Serve