For Watson Whitford, a Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader serving as the Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is about cultivating relationships, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to take pride in their roots. This August, Watson began his second year at Montana State University, balancing his academic ambitions with his commitment to fostering connections within Native communities.
Nurturing Growth in and Out of the Classroom
As a second-year student pursuing a degree in Environmental Horticulture, Watson’s passion for the natural world is matched by his dedication to community service. “Getting ready and preparing myself for the upcoming school year has been keeping me busy,” Watson said. “But I’m excited to continue learning and growing in my education.”
Watson’s work as a student reflects UNITY’s mission to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth. By encouraging youth to pursue higher education, UNITY supports Native students in creating brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Connecting Youth with Elders
Before returning to school, Watson worked closely with elders in his home community of Rocky Boy, Montana. This experience deepened his connection to his cultural heritage and underscored the importance of intergenerational mentorship.
“My job allowed me to create topics for elders to discuss with the youth,” Watson shared. “It helped me form a closer bond with the elders in my community and emphasized how much we can learn from their wisdom.”
By bridging the gap between generations, Watson demonstrates how leadership is rooted in listening and learning from those who came before us. His work aligns with UNITY’s commitment to preserving culture while inspiring the next generation of Native leaders.
Sharing UNITY’s Vision on the Powwow Trail
In addition to his work with elders, Watson traveled to powwows across the region, using the gatherings as an opportunity to share UNITY’s mission and connect with Native youth. Powwows, deeply rooted in tradition, are spaces for cultural celebration and education, particularly in regions like Montana where Native populations are integral to the community.
“Traveling to powwows and sharing about UNITY is one of the most rewarding parts of my work,” Watson said. “It’s incredible to meet youth who are eager to get involved and see how UNITY can help them grow as leaders.”
Powwows provide a platform for Native youth to reconnect with their heritage, strengthening cultural pride and resilience—key factors in avoiding risky behaviors and fostering a sense of belonging.
Expanding UNITY’s Reach in Higher Education
As a student at Montana State University, Watson exemplifies how Native youth can thrive in environments where they feel supported and connected. Universities, especially those historically unwelcoming to people of color, can benefit from the presence of UNITY youth councils, which foster year-round engagement and community building on campus.
UNITY’s programs not only promote leadership but also contribute to retention efforts by creating safe spaces where Native students can celebrate their identities and find solidarity with peers. Watson’s dual role as a student and leader ensures that his peers have a voice and a support system to navigate the challenges of higher education.
Leading with Purpose
Through his work with elders, his travels to powwows, and his leadership within UNITY, Watson Whitford is a shining example of how Native youth leaders influence and inspire others. His commitment to serving his community while pursuing his education reflects UNITY’s mission to build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America.
“I’m looking forward to the work we can do together as UNITY,” Watson said. “Leadership isn’t just about leading—it’s about growing together, learning from each other, and creating opportunities for our communities.”
Watson’s dedication to cultural preservation, education, and intergenerational connection is planting seeds of change that will continue to grow for generations to come. Through his leadership, Native youth across the country are finding the support and inspiration to take the lead in their own futures.