UNITY Youth Highlight
Returning to Rocky Boy for a round dance gave Watson Whitford a grounding start to January before another semester at Montana State University. Despite freezing temperatures, time with family and community offered a chance to reconnect as he prepared for the responsibilities of school and regional youth leadership.
Whitford, who identifies as Chippewa Cree and Navajo, served as Rocky Mountain Representative in UNITY’s 2023–2024 National UNITY Council Executive Committee cohort. The cohort connects regional youth councils and individual members, represents youth perspectives, and strengthens leadership through cooperation and service.
His January update connected that national responsibility with the relationships at home. The round dance was an opportunity to be present in his community and visit family before returning to campus. His report described the month as a reset for the year ahead.
“Taking care of yourself is the key to continuing your hard work,” Whitford shared in his February 12 report.
That reflection sat alongside ongoing communication with youth councils in the Rocky Mountain region. Whitford reported staying in touch with councils and hoped to see more created. He also noted that another youth council planned to attend UNITY’s Midyear Conference in Phoenix.
Those plans show the relationship-building work behind regional representation. Keeping contact with councils helps sustain a connection between local youth activity and the wider UNITY network. Conference participation can offer councils a place to meet peers, share concerns, and explore leadership opportunities together.
Whitford’s account brings personal well-being into that picture. Family connection, cultural participation, and preparation for college were part of the same month as council outreach. His reminder about self-care recognizes that the person carrying a leadership role also needs time and support to continue serving.
The experience connects with UNITY’s emphasis on holistic development, including social relationships, cultural identity, and well-being. A round dance at home and conversations with regional councils each strengthened a different part of the network surrounding a young leader.
Rather than measuring January only by the number of events attended, Whitford’s reflection gives attention to what sustains participation: a connection to home, communication with other youth, and enough care for oneself to keep showing up.
