For O’Shay Birdinground, an Apsáalooke youth leader and Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council’s Executive Committee, leadership is rooted in the wisdom of his ancestors and the traditions of his people. This summer, O’Shay participated in a vision quest with his local youth council, Ak Bacheeitchilewioosh, or “Those Who Will Become Leaders,” in the Big Horn Mountains—a transformative experience that deepened his connection to Apsáalooke culture and strengthened his dedication to community wellness.
“The ability to get away from city life and to be back amongst your people and learn the language and the culture has been an amazing experience for me,” O’Shay reflected. Over four days, participants immersed themselves in cultural practices, heard stories from tribal elders, and stayed in traditional tipis and wall tents. These experiences provided a safe and sacred space for the youth to connect with their heritage and envision their roles as future leaders.
Culture as a Foundation for Wellness
For Native youth, engaging with culture serves as a protective factor, offering a sense of identity and purpose that can steer them away from risky behaviors. O’Shay’s experience exemplifies how cultural immersion promotes mental and spiritual wellness, empowering young people to thrive as “UNITY Wellness Warriors” in their communities.
A crucial part of the camp was the sweat lodge, where the youth prayed and learned about the significance of the individual rounds to the Crow people. “We were able to hear from elders within our tribe and participate in cultural activities around the campfire,” O’Shay shared. “To be able to participate in this camp has made a profound impact on my life as I continue to learn about the migration of our people and what exactly they were looking for.”
Connecting Past and Present
The camp also included visits to ancient sites adorned with rock art. For O’Shay, these experiences were awe-inspiring. “The youth council was able to visit sites where rock art was painted onto the sides of cave walls, and it was stunning to see these,” he said. “In one, there was a perfect big horn ram painted, while others looked like symbols from another universe.”
By engaging with these historical sites, O’Shay and his peers connected deeply with the stories of their ancestors, understanding their struggles, migrations, and aspirations. This cultural continuity is a powerful reminder that the values of resilience and leadership are timeless.
Leadership Through Cultural Stewardship
As a leader, O’Shay embodies UNITY’s mission to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth. Through his involvement with Ak Bacheeitchilewioosh, he is not only learning the practices and traditions of his ancestors but also passing them on to his peers, ensuring that these teachings endure for future generations.
“Being able to learn and share our culture has shown me how important it is to bring these lessons back to my community,” O’Shay said. “It’s about more than just remembering; it’s about living these values every day.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
O’Shay’s work highlights the critical role culture plays in shaping Native youth leadership. By grounding his leadership journey in Apsáalooke traditions, he exemplifies how cultural practices can inspire young people to step into their roles as community leaders while fostering wellness and resilience.
As UNITY continues to celebrate its 50-year legacy of empowering Native youth, leaders like O’Shay demonstrate how the organization’s mission lives on through programs that honor cultural heritage. By connecting the past with the present, UNITY creates pathways for Native youth to lead with purpose, strength, and integrity.
O’Shay’s experience is a testament to the transformative power of cultural engagement. “This camp has reminded me of where I come from and the responsibility I have to continue the work of my ancestors,” he said. “As Native youth, we’re not just leaders of tomorrow—we’re leaders of today.” Through his dedication to cultural sharing and grassroots mobilization, O’Shay Birdinground shows how honoring the past can create a brighter future, inspiring Native youth to walk in two worlds with pride and purpose.