This fall, Gabriel Loonsfoot (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, embodied the heart of service through cultural preservation, youth leadership, and community restoration. From rebuilding sweat lodges to leading his youth drum group across state lines, Gabriel’s actions reflected a deep commitment to his people, his culture, […]
Even while facing personal health challenges, Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque chose to lean into leadership and purpose. October was a demanding month, but it became a powerful reminder that healing and service often walk hand in hand. As a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Jamie traveled to Oklahoma […]
This fall, Weston (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara), Great Plains Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, demonstrated what true leadership looks like — courage, community, and resilience in the face of challenge. Though the season brought both celebration and hardship, Weston continued to embody the UNITY mission by uplifting youth and honoring culture within […]
This fall, Liliana Mars (Narragansett, Navajo), Northeast Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, journeyed far from home to close a chapter that carried deep personal meaning — her reign as Miss Sycuan Powwow Princess. Traveling cross-country from her home community to California, Liliana spent the season dancing, singing, and connecting with countless […]
This fall, Victor Organista (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation), Southern Plains Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, spent the season embodying UNITY’s mission — connecting cultures, strengthening community, and empowering youth leadership across Indian Country. From powwows to fiestas, classrooms to broadcasts, Victor’s month was a vibrant reflection of what it means to […]
This fall, Mazie Countryman (Northern Arapaho), Female Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, embraced a season of transition, balance, and reconnection. While adjusting to a new school and schedule, Mazie continued to show her dedication to the UNITY mission — finding ways to stay involved, support wellness initiatives, and uplift Native communities even […]
This fall, Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), Pacific Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, showed that leadership doesn’t always happen on a big stage — sometimes it happens through everyday acts of connection, service, and joy. From running a school snack shack to sharing stories with her Native Sisters Circle and […]
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. Chairman Stevens was not only a respected national leader and advocate for Tribal sovereignty, he was also a steadfast supporter of Native youth and the future generations of Indian Country. He understood that the […]
This fall, Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, journeyed north on a path rooted in prayer, culture, and leadership. His travels took him from Bozeman, Montana, to Hinton, Alberta, Canada, where he attended an Anishinaabe ceremony that hadn’t been practiced among his Chippewa Cree people of Rocky Boy for […]
When the drums echoed across the Northern Cheyenne Reservation this fall, Rhiannon Eaglespeaker (Blackfoot and Kiowa), Rocky Mountain Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, was there not just to dance — but to teach, to give back, and to keep her culture alive through every step. Rhiannon balanced service and cultural preservation, […]
