Growing Roots of Leadership: Sophie Landin Inspires Change in White Shield The power of tradition and intergenerational collaboration shapes the work of Sophie Landin, who represents the Great Plains on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. By empowering youth and engaging elders in White Shield, North Dakota, she has shown how leadership can build bridges, […]
Male Co-President Watson Whitford Inspires Unity and Wellness in Native Communities Watson Whitford’s role as Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee demonstrates leadership grounded in connection and wellness. As a Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader, his advocacy for cultural preservation and mental health exemplifies UNITY’s mission to develop Native youth spiritually, mentally, […]
Cultural celebration and resilience form the cornerstone of O’Shay Birdinground’s leadership as Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. From organizing traditional games to leading powwow preparations, this Apsáalooke (Crow) leader showcases how Indigenous heritage can inspire and unite communities. Elevating Leadership Through Tradition As the Arena Director for the Crow Fair […]
The Young River People’s Council (YRPC) hosted a creative and impactful civic engagement event titled “Pickle Slushies for the Polls” at the Way of Life Facility, drawing in over 150 attendees for a day focused on voter education, registration, and youth-led leadership. Designed to encourage community involvement in the democratic process, the event saw 15 […]
As a dedicated servant leader, Marla Mesarina, UNITY’s Midwest Regional Representative, has been a shining example of how youth can lead transformative efforts in their communities. Representing the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Marla’s work is deeply rooted in promoting holistic wellness—spanning social, mental, physical, and spiritual health—and making a lasting […]
Education at Pyramid Lake Jr/Sr High School isn’t confined to textbooks – it’s enriched by Native culture and driven by student initiative. Native American students are taking active roles in preserving and sharing their heritage on campus. They organize cultural clubs, invite elders and speakers, and ensure that Paiute language and traditions have a visible […]
The Red Lake Nation Youth Council was honored to participate in the 2024 Minnesota Tribal-State Relations Training, held at the Oshkiimahjitahdah Event Center in Redby. With more than 50 participants in attendance, including representatives from state departments such as the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Commerce, and Department of Human Services, the training serves […]
In the fall of 2024, the Navajo Prep Naat’áanii Youth Council took action to support civic engagement by participating in Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts during the election season. With 18 youth members involved, the council focused on learning how to mobilize their peers and communities around the importance of voting and political participation. […]
Georgia Adeline Harjo, a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Choctaw, Seminole, and Cheyenne tribes, has been a dynamic force within her community and a deserving recipient of the prestigious UNITY 25 Under 25 National Award. Her passion for uplifting Native youth and fostering cultural pride shines through in every aspect of her servant […]
The 2025 Midyear Conference will engage more than 600 Native youth from across the country through workshops, breakout sessions, and cultural sharing. We seek workshop leaders from a broad range of fields to participate in the speed workshops at the Midyear Conference. Subject matters may include career, culture, education, environment, and health. Interested parties can […]
