December wasn’t quiet for Rhiannon Eaglespeaker—it was powerful, emotional, and deeply rooted in culture. As a Rocky Mountain Executive Committee member of the National UNITY Council, Rhiannon spent the month immersed in ceremony, mentorship, and intertribal connection across the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and into Alberta, Canada. The month began with service to youth. Rhiannon was […]
From December 5–7, UNITY Earth Ambassadors from across the Pacific Region gathered in Hawaiʻi for a powerful weekend rooted in connection, culture, and action. The gathering centered youth leadership, ancestral knowledge, and a shared commitment to mālama ʻāina—caring for the land—for generations to come. In attendance were UNITY Earth Ambassadors McKaylin Peters (Menominee Indian Tribe, […]
Interested in exploring all that Arizona State University has to offer? UNITY is partnering with ASU and is offering campus tours during the Midyear Conference January 16, 2026. Explore the Downtown Phoenix campus and the vast areas of study they have to offer from Public Service to Design and the Arts. During the tour, ASU […]
From the mainland to the islands, Native youth are building bridges rooted in culture and care for Mother Earth. This December, Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria brought the Pacific Region together in a powerful way at the UNITY Pacific Region Earth Ambassador Gathering in Hawai’i. Serving as the Pacific Region Representative on the […]
Leadership doesn’t clock out for winter break. Even during a quieter December, Watson Whitford of Chippewa Cree and Navajo heritage continued doing what strong Native youth leaders do best—building relationships, honoring culture, and planting seeds for future UNITY growth. As one of the Co-Presidents serving on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Watson balances academic […]
If December had a soundtrack in Pokagon territory, it would be drums, laughter, and community coming together. Gabriel Loonsfoot of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians wrapped up the year with a powerful mix of service, cultural leadership, and youth mentorship—proving that Native youth leadership doesn’t take holidays. As a Midwest Executive Committee Member of […]
Finals season can test anyone—but for Native youth navigating college life, having community makes all the difference. This December, Ethan Hedgepeth, of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage, was reminded of the strength that comes from staying connected. As a Southeast Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Ethan continues to balance academic responsibilities with leadership […]
Not every month is about big travel or packed schedules. Sometimes leadership looks like slowing down, showing up locally, and taking time to reflect. This December, Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque did just that—centering community, gratitude, and growth as a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. In Santa Fe, New […]
November was a month of culture, competition, and confidence-building for Weston (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara), Great Plains Regional Representative, as he supported youth leadership at home and elevated Native youth voices on a national stage. Back in White Shield High School, Weston helped lead his Youth Council’s annual Handgames Tournament, welcoming students from Twin Buttes and […]
Throughout November, Tia Butler of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Executive Committee Member for the Northwest, spent the month deeply engaged in relationship-building, cultural celebration, and advocacy work across the region and beyond. One of the most meaningful moments of the month was celebrating the Siletz Tribe’s Restoration alongside the Siletz Tribal Youth Council […]
