In August, Kaytlynn Johnston, UNITY Female Co-President, engaged in a series of meaningful activities that underscored her commitment to advocacy, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment. Her efforts during the month not only reflected her leadership but also highlighted the pressing issues facing her community. One significant event was Johnston’s attendance at her tribe’s groundbreaking ceremony […]
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, […]
For Watson Whitford, a Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader serving as the Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is about cultivating relationships, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to take pride in their roots. This August, Watson began his second year at Montana State University, balancing his academic ambitions with his commitment […]
Rise and Vote: Amplify Native Voices CLICK below to download two Free UNITY GOTV toolkits designed to empower Native youth in elections by increasing voter participation, representation, and advocacy strategies. The toolkit also includes links to three UNITY webinars featuring Native youth guest speakers actively engaging our community through grassroots voter education.  CLICK HERE 1 – GOTV […]
For Watson Whitford, the National UNITY Council Male Co-President and a proud member of the Chippewa Cree and Navajo Nations, leadership means more than guiding others—it’s about grounding himself in tradition, serving his community, and inspiring other young Native men to find their strength through culture. Watson’s journey this summer has been one of deep […]
In a historic moment during the National UNITY Council’s (NUC) business meeting in Portland, Oregon, Native youth leaders from over 300 youth councils came together to identify and adopt the Top Ten Issues facing Native youth for 2024-25. These issues reflect the most pressing challenges experienced by Native communities nationwide and serve as a call […]
Each year, the UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) Inc. movement stands as a beacon of hope, empowerment, and strategic action, bringing together Native youth from across the nation in an unparalleled display of leadership and collective impact. Representing over 300 youth councils, UNITY’s delegation of youth leaders is a testament to the diversity and […]
Thinking about joining the National UNITY Council (NUC) Executive Committee? It’s a great way to make friends, network and gain leadership experience, especially in serving your region. However, it can also require a significant time commitment. This petition is for National UNITY Council (NUC) members interested in running for regional area representative positions and Co-Presidents […]
After 4 long years, Tribes throughout the Northwest came together for their Annual Canoe Journey. This year, canoes from Canada, Washington, Oregon, Hawai’i, Alaska, and other areas paddled to Muckleshoot, Washington, for a week for cultural sharing, spiritual healing, and good medicine. The Klallam welcomed canoes which landed in their territory. Canoes were welcomed at […]
2023-24 National UNITY Council Executive Committee BIOGRAPHIES Jonathan Arakawa, UNITY Co-President Tribe: Lower Elwha Klallam, Washington Jonathan Arakawa is an enrolled member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. He currently attends the Evergreen State College where he is studying for his Bachelor’s degree in Tribal Governance. He has served in various elected and appointed […]
