As communities gather to reflect and plan for the future, the importance of civic engagement within Native communities remains ever-present. UNITY’s National 25 Under 25 Honoree Ian Teller, a Diné (Navajo) youth leader from Tsaile, Arizona, exemplifies this commitment through his servant leadership and dedication to uplifting Native youth.(Center for Native American Youth) In the […]
“Bridging Communities: Kaylee Evans Leads with Heart and Purpose” When Kaylee Evans speaks, Native youth listen. As the Southeastern Representative of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi and Lumbee Tribes, Kaylee’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to unity, culture, and service. She believes true leadership is […]
Showcasing Gabriel Jurado: A UNITY 25 Under 25 Awardee Leading Ecological Initiatives Gabriel Jurado, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has been recognized as a UNITY 25 Under 25 national awardee for his outstanding leadership and commitment to ecological sustainability and cultural preservation. Gabriel’s journey as a leader in his community is […]
Commitment to fostering wellness and connection defines Jamie Crowe’s leadership, even amidst a busy schedule. As Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, their September work with a local youth council demonstrated how staying grounded in tradition can inspire the next generation of Native youth. “Being connected with my youth council during a […]
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 […]
