Some moments remind you exactly why you lead. For Mazie Countryman—Northern Arapaho, Shoshone, and Navajo leader and Co-President of the National UNITY Council—November was filled with those moments. At BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Mazie participated in Culture Night, dancing with the Native society on campus. It was her first time dancing in years, and she stepped […]
Some birthdays are about cake. Others are about calling. For Amaya of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, November wasn’t just another trip around the sun—it was a month rooted in growth, gratitude, and stepping boldly into leadership spaces that uplift Native youth across Indian Country. As a Western Region Executive Committee member of the National UNITY […]
November continued to be a month of powerful representation and cultural engagement for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria. As Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina stepped into spaces that uplifted Native leadership, artistry, and visibility across Sacramento. On November 22, Alina attended the Tribal Youth Leadership Summit hosted […]
When Indigenous youth step into leadership spaces—on campus, on the field, and in front of tribal leaders—real change begins. This November, Watson Whitford (Chippewa Cree/Navajo), Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, demonstrated what it means to lead at every level. While continuing his studies at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, Watson […]
Leadership is also about knowing when to pause, reflect, and restore. This November, Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque modeled a powerful form of servant leadership by prioritizing mental well-being while staying connected to community and culture. As a Southwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Jamie balanced personal challenges, academic coursework, […]
In November, Ethan Hedgepeth (Cherokee, Tuscarora), Executive Committee Member for the Southeast Region, stayed actively engaged on campus and in the broader community through cultural education, outreach, and advocacy. Ethan participated in several events hosted by the Native American organization at East Carolina University, including a Craft & Chat, the organization’s monthly meeting, and a […]
Stepping into leadership isn’t always comfortable—but it is always powerful. This November, Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN) embraced that growth, representing his tribe and Native youth on both local and national stages as a Southern Plains Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. On November 5, Victor attended a Youth […]
When culture, connection, and community come together, leadership naturally follows. During Thanksgiving week, Rhiannon Eaglespeaker (Blackfeet/Kiowa), Rocky Mountain Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, stayed deeply engaged in cultural mentorship, intertribal relationship-building, and youth activities across Montana. Rhiannon continued leading beading classes with high school dorm students at St. Labre—an ongoing project she […]
When crisis hits, leaders don’t hesitate—they act. This November, Liliana Mars of the Narragansett and Diné Nations demonstrated exactly what servant leadership looks like when her community needed it most. As a Northeast Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Liliana balanced cultural engagement with large-scale community service that directly impacted hundreds of families […]
Leadership is about creating spaces where Native youth know they belong. This October, Ethan Hedgepeth, of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage, strengthened connections both regionally and on campus—reminding Native students that they are never alone. As a Southeast Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council, Ethan co-hosted a Southeast and Southern Plains Regional Meetup over […]
