Laughter, music, and the smell of good food filled the air as youth and elders gathered for a circus-themed luncheon hosted by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Youth Council. At the heart of it all was Gabriel Loonsfoot, Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, who sees leadership not as a title, […]
The first weeks of school are often filled with nerves, excitement, and anticipation. For UNITY Pacific Region Representative Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), fall has become a time to spark connection, pride, and purpose in her community. Whether she’s welcoming students with coffee and warm smiles, singing traditional songs to honor Native culture, or […]
The start of a new school year can be intimidating, but for Ethan Hedgepeth (Cherokee & Tuscarora), it came with an important realization—he’s not alone. As a Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan carries the responsibility of serving Native youth in his region while also navigating college life at East Carolina […]
At the National UNITY Council (NUC) Business Meeting on June 30, 2025, during the National UNITY Conference in San Diego, California, more than 130 Native youth leaders representing over 60 affiliated youth councils across 23 states gathered to identify the most urgent challenges facing their peers and communities. Guided by both regional discussions and survey […]
Watson Whitford, known by his spiritual name Wapanatak, meaning “Morning Star,” stands as a beacon of cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership. Representing the Diné Nation and enrolled in the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Watson bridges two vibrant Indigenous communities, calling both Rocky Boy, Montana, and Red Mesa, Utah, home. Deeply rooted in his heritage, […]
Mazie Countryman, a proud citizen of the Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Navajo Nation, is a powerful voice for Indigenous youth leadership, community wellness, and climate justice. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Administration at Brigham Young University–Idaho, Mazie balances her academic commitments with deep community involvement, striving to create […]
Weston Bird, a proud member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations, is quickly emerging as a strong voice for Native youth leadership. At just 16 years old, Weston is already making a significant impact as the 2025-2026 Great Plains Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Entering his senior year of high […]
For Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), leadership this summer meant connecting deeply with culture while preparing her peers for the school year ahead. After attending the June 26–July 1 National UNITY Conference in San Diego — a week of workshops, regional caucuses, and relationship-building — she brought her leadership home to the Pacific region. […]
A 75-foot-long string of red ribbons carrying names and messages now hangs at a memorial site for San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, who was reported missing in Mesa, Arizona, and whose remains were found 100 miles away near Globe, Arizona, earlier this year. During the National UNITY Conference, held in late June in San […]
This summer, Ethan Hedgepeth (Cherokee & Tuscarora) brought his voice, his presence, and his energy to both cultural and creative spaces. At the National UNITY Conference in June, he joined other Native youth at the UNITY Drum, lending his voice to songs that carried through the gathering. He also stepped into a new role — […]
