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 […]
In October, Mazie Countryman (Northern Arapaho, Shoshone, Navajo), Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, focused on strengthening Native visibility and advocacy at Brigham Young University–Idaho. Mazie participated in an informational booth with the Native American Society, where students showcased their tribal identities and shared their experiences with the campus community. She was also […]
November was a powerful month of firsts, future planning, and community awareness for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria. As Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina balanced cultural celebration, higher education preparation, and community wellness advocacy—demonstrating what well-rounded Native youth leadership looks like. On November 8th and 9th, Alina […]
October was a month of hands-on leadership and relationship-building for Victor Organista (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation), Executive Committee Member for the Southern Plains. Across community spaces—from skateparks to powwow grounds—Victor focused on empowering Native youth with skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead. The month kicked off with a public skateboarding event at the PBPN Skatepark, […]
November was all about visibility, leadership, and sisterhood for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria. As the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina brought energy and intention to Native American Heritage Month—helping amplify Native voices across California in powerful ways. At the beginning of the month, Alina worked alongside […]
Weston Bird (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara), Great Plains Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, witnessed the power of storytelling and culture as medicine within his community of White Shield, North Dakota. Though his month was quieter than usual, it was filled with deep reflection and learning — reminding him that healing and leadership […]
This fall, Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), Pacific Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, showcased her dynamic leadership through advocacy, cultural awareness, and community engagement. From hosting regional gatherings to performing land acknowledgments and leading school spirit initiatives, Alina proved that powerful leadership can come from both cultural pride and everyday […]
