At the 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference during the bi-annual Business Meeting, Native youth leaders from across the country came together to pass a powerful resolution as the National UNITY Council—Resolution 02-02-25-2: “Inspiring HOPE (Heart-to-Heart Conversations, Open-Minded Dialogue, Promoting Resources, Encouragement).” This initiative is a national call to action for the 300+ Native youth councils affiliated […]
As the seasons shift and the air grows crisp, the spirit of service and leadership remains steadfast among Native youth. Watson Whitford, a Chippewa Cree/Navajo member of UNITY’s Executive Committee representing the Rocky Mountain region, exemplified this enduring commitment during his participation in the White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The White House […]
The National UNITY Council Executive Committee (NUCEC) program has had an impactful year, serving as the collective voice of Native youth nationwide. Elected annually in July, the two Executive Committees serving in 2024 have upheld UNITY’s mission of fostering the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth through a wide range of initiatives, […]
The UNITY 25 Under 25 program exemplifies the transformative power of Native youth leadership. This year, 25 outstanding leaders from diverse tribal communities across the United States showcased their ability to drive change through initiatives rooted in cultural preservation, environmental justice, mental health advocacy, and economic empowerment. Their collective efforts highlight UNITY’s mission to foster […]
The Missoula Native Youth Council played a key leadership role in the Montana Tribal Language Series, a four-session cultural event held at the University of Montana’s Payne Family Native American Center. With over 120 attendees across the series, the event focused on spiritual wellness through the revitalization and celebration of Indigenous languages. The series highlighted […]
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), in partnership with the Center for Native American Youth and the White House, co-hosted the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The event, held at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building, brought together nearly 150 Native youth leaders nationwide to engage in […]
O’Shay Birdinground Empowers Indigenous Youth to Lead “This was incredible to see just how many Indigenous youth can make an impact,” shared O’Shay Birdinground, a proud member of the Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation and a Rocky Mountain Regional Representative on UNITY’s Executive Committee. O’Shay’s inspiring leadership was on full display as he participated in the historic […]
Watson Whitford: Elevating Voices and Inspiring Hope for Native Youth “The fate of the world rests in the hands of the youth across the world, and because of that, we have hope,” said Watson Whitford, UNITY Male Co-President and a proud Chippewa Cree and Navajo Nations member. In November, Watson’s leadership reached new heights as […]
“Leading with Purpose: Watson Whitford Champions Culture, Wellness, and Unity” Leadership rooted in resilience and community defines Watson Whitford’s journey as Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. As a proud Chippewa Cree and Navajo youth leader, October marked his dedication to building connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities while prioritizing mental health and […]
“Speaking Strength: O’Shay Birdinground Amplifies Native Voices at NCAI Conference” “Not a lot of people get to meet this many high-level tribal officials every day,” said O’Shay Birdinground, a proud Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation and UNITY Executive Committee Member for the Rocky Mountain region. Reflecting on his recent experience at the National Congress of American Indians […]
