MILLE LACS YOUTH REPRESENT AT NATIONAL UNITY CONFERENCE
In June, 28 Mille Lacs Band youth and eight chaperones from across all districts attended the national UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) Conference in San Diego, California. The multi-day event brought Native youth from across the country together for leadership workshops, cultural exchange, keynote speakers, and breakout sessions focused on empowerment and identity.
Youth took part in lacrosse games, courtyard activities, a cultural night, talent show, fashion show, and gala. On Sunday, the group visited the San Diego Zoo, while others explored Los Angeles or toured Camp Pendleton — including one student preparing to enter the U.S. Marines.
The experience left a lasting impact, and conversations have already begun around starting a local UNITY Youth Council to keep the momentum going.
Students who attended: Max Blake Jr., Keith King, Jordan Nayquonabe, Kennedy Nayquonabe, Xiana Nayquonabe, Phoenix Nayquonabe, Cheyaunna Boswell, Oscar Alger-Eagle, Celeste LaPrarie, Jayden Sayers, Wesley Gahbow, Cecelia Houle, Dominic Lovenson, Mark Doust, Tao Nelson, Bella Stensrud-Eubanks, Ava Doust, Kellen Crawford, Max Sam-Beaulieu, JJ White, Otto Anderson, Avery Nayquonabe, Kayla Nayquonabe, and Railei Shaugobay. Chaperones were Jennifer Gahbow, Bella Nayquonabe, Madison Conway, John Schmitt, Chrissy Wade, Shayla Budrow, Jase Eubanks, Birdie Dunkley, and Stanley Nayquonabe.
