UNITY 1980s DECADE VIDEO

1980s Leadership

The 1980s helped UNITY grow from a young organization into a broader national movement for Native youth leadership. During this decade, UNITY expanded its leadership structure, strengthened youth training, and used sports, service, and national gatherings to bring Native youth together across Tribal communities.

Training And Program Leadership

UNITY’s training leadership in the 1980s helped carry forward the organization’s early vision. These leaders supported youth development, community-based learning, and the continued growth of UNITY’s national conference programming.

JR Cook, Cherokee — UNITY Founder and Trainer, 1980–1989
Lee Cannon — UNITY Trainer, 1980–1989
Council Of Eagles

The Council of Eagles was created in the 1980s as part of UNITY’s leadership legacy. This group helped guide, support, and strengthen UNITY’s work with Native youth during a key period of growth. Their service helped prepare the way for future youth-led leadership structures, including the National UNITY Council and Executive Committee.

Council Of Eagles Leaders

Mary Kim Titla, 1983–1985
Darrell Mease, 1983–1986
Vivian Juan Saunders, 1983–1987
Rose Abraham Nelson, 1983–1988
Arvo Miikkanen, 1983–1989
Basketball Leadership And UNITY Eagles

Basketball was one of the ways UNITY brought Native youth together in the 1980s. Through national basketball activities and UNITY Eagles team participation, youth had opportunities to build teamwork, discipline, confidence, and intertribal friendships. These athletes are part of UNITY’s leadership story because they represented Native youth excellence both on and off the court.

UNITY Eagles Basketball Team Members

Sonny Tiger
Bob Tarbell
Thomas Poolaw
Marcus Scott
Wilson Pipestem
And others…
Together, these 1980s leaders helped build UNITY’s early momentum and expand the ways Native youth could lead — through training, service, cultural connection, and teamwork. Their contributions helped shape the foundation for the National UNITY Council, youth councils, and future generations of Native youth leaders.

Written by UNITY, Inc. 1976