UNITE UNL

Meet UNITE executive member: Sage Grant

Position: Secretary (Spring Term 2026)
Year: Freshman
Tribe: Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
Major(s) & Minor(s): Criminal Justice, with a minor in Political Science (Pre-law)

What does UNITE mean to you?
- UNITE is important to me because it gives me a strong sense of community. Being surrounded by people who share similar values and goals makes me feel supported and understood. It’s a space where I can show up as myself and know that others genuinely care about my growth and well-being. That feeling of belonging is something I don’t take for granted, especially in a school that has a very small Native American population.

Fun Fact: I love Star Wars, DC Comics, Marvel, and Harry Potter.

Meet UNITE executive member: Espy Del Angel

Position: Social Media Chair
Year: Sophomore
Tribe: Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
Major(s) & Minor(s): Psychology, Advertising & Public Relations, with a minor in Japanese.

What does UNITE mean to you?
- Community is very important to me. Leaving my hometown of Walthill to pursue a higher education was not easy, I was leaving behind a place and community that means so much to me. When I left the reservation and came to UNL, I knew I wanted to be apart of something that felt like home while being far away from it. UNITE has been exactly that. It has given me an outlet to connect with other Indigenous individuals, relate to one another, and share a culture that holds such an important piece of who we are. It has been a blessing I don’t take for granted.

Fun Fact:
I really love fluffy cats, my dream cat is a white ragdoll. I just think cats are the silliest & cutest animals.

Meet UNITE executive member: Lena’ Black

Position: Social lesion
Year: Senior
Tribe: Otoe-Misoouria
Major(s) & Minor(s): Graphic Design with a minor in ceramics.

What does UNITE mean to you?
- It means a space for native students to have a space to be around other natives. Then also having the ability help create events for the community.

Fun Fact:
I work with ceramics and specialize in processing clay I harvested myself!

Meet the executive team who served during the Fall 2025–Spring 2026 term! They had an amazing term and each did an absolutely outstanding job in their positions. They showcased their leadership, dedication, creativity, and hard work to make an impact in our organization. This week, we’ll be spotlighting each member and sharing a little about who they are.

From left to right:
Social Media Chair: Espy Del Angel
Social Liaison: Lena’ Black
President: Kylie Olson
Vice President: Tate Hanson
Social Media Chair: Nessa Rave
Secretary (Fall Term): Kacyn Harlan
Treasurer: Emma Yellow Bird

Not pictured:
Secretary (Spring Term): Sage Grant

Honoring of the Graduates Pow-Wow 2026:

Honoring of the Graduates Powwow 2026 Recap:

Huge shoutout to our sponsors, drum groups, and everybody that came out to make this year’s powwow possible. We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to host again this year!

Photos done by: Espy Del Angel 📸

** This is the updated flyer **

We are excited to announce that UNITE will be hosting our 53rd annual Honoring of Graduates Powwow on May 2nd, 2026 (this Saturday) at the Indian Center! Please join us to celebrate our graduates and community!

The first 4 drums to register will receive an honorarium.

•Registration will open at 10AM and close at 12:30PM.
•Grand Entry first session is at 1PM
•Grand entry second session is at 6PM
•Free community meal will be provided between sessions.

UPDATED HEAD STAFF:
Head Man: Onipaa C***s Jr
Head Woman: Dalynn Weston
MC: Waylon LaPlante
Arena Director: Maurice Phillips
Host Drum: Lightning Horse
Invited Drum: Rough Riders
Head Men's Judge: Shawn Sheridan
Head Women's Judge: Ruth LaPlante

UNITE would like to thank our sponsors for making this powwow possible. ❤️

See you all on Saturday!
❤️💛🤍🖤

Dalynn Weston will present a Head Woman Special at the UNITE 53rd Annual Honoring of Graduates Powwow on May 2nd! ✨

She’s incredibly grateful for the opportunity and is looking forward to seeing everyone come out to dance and celebrate. Dalynn also extends a heartfelt thank you to UNITE, the sponsors, and all those who helped make this Powwow possible.

Participants must be an old style jingle dancer registered in the Powwow. Bracket style dance-off.
•Each dancer will draw a number out of a hat
•1,2,3 they will match up and dance against each other
•Dance-off will last until there is only one left standing

•1st Place: $400 + Star quilt
•2nd and 3rd Place: Beaded earrings + Gift bag
•4th-6th Place: Gift bag consisting of Hygiene products, makeup bag, snacks, and a beaded wristlet.

Hope to see you all there!
❤️💛🤍🖤

Garan Onipaa C***s Jr. will present a Headman Dancer Special at the UNITE 53rd Annual Honoring of Graduates Powwow on May 2nd!

Encouraging College Students and Active Military

Open to all categories. Participants must be currently enrolled in college, university, trade school, or be active-duty military.

Prizes:
•1st Place: $250
•2nd Place: $150
•3rd Place: $100
Consolation prizes and encouragement gifts will be awarded to all participating college students and active military dancers.

Sponsors:
•Prize money is generously sponsored by Dr Ashleen & Dr Maurice Blackbird.
•The giveaway is sponsored by the family and friends of the Headman Dancer.

Hope to see you all there!
❤️💛🤍🖤

UNITE is looking for volunteers to assist with our Annual Pow Wow on May 2, 2026. If you are interested, please complete the form available in our bio!