On Tuesday, NB3 Foundation had the honor of gathering with some of our closest supporters, partners and friends here at home in Albuquerque to watch Notah Begay III receive the 2026 Payne Stewart Award.
It was a proud moment not only for NB3 Foundation, but for Albuquerque, the state of New Mexico and Native communities across the country. There was something especially meaningful about being together here at home, where Notah’s story began, to celebrate how far that journey has taken him.
The Payne Stewart Award is presented annually to a professional golfer who exemplifies character, charity and sportsmanship. For Notah, the honor reflects a career defined not only by accomplishments on the golf course, but by his compassion, courage to break barriers and commitment to using his platform as a voice for Native communities and future generations.
“This is an award I accept on behalf of my community, the state of New Mexico and the children that we serve,” Notah said.
Notah spoke about the people who have been part of his journey, thanking his parents, siblings, his wife and children, and the community that has supported him along the way. He also acknowledged the 575 federally recognized tribal nations who have supported him over the years.
One of the most meaningful parts of his remarks was hearing him talk about his mother and the lessons she made sure he carried with him. She taught him and his siblings to never forget the brilliance of their Native traditions, their Keres language and their songs and dances. She also taught them that no matter where we come from, we are all connected through our humanity.
Those are values the NB3 Foundation carries.
Our work has always been about more than sports, programs or numbers. It is about our young people knowing who they are, feeling connected to their families and communities, having people who believe in them and having opportunities to build healthy futures.
Notah also used this moment to talk about why this work is still so important. He brought attention to some of the difficult realities facing Native communities, including challenges related to substance use, life expectancy and graduation rates. His message was a reminder that while the evening was a celebration, the work is far from finished.
“Purpose is what makes the work impactful, meaningful and, most importantly, sustainable,” Notah said.
For more than 20 years, Notah’s commitment to serving Native children has been at the heart of NB3 Foundation. It is why we continue showing up for Native youth and families and why we believe so strongly in creating opportunities rooted in physical activity, healthy nutrition, youth development and cultural connections.
We are incredibly proud of Notah and grateful that we were able to share this moment with so many people who have believed in him and in NB3 Foundation over the years.
This award gives us a reason to celebrate, but it also reminds us why we keep going.
If you would like to celebrate this honor alongside us, we invite you to support NB3 Foundation and help continue creating opportunities for Native children and communities for generations to come.
