Members and advisors of the NB3 Foundation Youth Council joined forces to host one of this year’s Twilight Series fun runs and walks, in partnership with Running Medicine, Native Health Initiative and the Dukes Track Club.
The Albuquerque event drew more than 115 participants, who ran or walked distances ranging from 1 to 3 miles. Community members from Albuquerque, San Felipe Pueblo and Santo Domingo Pueblo joined in, along with members of the Kewa TRUTH and Katishtya youth councils and their families.
The event held special significance for youth council member Ezekial Bird (Santo Domingo/Hopi), who designed the run/walk as part of his community project for the Summer Policy Academy. The academy educates Indigenous youth on federal policies affecting tribal nations and encourages participants to address issues related to language, environment, health and education through youth-led projects.
Council members also took leadership roles during the event, from marking routes and flagging runners to leading warm-ups, taking photos and distributing raffle prizes. The teamwork and energy underscored the council’s growing role in promoting community health and connection.
The youth council plans to continue making the run/walk a highlight of its annual calendar, strengthening partnerships with other youth councils and providing new opportunities for young leaders to step forward.
To learn more about upcoming NB3 Foundation Youth Council activities and community projects, follow NB3 Foundation on social media.
