By NB3 Foundation

NB3 Foundation presents proceeds to Lightning Boy Foundation

On Friday, Dec. 12, the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation presented a $5,000 check to the Lightning Boy Foundation as part of the proceeds from the 2025 NB3 New Mexico Grande Slam. Lightning Boy Foundation served as the event’s nonprofit partner, supporting its work serving Native youth and families.

NB3 Foundation staff Cyanne Lujan and Jon Driskell met with Felicia Rosacker-Rivera, co-founder of the Lightning Boy Foundation, and her husband George Rivera,  to recognize the organization’s impact and partnership. The organization was established in honor of their son, Valentino “Tzigiwhaeno” Rivera, whose love for dance and resilience following a traumatic injury inspired a mission rooted in healing, culture and movement. Named after the Tewa word for “lightning,” the foundation continues Valentino’s legacy by uplifting Native youth through dance, wellness and cultural expression.

Each year, NB3 Foundation partners with a different nonprofit through the New Mexico Grande Slam to help extend the reach and impact of the event. NB3 Foundation thanks its New Mexico Grande Slam sponsors and partners for their shared commitment to ensuring all children in New Mexico have the opportunity to live healthy and happy lives.

To learn more about the Lightning Boy Foundation, visit lightningboyfoundation.com/about.

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3 Foundation welcomes 10 members to Healthy Hydration Advisory Board 

The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its Healthy Hydration Advisory Board (HHAB)and welcome 10 new members, including Native youth and adult leaders, who will inform and strengthen the foundation’s national healthy hydration efforts. 

The Healthy Hydration Advisory Board brings together individuals deeply committed to advancing the health and well-being of Native children and communities. Members bring lived experience, community knowledge and professional expertise and will work closely with NB3 Foundation to provide guidance and share best practices, with a shared focus on increasing access to and consumption of water while reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.  

“NB3 Foundation is grateful to each member of the advisory board for sharing their insight and expertise to strengthen our healthy hydration initiatives,” said Jon Driskell, CEO of NB3 Foundation, “We look forward to working alongside them to promote water as the first-choice beverage and reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among Native youth.” 

Role of the Healthy Hydration Advisory Board 

Members of the Healthy Hydration Advisory Board will serve as trusted advisors to NB3 Foundation, providing strategic guidance and community-informed insight across several key areas, including: 

  • Elevating Native youth voice and ensuring community perspectives are reflected in healthy hydration initiatives 
  • Advising on culturally appropriate strategies for research and program design 
  • Informing learning and convening efforts, including the Healthy Hydration Summit and Water First! initiatives 
  • Sharing best practices for outreach, education, and community engagement 
  • Supporting research and evaluation efforts to ensure approaches are strengths-based and meaningful for Native youth and communities 

The board will meet four times annually, including virtual meetings and one in-person convening, beginning in December 2025. 

Welcoming the 2025–2029 Healthy Hydration Advisory Board Members 

NB3 Foundation is honored to welcome the following individuals to the Healthy Hydration Advisory Board: 

Adult Members 

  • Amy Barcenas, Chippewa Cree, Colorado 
  • Leroy Fairbanks, Anishinaabe, Minnesota 
  • Shane Benally, Diné, New Mexico 
  • Skyler Bordeaux, Sicangu Lakota, Arizona 
  • Dinesha Kane, Tulalip, Washington 
  • Kate Herrera-Jenkins, Pueblo de Cochiti 

 Youth Members 

  • Ashima Burns, Diné, New Mexico 
  • Autumn Russell, Diné, Arizona 
  • Lola Manuelito, Diné, Arizona 
  • Fancee Oldperson, Blackfeet, Montana 

Together, these members will help strengthen NB3 Foundation’s healthy hydration initiatives and ensure that programs, research and partnerships reflect the priorities and strengths of Native youth, families and communities. 

For more information about the Healthy Hydration Advisory Board, visit www.nb3foundation.org or contact Renee Goldtooth-Halwood at erd@nb3f.org 

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Day brings families together through movement and play

NB3FIT Day brought families and community members together for a fun, active day focused on movement, health and connection. Held in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the event highlighted the importance of creating safe, healthy spaces where Native youth and families can thrive.

The event featured seven activity stations designed to encourage physical activity and participation for all ages. More than 70 community members attended throughout the day, enjoying opportunities to move together, learn about healthy living and connect with local organizations that share a commitment to youth and family well-being.

NB3 Foundation extends sincere thanks to the community partners who helped make NB3FIT Day a success by sharing their time, expertise and energy:

  • Tamaya Wellness Center

  • Tamaya Recreation Program, including Tanya Chino, Kelly Raton, Kevin Montoya, Demetria Madalena and Cameron Garcia-Sandoval

  • Santa Fe Indian School, Bill Coriz

  • San Felipe Pueblo Project Venture, Adelbert Quiver and Joe Ansera

  • Powwow Wellness, Niko DeRoin-Silva

  • NHI/Running Medicine, Jessica Begay

The event was also supported by 16 youth volunteers from the NB3 Foundation Youth Council, Albuquerque Academy DECA and the NB3 Foundation golf team. Youth volunteers assisted with activities, participant engagement and event flow, helping create a welcoming and positive experience for all attendees. Their involvement reflects the NB3 Foundation’s continued investment in youth leadership.

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By NB3 Foundation

Hundreds of youth runners take on Traditions Run

Nearly 400 youth runners from across New Mexico gathered at Black Mesa Casino at San Felipe Pueblo on Oct. 18 for the NB3 Foundation’s Traditions Run, an annual youth cross-country meet. The free event brought together teams, families and coaches for a day of community and competition.

The Traditions Run is a USATF-sanctioned youth race established by the NB3 Foundation in 2023. The race honors the cultural significance of running in Native communities; acknowledges the history and connection to the land we run on; and celebrates each runner’s personal relationship to the sport. The one-of-a-kind race is free and open to all youth ages 6-18. Through a partnership with the Pueblo of San Felipe, the race is hosted just east of Black Mesa Casino.

Runners of all ages took on the desert course with determination and pride, many representing their communities and teams. The meet is part of NB3 Foundation’s continued effort to provide accessible opportunities for youth to be active, build confidence and develop healthy habits through sport.

NB3 Foundation extends gratitude to San Felipe Pueblo, coaches volunteers and families who made the day possible.

Race Results – https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/264105/info

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By NB3 Foundation

New Mexico Grande Slam drives support for Native youth

The 2025 New Mexico Grande Slam brought together partners and guests in support of the NB3 Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, helping raise essential funds to power youth programs across New Mexico.

This year’s New Mexico Grande Slam was especially meaningful as it marked the NB3 Foundation’s 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of investing in the health and future of Native youth and communities.

The event began with a welcome dinner honoring top sponsors and partners. The evening featured the presentation of Legacy Awards to AMERIND, Nike N7, PNM, Santa Ana Golf Club Board and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, organizations whose long-term leadership and generosity have helped make the organization’s 20-year journey possible.

The Community Empowerment Awards recognized community partners who continue to create meaningful, community-level change: the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, Carmen George and Dr. Sonya Shin of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council in Wisconsin.

A highlight of the evening was a youth performance by the Lightning Boy Foundation, this year’s nonprofit partner. A portion of proceeds from the event will help support their mission of empowering Native youth through traditional dance and art. Their performance brought energy and  inspiration, reminding guests of the shared purpose behind the event.

The celebration continued the next morning at the Santa Ana Golf Club, where teams teed off bright and early alongside  Notah Begay III. Participants enjoyed friendly competition and great company, all in support of NB3 Foundation’s work to create healthier futures for Native youth.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit programs such as NB3FIT, which provides year-round sports and fitness opportunities for Native youth, helping them build confidence, leadership and lifelong healthy habits.

Dozens of returning and new participants joined together to make this year’s event one of the most successful yet.

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By NB3 Foundation

Welcoming the 2025–2026 NB3 Foundation Youth Council members! 

We’re proud to introduce the new and returning members of our 2025-2026 NB3 Foundation Youth Council!  

Now in its third year, the NB3 Foundation Youth Council continues to grow as a platform for young leaders. We’re excited to welcome new and returning members of the 2025-2026 Youth Council, a dedicated group of youth committed to stepping up, speaking out, and leading change in their communities.

This year, the council will continue to focus on youth development, community advocacy and taking on active leadership roles within the council itself. As part of their year-long commitment, youth council members will complete service hours by planning and participating in community-based projects within their schools and communities. These service hours will provide our youth hands-on opportunities to give back to the community, while also growing social connections, enhancing soft skills (e.g., perseverance, responsibility, teamwork), and gaining exposure to potential career paths. 

As affiliates of UNITY, Inc., our members benefit from a national and local network of affiliate youth councils, whose resources and support have helped strengthen their leadership journeys to amplify their voices. 

We look forward to seeing the council grow, inspire and lead with purpose!

2025-2026 NB3 Foundation Youth Council Members 

Desinayah Pacheco – Pueblo of Kewa

Quinton Begay –  Pueblos of Jemez, San Felipe, Isleta and Diné

Antone Quiver – San Felipe Pueblo  

Abby Mariano – Acoma and Laguna Pueblos 

Gionni Quiver – San Felipe Pueblo 

JayLana Sanders – Santa Ana Pueblo 

Ezekial Bird – Pueblo of Kewa and Hopi 

Corey Bird – Pueblo of Kewa  and Hopi 

Pharrah Clark – Diné and Laguna Pueblo 

Hannah Naljahih – Diné and Kiowa 

Leandra Jynell Baca – Santa Clara Pueblo 

Harley Martin – Diné 

WynterRose Sheka – Diné, Zuni Pueblo and Ho-Chunk 

Summerlyn McReeves – Diné

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By NB3 Foundation

Hibbett Sports helps power NB3 Foundation’s work with Native youth

Big thanks to Hibbett Sports for their generous support of the NB3 Foundation and the Native youth we serve! On Saturday, June 28, our NB3FIT Director accepted the check at the Rio Rancho store location — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community comes together. Your contribution helps us expand youth programming and create more opportunities for local Native youth to grow, play and thrive.

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3 Foundation awarded grant to drive community-led solutions for healthy beverage consumption

The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation is proud to announce new funding for Supporting Native American Health: Community-Driven Change to Foster Healthy Beverage Consumption and Advance Health Equity. Building on nearly a decade of work to improve Native youth health, this community-led initiative will support Native communities in reducing sugary drink consumption, promoting breastfeeding and increasing access to safe drinking water.

With this support, NB3 Foundation will partner with both returning and new Native-led organizations to: 

  • Expand use of the Community Roadmap for Healthy Beverages, an interactive guide to help Native communities reduce sugary drink consumption and promote healthy hydration through policy and systems change. 
  • Fund grassroots projects that improve local beverage options.
  • Provide training, resources and evaluation tools rooted in Indigenous knowledge.

As part of this effort, the NB3 Foundation will launch the Water First! Learning Community mini grants to support previous grantees in continuing their hydration work and contributing insights that will guide future efforts. Alongside this, a new group of organizations will receive support to use NB3 Foundation’s Healthy Beverage Roadmap and apply lessons learned from past grantees to develop healthy beverage strategies tailored to their communities. By tracking outcomes and evaluating each community’s approach, this project looks to demonstrate how these tools can be successfully adapted and applied by communities nationwide.

“This work is about more than hydration. It’s about reclaiming health from within our communities and ensuring that solutions are led by those who are most impacted,” said Renee Goldtooth-Halwood, director of evaluation and research at NB3 Foundation.

This award is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which is working toward a future where health is for everyone. For the past 20 years, RWJF has been a national leader in addressing childhood obesity and health inequities and has built on its approach to address the many social, economic, and physical factors that contribute to obesity, including the long-standing structural racism that exists across the systems that shape our lives. We are one of nine projects funded as part of RWJF’s final investment into childhood obesity prevention. Collectively, this final round of grants will work to improve the systems and policies that contribute to health inequities. These efforts focus on innovative approaches to address structural racism; fill gaps in the research on racism within the food system and its impact on communities of color; and engage with communities most impacted by childhood obesity and nutrition insecurity.

“It is a great honor to partner with NB3 Foundation on this critical work to help every child and family thrive in the places they call home,” said Jamie Bussel, senior program officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “All children, all families, all people—no matter where they live—deserve to live in places that support their health and wellbeing and that includes access to affordable, healthy food. As decisionmakers debate massive changes to our food policies, it’s clear that efforts like these are more important than ever.”

This initiative marks a key step in advancing Native-led public health solutions and building long-term community health. 

 

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By NB3 Foundation

Breaking Barriers: How NB3FIT Youth Golf is opening doors for Native athletes

 

For many Native youth, sports offer more than just competition they offer connection, opportunity, and the chance to rewrite the narrative. Members of the NB3FIT Youth Golf Team, including Alyssandra Rodriguez and Zachary BlueEyes, are doing just that, showcasing what’s possible when talent meets community support and national opportunity.

Through the NB3 Foundation and the NB3FIT Golf program, these young golfers have grown not only as players but also as leaders. Zachary BlueEyes reflects on the program’s impact: “NB3FIT Golf Team has had a huge impact on me. I’ve become mentally stronger, more disciplined, and I’ve learned how to carry myself both on and off the course. It’s helped me grow not just as a golfer, but as a leader and role model in my community.”

Golf has brought BlueEyes many experiences and in a PGA Pathway to Progression event, the Amundi Evian Junior Showcase is one he will always remember.

“It challenged me to train harder and trust the process, even when it felt slow,” he said. “Being surrounded by talented players made me realize the importance of supporting each other and helping others get their names out there. It reminded me that the journey is about more than just individual success it’s also about building a community and giving back.”

Thanks to these opportunities, BlueEyes is now looking ahead to new challenges. He is headed to the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to compete at the collegiate level, with plans to transfer to New Mexico State University (NMSU) and pursue a degree in Professional Golf Management.

“My goal is to either earn a spot on the NMSU golf team or continue building a career in the golf industry. I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity.”

Off the course, BlueEyes remains focused on his education.  “I want to study business and marketing to give myself a range of options. Education is key, and ultimately, I want to give back to the communities that raised and supported me.”

When asked what advice he’d give to other Native youth, BlueEyes said, “Stay focused on your journey. Golf can be uncomfortable sometimes, but that’s where growth happens,” he said. “Don’t waste time comparing yourself to others or worrying about what other people are shooting. Stay focused on your progress, your grind, and what you’re capable of achieving. Most importantly, be proud of where you come from. Representing your Native community through golf is powerful.”

Their journeys speak to a larger movement one where Native and minority athletes are reshaping the face of golf.

“The growing visibility of Native and minority players in golf is a powerful reminder that we can make an impact on any field, regardless of the barriers we may face. As more of us step onto the course and showcase our skills, we’re breaking down stereotypes and showing the world that we belong,” BlueEyes emphasized.

As partnerships like the one between the NB3 Foundation and the PGA continue to grow, so do the opportunities for Native youth. The stories of Zachary and Alyssandra are just a few of many, but they send a powerful message to our youth and communities.

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Recap: Golf, track, basketball and soccer

As the spring season comes to a close, NB3FIT programs have plenty to celebrate. From record participation numbers to standout individual achievements, our youth athletes continue to shine.

Golf: A Record-Breaking Spring
The NB3FIT Golf program wrapped up its spring season with an impressive turnout, welcoming 42 young golfers – one of the largest groups we’ve ever had. Throughout the season, participants honed their skills, built confidence, and formed lasting connections on the course. As we look ahead to the summer program at the Santa Ana Golf Club, we’re excited to keep the momentum going and are actively seeking volunteer coaches to support our growing community. Visit www.nb3foundation.org/nb3ft for more information on this summer’s golf program.

Track: A Strong Start to the Season
NB3FIT’s Track program kicked off in style with its first meet at the Albuquerque Athletics Track Meet, held at Del Norte High School. Youth athletes took on a range of events, including javelin, long jump, relays, and various track races. It was an exciting start, with many youth placing between 5th and 10th in their heats. Seeing their determination and enthusiasm on the field sets a promising tone for the season, which will continue through July. We’re looking forward to seeing how they develop their skills and achieve personal bests in the weeks to come.

Race results:
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/560223/results

Girls Basketball: Resilience and Recognition
Our Girls Basketball program continues to build both skill and perseverance. While working towards consistent victories, the team remains committed, showing unwavering dedication to growth. That hard work is paying off, as three of our athletes – Elsie Chavez, Anani Latoma, and Sage Yepa – were selected to play in an all-star game. Their determination and commitment to the sport are setting a powerful example for their peers and younger athletes.

NB3FIT’s spring season has been a testament to the dedication of our youth athletes and the supportive community around them. As we transition into summer, we remain committed to fostering their growth, both on and off the field. Stay connected with us for updates on upcoming programs, events, and ways to get involved.

Soccer: A Season of Growth
Spring soccer wrapped up its 8-week program, and it was an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The youth made great strides in learning the skills and fundamentals of the game, and we’re especially grateful to our volunteer coaches who paved the way for these young athletes. A special shoutout to the parents for consistently showing up and cheering on the youth, especially during the kids’ favorite family and community  tunnel at the end of each match! We can’t wait for next season.

NB3FIT’s spring season was all about growth, hard work, and community support! Our youth athletes showed up and gave it their all, and we couldn’t be prouder. As we gear up for summer, we’re excited to keep building skills and connections. Stay tuned for updates on programs, events, and ways to get involved!

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