By NB3 Foundation

NB3 Foundation research sheds light on hydration interventions for Native youth

The NB3 Foundation’s Evaluation and Research team recently published groundbreaking work in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health examining interventions with Native youth to promote hydration and reduce sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption.

The systematic review analyzed 13 interventions, looking not only at outcomes but also at whether they incorporated Indigenous definitions of health and wellness and actively engaged Native communities. Findings showed that only two interventions meaningfully reflected Indigenous perspectives or community involvement.

This points to the need for culturally grounded approaches that honor Indigenous ways of knowing while supporting healthier beverage choices. The study serves as a valuable resource for researchers, health professionals and community leaders, and calls for future interventions to be developed in partnership with Native communities.

The NB3 Foundation hopes these findings will guide the field toward more culturally relevant, community-led strategies that promote hydration, reduce SSB consumption and support the long-term health of Native youth and communities.

Read full paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40726116/

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By NB3 Foundation

Native Youth Golf Championship shines at Santa Ana Pueblo

The 2025 Native Youth Golf Championship brought together some of the best young golfers in Indian Country. From July 20 to 22 at Santa Ana Golf Club, more than 60 Native youth competed on a championship-level course, gaining valuable experience and testing their skills.

Now in its sixth year, the championship continues to provide Native youth the opportunity to come together and compete at a high level with the chance to advance to the NB3 Junior Golf National Championship. Players advancing to nationals will have the opportunity to play among the best, gain exposure to the growing world of junior golf and take part in an experience that supports both athletic and personal growth.

NB3 Foundation founder Notah Begay III hosted a golf clinic to open the event, sharing lessons on fundamentals, strategy and mindset.

“You all are the best Native youth golfers in America,” Begay said. “This is a tough game, and I’m very real about what it takes to play at a high level. This is where it starts. This is where we get a good sense of what it requires to be a tournament golfer.”

The championship featured standout performances across every division, highlighted by a playoff finish in the girls 16–18 bracket. In a hard-fought round, Kezia Danner clinched the win and will advance to the NB3 Junior Golf National Championship in Coushatta, Louisiana. She will replace Jada Dickson, who has already committed to playing collegiately at Haskell Indian Nations University.

This year also included several repeat champions,  Santana Parraz, Braxton Thomas, Amelia Silva, Wyatt Basford and Deviond Gachupin, who continued to showcase their consistency and growth in competition.

Division champions

  • Santana Parraz, Navajo Nation, girls 10–11

  • Braxton Thomas, Cherokee Nation, boys 10–11

  • Amelia Silva, Waianae, Hawaii, girls 12–13

  • Wyatt Basford, Cherokee Nation, boys 12–13

  • Dani McTague, Chickasaw and Potawatomi, girls 14–15

  • Deviond Gachupin, Pueblo of Jemez, boys 14–15

  • Jada Dickson Navajo Nation, girls 16–18

  • Kezia Danner, Navajo Nation, girls 16–18 (advancing to nationals)

  • Keola Silva, Waianae, Hawaii, boys 16–18

The championship was made possible thanks to Santa Ana Golf Club, the Pueblo of Sandia, NB3 JGNC and the supporters and donors of the NB3 Foundation who continue to create opportunities for Native youth to succeed. Their commitment ensures Native youth have the chance to compete, connect and grow through the game of golf. The NB3 Foundation looks forward to building on this year’s success in 2026.

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By NB3 Foundation

Hoops, heart and hard work: NB3FIT girls basketball recap

This summer was an incredible journey for our girls basketball program, filled with growth, determination and success on the court. Our teams proudly represented communities from San Felipe Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Jemez Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, San Juan Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo, the Navajo Nation, the Yu’pik Nation, Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

8th Grade Team NB3F Black
Our eighth grade girls worked hard from April through July, and it truly showed. Every tournament and every game they got better. You could see their confidence grow as they started applying things we worked on in practice: better ball movement, smarter defense, stronger communication and playing together as a team.

One of the highlights was taking second place at the Matador Tournament, a huge achievement for them. No matter what the scoreboard said, they never gave up and always competed with incredible effort.

We ended the season at the Piestewa Tournament, playing against other Native youth from all over the Southwest. The girls made it to bracket play and gave it everything they had. It was a tough battle, but they played with pride and represented their communities beautifully.

6th Grade Team
Our sixth grade girls, made up mostly of fifth graders, had a great summer season. Despite being younger than most of their opponents, they brought intensity and energy to every game.

They took first place in four tournaments, proving they could compete with and beat older teams. Their success led them to move up a division, where they faced seventh and eighth grade teams and continued to rise to the occasion. Their teamwork, growth and confidence made this group one to watch, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for them.

505 Thunder – Varsity Team
505 Thunder had a strong and competitive summer season, showcasing heart, hustle and growth every time they stepped on the court.

Their hard work led to several standout performances over the summer. They finished third at the NM Games, were runner-up at the Glenn Yellowcloud Memorial Tournament, and made strong showings at the 10th Annual Coronado Classic and the Last Chance Shootout. One of their most exciting moments came at the Salsa Slam, where they reached the Final Four, proving they could compete with some of the top competition in the region.

The team wrapped up their summer at the Native American Basketball Invitational in Phoenix, where they faced off against top Native teams from across the country. They finished third in pool play, advanced to bracket play, and competed with toughness, unity and pride through every game.

This summer has been full of growth, memories and moments we’ll never forget. Every player gave their all, and we’re so proud of the way they represented their families, their communities and themselves.

– Janee Bates, NB3FIT program coordinator and lead basketball coach

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By Guest

NB3 Foundation Water Trailer: Hydrate Your Hustle on the Move at Santo Domingo Pueblo

 NB3 Foundation joined the resource fair section of the inaugural Kewa Earth Day celebration hosted by the Santo Domingo Natural Resources Department.

On a fun afternoon, community members, including several NB3FIT youth, got to experience the NB3 Foundation water trailer and stay hydrated during this outdoor event taking place at the Santo Domingo Pueblo Community Center. Many visitors came to the trailer to get their bingo cards filled out for the raffle, which was designed to connect residents of all ages with local resources and opportunities.

Vendors from over 20 various tribal programs and offices, state and federal government agencies, institutions of higher education, as well as arts and crafts were present to call to mind the community’s care for the land, water and environment. The key areas for the event were: youth activities, community programs and services, and environmental resources.

What is the Hydrate Your Hustle Campaign?

The NB3 Foundation launched the Hydrate Your Hustle campaign to encourage Native youth to choose water as their first beverage of choice. The campaign is ongoing and asks participants to pledge to choose water over sugary drinks.

Reach out to us to learn more about the Hydrate Your Hustle campaign and how  your community can participate.  If your event is designed to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, consider inviting our Water First! Drink Up trailer for interactive tasting of infused water and knowledge sharing. If your event is more geared toward hydrating a large crowd, then consider making a request for use of our ‘water monster’ at  your next event. The water monster holds 125 gallons of water and can be used as a hydration station as a means of hydrating your hustle, whether that is working out, engaging in culture or anything else!

We are thankful to have been invited to participate and directly connect with Santo Domingo Pueblo residents, share information about the Hydrate Your Hustle campaign, and connect youth with our sports programs, which provide several youth leadership and development opportunities throughout the year.

We look forward to visiting even more communities in the months ahead, so let us know by emailing our Community Empowerment team members, Simone Duran at simone@nb3f.org and Jared Lesansee at jared@nb3f.org.

To request the water trailer or water monster, please fill out this online form: https://forms.office.com/r/Wu9wdzckbk.

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By NB3 Foundation

Youth Spotlight: WynterRose Sheka & Marcus Tenorio 

Join us in recognizing two members of the NB3 Foundation Youth Council: WynterRose Sheka (#22, Tohatchi High School Senior) and Marcus Tenorio (#12, Santa Fe Indian School Freshman)!

These two athletes are not only standouts on the court, but also passionate mentors and advocates off the court. As youth council members, they show up for their communities, lead by example, and uplift their peers by promoting healthy futures for Native youth.

Their advice to younger athletes:
“To the young ones out there — keep pushing towards your goals. Even if it’s a small milestone, it’s still a step towards your bigger goals. You got this!”

— Marcus

“In any sport, you need to have the IQ — understand the game. Be in the gym every day whether it’s running, shooting, or ball handling. Eat healthy and take care of yourself. Self-care matters as you grow. And always express your feelings to your parents or a trusted family member.”
— WynterRose (2025 First Team All-District Selection & District Co-MVP, 3A All State, NM All Star)
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By NB3 Foundation

Hydrate Your Hustle Launch Party Brings Energy, Inspiration and a Call to Action

On Saturday, March 22, the NB3 Foundation officially kicked off its Hydrate Your Hustle campaign with a high-energy virtual Launch Party, streamed live on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The event brought together Native youth, families, educators, comedians, and athletes to inspire a movement focused on fueling our bodies, minds, and passions with one simple yet powerful tool: water.

The livestream was packed with excitement, featuring a dynamic lineup of special guests, interactive games, motivational stories, and fun giveaways. Lori Chavez, Bernalillo Public Schools Teacher of the Year and comedian, brought humor and heart as the event host, setting a fun and welcoming tone for viewers of all ages.

NB3 Foundation program youth Nate and Jillian Calabaza added their own flavor to the event—literally—by putting their taste buds to the test with a fruit-infused water challenge! They also shared personal stories that encouraged viewers to take the Hydrate Your Hustle Pledge—a commitment to drinking more water and making healthy choices every day.

A particularly moving moment came from Hershel Wilson (Diné), a student at Bernalillo High School, who shared a story about the Water Spirit highlighting the deep cultural connection between water and Native communities. His storytelling was a reminder that water is not just for hydration but it is sacred and intertwined with our identities, traditions and ways of life.

Also joining the lineup were Native and role models Maddison Hammond, first ever Native American player in the NWSL,  and Jaelyn Bates, Native collegiate basketball player and NB3FIT coach,  who spoke about how hydration and healthy habits fuel their success in sports and life. Their powerful messages encouraged young people to care for their bodies, set goals and stay committed to healthy lifestyles.

Whether you’re an athlete, artist, student or  working toward a healthier life, Hydrate Your Hustle is for you.

Missed the livestream? No problem! You can still watch the full event on the NB3 Foundation YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhaauLTg3Hw .

Stay tuned for more Hydrate Your Hustle events happening this summer! Get involved, take the pledge and help keep the momentum going in your community.

Take the pledge! 

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Soccer Kicks Off with 105 Youth Participants

 

NB3FIT Soccer has officially launched, welcoming roughly 105 youth participants for a season dedicated to skill development, game knowledge and teamwork. Designed with an academy-style approach, the season will provide flexibility for youth to practice, compete and grow in an encouraging and structured environment.

At the heart of the program’s success are the dedicated volunteer coaches and game managers who show up each week to mentor and guide the players. Each coach receives training and certification before stepping onto the field, ensuring they are equipped to teach the game and support participants in their development. Their commitment helps create a positive space for players of all levels to improve and enjoy the game.

In addition to skill building, NB3 Foundation’s Evaluation and Research team will be present in the beginning and end of season, working with youth to distribute and collect knowledge kits (surveys) designed to measure the impact of the program. These surveys will help assess skill development, their confidence levels, knowledge of healthy habits  and overall well-being. By gathering this information, we  can continue to refine and improve the program, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and creates long term benefits.

Soccer has long been a flagship program and the organization remains committed to its continued success. Beyond the game, the program plays an important role in promoting health, teamwork and leadership among Native youth. Through structured practices, friendly competition and meaningful evaluation, participants gain life skills.

With another promising season ahead,  the dedication of coaches, families and community members ensures that soccer will continue to be a thriving part of the foundation’s mission to support the health and well-being of Native youth.

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By NB3 Foundation

Join Us for the Hydrate Your Hustle Live Stream Launch Party

Get ready to Hydrate Your Hustle and be part of an exciting movement that’s all about fueling your body, mind, and passions with water! On Saturday, March 22, at 3 p.m., we’re going live on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for an interactive Hydrate Your Hustle Launch Party, packed with special guests, fun games, inspiring talks and exciting giveaways.

This  event will feature Lori Chavez, Bernalillo Public Schools Teacher of the Year and comedian, Amanda Cheromiah—better known as Dr. Cheromiah on TikTok—along with NB3 Foundation youth leaders Nate and Jillian. They’ll be sharing their stories, having fun, and encouraging youth to take the Hydrate Your Hustle Pledge – a commitment to drinking more water to fuel their energy, performance and well-being.

By tuning in, you’ll not only learn about the Hydrate Your Hustle campaign but also have the chance to win awesome prizes and participate in interactive challenges. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, student or just looking to live a healthier life, this movement is for you!

Mark your calendar, invite your friends!

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By NB3 Foundation

Healthy Kids! Healthy Futures! Conference Rescheduled to 2026

The NB3 Foundation remains committed to advancing the health and wellness of Native youth and communities. As we prepare to celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary in 2025, we are dedicating our efforts to honoring this milestone with special events, initiatives and reflections on two decades of impact.

To allow for thoughtful planning and full engagement in these celebrations, the Healthy Kids! Healthy Futures! Conference will be rescheduled to 2026. This decision ensures we can continue delivering a high-quality, impactful conference while also dedicating the necessary time and resources to commemorate our 20-year journey.

We appreciate your understanding and support and look forward to sharing more details about both the anniversary celebrations and the 2026 conference in the coming months.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

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By NB3 Foundation

Notah Begay III Foundation Announces Resignation of President and CEO, Tunté Vigil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM — March 5, 2025

The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation announces the resignation of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tunté Vigil. Tunté provided leadership and commitment to advancing NB3 Foundation core campaigns and initiatives. We are grateful for her contributions that expanded programming, strengthened partnerships, and made a meaningful difference in the communities NB3 Foundation serves.

The NB3 Foundation Board and Staff wish Tunté success in her future endeavors as she explores opportunities closer to her home in Tesuque Pueblo. We are grateful for Tunté’s dedication and will begin the process of identifying a new leader to continue building on the Foundation’s success. We remain committed to carrying out our mission to ensure Native children achieve their full potential by advancing cultures of Native American community health.

For additional information, please contact:
Derek Valdo
Chairman, NB3 Foundation Board of Directors
505.404.5007

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