SAN JOSE, CA (March 2, 2026) — The Native Youth Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of Indigenous youth, recently hosted their second annual Indigenous Girls Celebrity Flag Football Game at Vista Montaña Park in San Jose. Merging competitive flag football with cultural celebration and national-level visibility for Indigenous girls in sports, the event drew more than 200 community supporters, celebrity guests, cultural leaders and Indigenous youth athletes for an exciting day of empowerment and connection.
Adorned with former professional athletes, prominent Indigenous voices and sparkling cultural demonstrations, this event highlighted cross-tribal collaboration and connections, bringing together young Indigenous girls from across California, Arizona and South Dakota. The day started with a traditional bird singing and blessing led by Blue Eagle Vigil, Jamie LaBrake and cultural representatives from the Viejas, Sycuan and Mesa Grande reservations, setting a tone of unity and pride.
Following the opening ceremony, an eager group of young Indigenous girls engaged in skills camps and a round-robin tournament. These sessions were coached by an incredible lineup of former professional athletes and special guests, including former NFL player Cameron Lynch, Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Ahman Green, former women’s professional football player Adrienne Smith and media personality Kansas Middletent.
Additional special guests included nationally recognized artists and designers Lauren (Siyowin) Peters, Rebekah Jarvey and Lucina “La Morena,” Sycuan tribal member and community fashion leader Angelica Labrake and Olympic hammer thrower medalist Janee’ Kassanavoid, among others. Their presence emphasized the growing support behind culturally empowering initiatives.
Attendees roared during the concluding celebrity game, a moment of unified celebration and energy that reinforced themes of resilience and community. This excitement was echoed by in-kind donations, with the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers donating uniforms, mouthpieces, duffel bags and additional equipment to elevate the experience.
With sponsorship support from the Native American Athletic Foundation, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Sacred Bev, Soboba Foundation and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, the event enhanced visibility for Indigenous-focused events, strengthening community through sport.
“Creating an opportunity to make the youth feel like they belong is always so important to us,” said Keith Vasquez, sports and events director at Native Youth Foundation. “We really appreciate the partners, athletes, guests and community members that helped us bring this event to life. The energy we saw pushes us to keep growing this event, and it’s opening doors to some exciting opportunities for Indigenous youth across the country.”
The Native Youth Foundation empowers and uplifts Indigenous youth by fostering pride in their culture and creating spaces for their stories and traditions to be shared with the wider public. By hosting annual events like the Indigenous Girls Celebrity Flag Football Game, they further amplify the call to recognize, respect and uplift Native history while embracing vibrant, living Native culture. This year’s gathering was a dazzling display of what happens when community and culture come together with purpose.
For more information on the Native Youth Foundation, visit NativeYouthFoundation.org.