"As the holidays and the end of the year approaches, it’s a time when many of us reflect on the things we have accomplished, and the work yet to be done. We also give thanks for family, friends and others that are so important in our lives.

At the NB3 Foundation, it has been an incredible year of blessings and many accomplishments in our work to advance the lives and health of Native American youth.

Our soccer and golf programs grew by more than 250 percent, and we helped make a difference in the lives of almost 1,000 Native youth. We also concluded a successful study of our soccer program at San Felipe Pueblo with the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health. We achieved significant gains that demonstrated our soccer program is an evidence-based program that is positively affecting the physical fitness of the children we serve.

Finally, through the generous support of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Oneida Nation of New York and other donors, the NB3 Foundation built a state-of-the art soccer field and community park for the San Felipe Pueblo.

This is the first recreational facility in the Pueblo’s history and it has provided the community with a safe place to exercise and participate in community programs. In sum, it has been a year full of blessings and we have much for which to be grateful.

However, this time of year-end reflection also warrants a serious look at the very urgent needs and work that is yet to be done and must be tackled in the New Year in an even bigger way."

Get the Story:
Notah Begay III: The spirit of giving (Indian Country Today 12/17)