Morongo Band of Mission Indians Partners with Na7ive Na7ions National Na7ive Diamond Sports to Launch a National Movement for Native Youth Through Baseball, Culture, and Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — June 17, 2025 — In a first-of-its-kind alliance aimed at redefining access and visibility for Indigenous youth in sport, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians has announced a historic strategic partnership with Na7ive Na7ions, a rapidly growing national nonprofit that uses baseball and softball as vehicles to build cultural pride, community, and opportunity across Indian Country.

The partnership will debut at Na7ive Na7ions’ inaugural National Native Baseball Tournament, to be held July 18–20, 2025, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick—home to the Colorado Rockies’ and Arizona Diamondbacks’ Spring Training and situated within the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community.

This flagship tournament will gather Native youth athletes from Tribal communities across the U.S. for a four-day experience combining elite-level competition with cultural celebration, storytelling, and intertribal connection.

“This is more than a tournament—it’s an international movement,” said DJ Carrasco, founder of Na7ive Na7ions and a former MLB pitcher. “With the support of the Morongo Tribe, we’re creating a platform where Native youth are seen, celebrated, and supported in every part of their identity.”

Through the partnership, the Morongo Tribe will help fund youth travel and equipment, underwrite cultural programming, and serve as a lead Tribal sponsor of the organization’s broader movement, which includes a media-forward docuseries in development and future regional tournaments across the U.S. 

“Investing in our youth is how we protect our culture, our future, and our sovereignty,” said [Insert Name, Title], speaking on behalf of the Morongo Tribal Council. “This partnership reflects our belief that Native kids deserve national stages, powerful mentors, and the full backing of Indian Country behind them.”

Na7ive Na7ions is one of the only Native-run youth sports organizations operating at a national scale and the only Native-run diamond sports organization chartered inter-nationally by the Babe Ruth League. Na7ive Na7ions vision combines grassroots athletics, culturally inspired design, and storytelling to reclaim space for Native excellence in diamond sports. 

The July tournament will also feature cultural showcases, guest speakers, and live taping for Na7ive Na7ions’ docuseries currently in production, aimed at reframing narratives about Indigenous youth through their own voices. 

Press Contact:

Margaret Wenzel
Na7ive Na7ions
Head of Strategic Partnerships
Email: M.Wenzel@Na7iveNa7ions.com
http://www.Na7iveNa7ions.com