Native Nations Youth Tournament Launches Nationally

Originally aired July 20, 2025 | FOX10 Arizona

No arrests were made. But something else was making history — the launch of the first-ever Native Nations Youth Tournament, built by and for Indigenous communities.

More than 180 Native youth athletes from over 30 sovereign tribal nations across the U.S. and Canada competed in this powerful weekend of baseball and softball at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“I’ve talked to grown men who broke down crying — they’ve been trying to make this happen for years. Now it’s real.”

A Movement Rooted in Identity

The Native Nations Youth Tournament wasn’t just a sports event. It was a celebration of sovereignty, culture, and opportunity — featuring Native-owned vendors, cultural exhibits, and powerful storytelling from the community.

The event was designed to fill a void in national sports, where Native youth are often underrepresented — despite being recognized as sovereign nations.

Next Stop: Missouri

Winners of the weekend now form an All-Star team that will represent Native Nations at the Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Missouri this August.

This movement is just beginning — and it’s already changing the game.

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