Celebrating Native Youth: A Day of Tradition, Fun, and Community

The Native Youth Event was a vibrant day where local tribal youth came together to enjoy a variety of activities, blending fun and tradition. The day featured field day-style games such as potato sack races, tug-of-war, basketball shootouts, and more. We also celebrated our cultural heritage with traditional games like Hub Bub, Moccasin Hand Game, and Feather Challenge. We are deeply grateful to have had the use of the wonderful space at Notre Dame Academy in Worcester for this special occasion.

The youth enjoyed a fun-filled day, energized by a mix of activities and snacks that kept everyone hydrated and motivated throughout. As a special highlight, each participant received a coupon for a free pair of New Balance sneakers, with personalized fittings at the New Balance flagship store in Brighton, MA. We also held raffle giveaways, adding to the excitement of the day. Seeing so many youth from various tribes come together was truly inspiring — engaging in healthy activities, celebrating tradition, and simply having fun.

For Ohketeau, moments like these represent more than just events; they symbolize breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities. Being that this was a first; and given the recent SnowZilla events, we were not sure how it would go. But it exceeded our expectations, taking on a spontaneous and organic momentum that shined brightly throughout the day with nearly 80 people showing up!

At the Ohketeau Cultural Center,we have always been an organization of firsts — not because we seek to be, but because our communities need these opportunities. It’s humbling to breathe life into initiatives that were once seen as unattainable. From supporting local Natives in the Boston Marathon to expanding our efforts into youth engagement, we are proud to bring communities together and create spaces where Native youth can thrive.

This event was made possible thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters who believed in providing meaningful opportunities for our youth. Special thanks to Culture Keepers, Parents, Grandparents, Care Givers, the Boston Athletic Association Gives Back program, New Balance, Notre Dame Academy, the 26.2 Foundation, the Natives Run Advisory Board, and everyone who volunteered their time and energy. An event of this magnitude wouldn’t have been possible without you — Kuttabatomish!

Most importantly, we are grateful to all the youth who participated and supported this event. We like to believe that we’ve started something special and look forward to making this an annual tradition. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected Native community.

Aquene,
Larry S Mann

Natives Run!

An article by 2025 Nipmuc Boston Marathon Runner CJ Toney

Being part of 'Natives Run' has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and I am extremely grateful for this community. What started as a personal effort to improve my physical and mental health has grown into something far bigger than myself. This group has shown me the power of support, accountability, representation and how deeply movement can connect us to one another.

Running the Boston Marathon last year was a life‑changing moment. It reminded me of the grit, determination, and resilience that lives within us when we commit to a goal and prepare with intention. Crossing that finish line wasn’t just a personal victory; it felt like a collective one. It showed me what is possible when we show up for ourselves and for each other.

Natives Run is building something special. From the youth to our elders, this community motivates, encourages, and supports every person on their fitness journey. Whether they’re walking, jogging, or training for major races. Representation matters, and seeing Indigenous runners on some of the biggest stages in the world, including the Boston Marathon, sends a powerful message to our youth: We belong here. We are capable. We have always overcome hard things.

I truly believe we are making our ancestors proud every time we lace up. This movement is for us, by us, and rooted in the strength that has always carried our people forward. My hope is that our community continues to truly support Natives Run, spread the word, and get involved in future events. The more we move together, the healthier and stronger our community becomes and I believe health is wealth.

If there is anything you’d like to see from us, or ways we can support your fitness journey, please reach out. Feedback helps us grow. And if you haven’t already, join our Facebook or Strava groups, accountability makes all the difference. Let’s continue to move together, uplift one another, and show the world what we are capable of.

CJ Toney
Natives Run Advisory Board

Announcing our Winning Design for the 2026 Natives Run T-Shirts!

We had so many amazing entries for our t-shirt design this year! Our winner is Anna Phillips, a Hassanamisco Nipmuc artist!

“To every young artist who submitted a design — your creativity, courage, and love for community inspire us. You are not just participants. You are culture bearers.”

Larry Spotted Crow Mann
Ohketeau Director

Anna Phillips is a 27-year-old multidisciplinary artist and enrolled citizen of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band. She's a mother of two and a bachelor’s degree candidate in education. Anna approaches both her studies and her creative work with a deep commitment to community, culture, and continuity. As a painter, beader, and designer, Anna blends traditional influences with contemporary expression, creating work that honors her ancestors while uplifting the strength and presence of Native people today. Through both art and education, she is dedicated to preserving story, identity, and resilience for future generations.

Opportunities

Indigeneity as Youth Wellness Training
March 28, 2026
This event will take place in Boston, MA. Parking available on site. This is a continuation of the “Lifeskills” training.

Ohketeau Womxn’s Group: Virtual Poetry Workshop
Sunday March 8th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm
All new members must fill out an online registration form. Email info@Ohketeau.org for any questions.

Donor Event
Our organization needs your donations in order to continue the important work that we do! You can also help us by volunteering or considering our organization as an internship placement!
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to our Donor event on Saturday February 28th at the 33 Hawley St Center for Arts in Northampton. Thank you to Big Y Northampton for their donation of food, and our partners at 33 Hawley Street for access to such a beautiful space.
It is more important now than ever that we all come together in community.

Celebration Space

32 kids and their families participated in our Natives Run! Youth event with a total of almost 80 people. 10 of those children received bibs to run the 5k and currently 6 others will be running the new 1 mile youth run.

Indigenous Youth Rise Up!