WE BELONG HERE.
IN THE DOOR. • ON THE FIELD. • AT EVERY LEVEL.
Showing Native athletes what is possible.
For too many Native athletes, the path to the next level can feel distant. NAAF exists to make that path visible—and attainable.
With the Native American Athletic Foundation, Native athletes don’t just watch from the stands. They walk through the same doors and compete on the same fields as professional athletes. They learn from experienced coaches and mentors and discover firsthand what is possible at the highest levels of competition.
And they do it as Native athletes—representing their tribal nations, families and communities. The game opens with prayer, smudging and traditional song, with tribal flags carried onto the field.
REACHING THE NEXT LEVEL BEGINS
WITH SEEING YOURSELF THERE.
Belonging is the beginning. Leadership is the goal.
A young athlete’s opportunity to compete can become an opportunity to learn, build confidence, meet mentors, and see a future beyond the game. Our purpose is to develop leaders of character who will strengthen their families, communities, and tribal nations.
BELONG
Celebrate Native identity, connect across tribal communities, and know that every athlete has a place on the national stage.
GROW
Gain coaching, college and scholarship guidance, practical life skills, and relationships that support the next step.
LEAD
Practice accountability, service, resilience, and leadership that carry far beyond sports.
Our Mission
The mission of the Native American Athletic Foundation is to empower young Natives to achieve new levels of success through sports, mentorship, and leadership to become leaders of character in their tribal communities.
Our Vision
A future where every Native American young person has the opportunity, confidence, and support to reach their full potential and become a leader who strengthens their family, community, and tribal nation.
More than one sport. One shared purpose.
Native All-American Game. High-school football athletes come together for coaching, competition, college preparation, cultural connection, and leadership development.
Native American Baseball Showcase. Native baseball players have an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, build relationships, and experience the same commitment to growth beyond competition.
Learn how NAAF develops Native leaders →
The next stage: Minneapolis, 2027
The 2027 Native All-American Game takes place January 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the development camp beginning December 29, 2026. The experience is about what athletes carry home—not only what happens on game day.