On April 27th, the San Xavier Allottees Association gathered for the 2nd Annual Defenders of the Land Conference. Event organizers invited Native Nations Institute (NNI) to facilitate an entrepreneurship workshop for Tohono O'odham (TO) youth, some of whom are members of the Youth Council from the San Xavier district. NNI works with communities to offer custom youth entrepreneur and leadership sessions.

San Xavier activities included future visioning where students created a community for their children and grandchildren, as well as an invention convention which allowed youth to invent a product they want to market. Participants worked in groups to not only generate business ideas, but also conceptualize market strategies, design their product, and to pitch their final product. Community members who attended the final presentations were moved to hear so many of the youth focus on, and address TO Nation needs in their creative designs. Ali Tsosie (Navajo Nation/Diné), NNI Administrative Assistant, remarked that "Everyone involved had fun and the best part was seeing the kids work through the planned activities. They were able to see how entrepreneurship happens and then put what they learned into action."

Communities interested in learning more about NNI facilitated youth events can email Davida Delmar or call her at (520) 626-0664. The NNI Youth Entrepreneurship Camp will take place June 17-21 and there are still a few spots left.

Apply today!