Youth Development

The F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council Culture and Wellness committee is hosting their first ever Elder Dinner. This is open to all Native Elders 55+. Join us on April 11, 2025, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at the Phoenix Indian Center. This event will be focused on the native youth in our community giving back to their elders and taking this opportunity to receive guidance and knowledge, while enjoying a meal together. Come play games and win some prizes! For information, call 602-264-6768

Register Today: Click here 
Date: April 11, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Phoenix Indian Center, Building B 
Address: 4041 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

 Our Indigenous Fall Ball Showcase was held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 for volleyball and football players. This free, one-day event was open to all high school football and volleyball athletes. We want to thank all of our coaches, volunteers, students and staff for making this a great event! Be sure to look for upcoming Combines soon!  

For more information, call our Youth Development team at 602-264-6768 or email YouthDevelopment@PhxIndCenter.org 

Annual Youth Leadership Day

Every year, our Youth Development Team organizes our popular Youth Leadership Day for American Indian high school students in Maricopa County. This high energy event focuses on networking, leadership skill development, with students taking part in activities that instill pride in cultural heritage. We often feature dynamic guest speakers who speak from Indigenous perspectives. Past presenters have included Christian Parrish (Apsáalooke) known professionally as Supaman; Shawn Martinez (Diné) Entertainment Director for the Phoenix Suns and Red Heritage Indigenous Entertainment. Check back here for upcoming details and registration information.

For questions contact our Youth Development Team by email at youthprograms@phxindcenter.org or phone at 602-264-6768. 

The Living in 2 Worlds curriculum was developed by the Phoenix Indian Center in partnership with ASU’s Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center using the Keepin’ it REAL drug resistance strategies project as a program for our American Indian youth. Living in 2 Worlds draws on American Indian culture and values as effective drug resistance strategies. We provide youth with different ways to say no to negative choices that confront youth every day, and at the same time, we give youth ample opportunity to express their pride in their American Indian culture(s) and teach them the positive value in the nurturing of that pride.

The Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe curriculum teaches children about personal safety. During two 40-minute sessions, a trained facilitator will present research-based, age-appropriate lessons to help children learn the skills to prevent or interrupt cycles of neglect, bullying and child abuse – physical, emotional and sexual. The Speak Up Be Safe curriculum includes information for children, parents, teachers, and communities to reinforce important safety rules. Because adults are responsible for keeping children safe, the lessons focus on helping children identify a safe adult and learn five safety rules the children can use to help their safe adults keep them safe:

1. It’s MY body!
2. Ask an adult if I am safe
3. I have choices
4. Tell someone
5. It’s NEVER my fault!

Living in 2 Worlds, draws on Native culture and values as effective drug resistance strategies. The L2W also teaches, a variety of ways to say no to negative choices that confront youth every day, while learning about different cultures. The students take home Cultural Heritage projects to open communication with family and discuss lives in urban and reservation homes.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Prevention Services Team at 602-264-6768.