2025 GONA Event

Native American Fatherhood & Families Association, in partnership with Transforming Tomorrow’s Youth hosted its 1st Annual Gathering of Native American Youth Event on Wednesday, February 26th. We hosted a special screening of the Netflix Film Rez Ball and brought in a special guest, Kusem Goodwind, who plays Nataanii Jackson in the film.

The film Rez Ball portrays life on the Navajo reservation and some of the struggles and hardships Native youth encounter. In the film, the basketball team faces grief and tragedy and must work together, coming back to its cultural roots, to triumph.

The film is truly inspiring. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will believe that it is possible to rise, even in the darkest of times.

Kusem Goodwind spoke with Native youth from Mesa, San Carlos, Page, Scottsdale, The Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, and other areas about themes portrayed in the film. It was an important conversation and brought awareness to suicide prevention and mental wellness. Following the viewing of the film, the youth had a question-and-answer session with Kusem and then a meet and greet. Resources for mental wellness were provided to all youth in attendance.

Thanks to amazing sponsors, we were able to provide each youth with a Harkins gift card to purchase refreshments.

It was an amazing event that these youth will always remember!