NATIVEFIRST PARTNERSHIPS

NativeFirt Nutriton is proud to partner with universities, schools, and non-profits to give back to communities and promote health and wellness. A big THANKS to all of our partners and everything you do to make the world a better place.

NON-PROFITS

Lightning Boy Foundation Inc.

The Lightning Boy Foundation was established in honor of Valentino 'Tzigiwhaeno' Rivera, a boy who couldn't stop dancing. Valentino participated in traditional pueblo dances, traditional hoop dancing, hip hop and break dancing. Son to George Rivera (former Governor of Pojoaque Pueblo) and Felicia Rosacker-Rivera, Valentino was involved in a car accident and suffered a traumatic neck injury that left him paralyzed, unable to speak or hardly move. He fought with valor to regain his cherished abilities but after 21 surgeries in 14 months, Valentino decided he wanted to go to heaven and encouraged his peers to dance on for his sake. He passed at the young age of 8, a sacred number in the Native community, and left a clear mission and vision to fulfill. In 2017 a year after his passing, the Foundation was named in honor of 'Tzigiwhaeno' which means 'lightning' in Valentino's Tewa language. It was co-founded by his mother, Felicia Rosacker-Rivera, and mentor/spokesman/artist Steve Larance (Hopi, Assiniboine) with Nakotah Larance as master instructor. In July 2020, the Lightning Boy family suffered another loss when Nakotah Larance was involved in an accident and also suffered a neck injury that took his life. The Lightning Boy Foundation intends to carry on the legacy of these Fallen Dancers and spread healing, power and inspiration across the world. 

Chizh for Cheii

JNo cold elders on Navajo land is the goal. To achieve that it takes team work, git and dedication. Chizh For Cheii (which means: firewood for grandpa in Navajo) has begun its 9th season. CFC not only strives to help high risk elders with firewood, we also help out grandma too. Other volunteer CFC initiatives have included yard clean up and small home improvements repairs to winterize for the cold season along with firewood caretaking for the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers and their widow families. Chizh For Cheii began as an idea that turned into a movement of love, hope and inspiration. Last year’s season has never stopped for CFC, as our wood hauling ended covid began to hit Navajo land and communities hard. CFC members quickly transitioned to providing mutual aid in form of giving out hundreds of food boxes, water and cleaning supplies for weeks on end. For several months the CFC team has been preparing for its biggest wood hauling effort in its history.

Official Partner of Utah Tech Athletics

Utah Tech currently sponsors 15 intercollegiate athletic programs, including six men’s sports (baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, and soccer) and nine women’s sports (basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, indoor & outdoor track and field, and volleyball).

Utah Tech strives to help student-athletes define, shape, and achieve educational and life goals, contributing to the University’s personalized and excellent teaching in a learning environment where all student-athletes can become passionate about their individual educational and athletic endeavors. Athletic teams and programs are designed to fuel students’ desire to succeed on their various fields and courts of play, excel in the classroom while progressing toward achieving academic success, all while becoming and serving as outstanding and exemplary members of the community. In essence, we strive to build champions in the classroom, in athletic competitions, in the community, and in life.

Official Partner of Missouri Western State University Athletics

Griffon Athletics consists of 17 intercollegiate athletic teams, seven for men (football, cross country, basketball, indoor track and field, baseball, golf, outdoor track and field) and ten for women (basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track and field, lacrosse, outdoor track and field, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball). The athletic department also sponsors the Griffon Cheer Squad and the Mystics Dance Team. Recreation Services and Esports reside outside of intercollegiate athletics, but report to leadership housed within the athletic department. Missouri Western is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level and competes within the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The MIAA is composed of 14 institutions in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma and is widely considered the top conference at the Division II level. A varied amount of scholarship aid is available to student-athletes in each sport at Missouri Western. For more information on Griffon Athletics, visit GoGriffons.com.