Wings of America

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Wings of America

Wings of America is an American Indian Youth Development Program of the Earth Circle Foundation, Inc.

About Wings

Mission Statement
The mission of Wings is to enhance the quality of life for American Indian youth. In partnership with Native communities, Wings uses running as a catalyst to empower American Indian and Alaskan Native youth to take pride in themselves and their cultural identity, leading to increased self esteem, health and wellness, leadership and hope, balance and harmony. Programs Measurement
A Wings survey conducted in 2000, showed a 99% high school graduation rate, with 94% of our participants going on to college. Results of the survey indicated that overall, WOA participants are attaining a higher level of education, have lower incidences of arrests, less use of alcohol and illegal drugs, are having their first child a year or two later than average, and they are more physically active and maintaining healthier lives than their same-age peers in the larger American Indian and general populations. Our Programs
Wings reaches Indian children not only through grassroots programs in Indian communities in partnership with private sector including foundations, corporations and individual donors. After twenty-three years of youth development services, Wings has served over twenty three thousand young men and women. Included in Wings programming is the National Cross Country Championship program designed to elevate competitive all Native teams and individual runners. Since first participating the National Junior Cross Country Championships in 1988, the Wings-sponsored teams have earned over twenty national championship titles. Additionally, Wings provides speakers, clinicians and other assistance to wellness programs, conferences, athletic banquets, fairs, races, et al. Wings also distributes Spiked/Waffle running shoes to our Native youths and Track-in-the-Box units to Indian running clubs, walking and wellness programs. Our Staff
Executive Director:
Dustin Martin

Program Director:
Daan Haven

Contact Wings
Wings of America
13701 Skyline Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87123

phone: 505.982.6761

email: takeflight@wingsofamerica.org

09/04/2025

Announcing the 37th Wings National Team Qualifying (Winter ‘25) Criteria!

Long story short: This season, Wings will sponsor an all-Native team to compete in the Gold Division races at XC Championships in Huntsville, AL on Dec. 6th, 2025.

In order to be considered for this winter’s National Team, high-school aged runners must first complete the free Wings National Team Application by November 21st: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdo4G1o3GogXebf-eox12Y0jqfRjJeMyseRiAyS-C27dJ7hYA/viewform?fbclid=PAVERFWAMmi2VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp3Hwdorhs5n9kyZAgvtmAdyC3Ny_5Gj-xOr_YrsrJPD6Z_ztqo8SVf3FqJU3_aem_yOfte8tIJ6SaTVLA_-KyvA

Runners will be selected for the National Team based off seed times posted at Nike Cross Regional races. This requirement is designed to encourage Native runners to experience larger, more-competitive races, while testing their commitment to training/racing beyond the regular XC season.

Once again, Wings will offer registration and travel assistance to Native runners wishing to run a seed time at any Nike Cross Regional race. To qualify for this assistance, girls must post a regular-season 5K time of 21:15 or faster. Boys must run 17:30 or faster. Lodging assistance will be limited this year and will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis. Runners will be provided registration and/or lodging assistance when they have completed the Wings National Team Application AND posted a qualifying 5K time. Lodging assistance is available to runners that reside a two-hour drive or more from their regional qualifying race location.

As we get ready to recruit the next Wings National Team squad, we are also excited to call out to former Wings National Team members and welcome them back into the Wings fold. Those that have worn Wings singlets at National competitions since 1988 have evolved into a diverse force of educators, coaches, lawyers, healthcare professionals, builders, animal caretakers and cultural stewards. It is our aim to reconnect this network to further empower the upcoming generations of talented harriers from across Indian Country to

Look for Wings staff at XC meets across the SW this fall and feel free to reach out to Wings’ Program Coordinator, Esther Beck (esther@wingsofamerica.org) with questions about the qualifying criteria and/or regional race assistance program!

08/02/2025

Attention Santa Fe Indian Market-goers:

Join Wings for the FREE “Good Medicine 5K” run/walk, hosted at the in collaboration with on Sunday, August 17th.

Run/walk starts at 8:30am
Day-of registration begins at 7:45am. Pre-registration is also available online using the QR code or by visiting this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tXInxsQoamXP9u96ro_9TNIHPURVo6YmvaqA80g-xVQ/viewform?usp=drivesdk&edit_requested=true

Come enjoy a community-oriented run/jog/stroll through the piñon/junipers in the arroyo south of Museum Hill.

Afterwards, join us for Indigenous foods & refreshments by at the gallery of . Help us celebrate another successful summer of Running & Fitness Camps and come meet the growing Wings Team. Our new CEO, Danielle Greendeer, will offer insight into the exciting opportunities on the horizon for Wings runners, as well as our organization’s plans for growth in the coming years. (Registration also available at link above).

Don’t let the pomp and circumstance of “Indian Market” let you forget your health. Round up your movement buddies and come with Wings.

07/31/2025

"To Bring Honor to my Village." - Steve Gachupin

It is with great sadness & heavy hearts that we share the passing of Steve "King of the Mountain" Gachupin. His presence within Wings and the Native Running Community has been inspirational. From his 6x consecutive wins of Pikes Peak Marathon in the beautiful mountains of Colorado to traditional footraces in the Pueblo of Jemez (barefoot) to competing in the Boston Marathon on the east coast - he brought honor to his village with each step.

Not only was Steve a phenomenal runner, he was a dedicated family man, a coach & mentor to many, and a traditional leader for his respective pueblo. In the earlier years, Steve was a true advocate for our Native athletes as well as an honorary coach for our Wings National team. He attended many of our coaches' clinics throughout the years. He always had a friendly smile, loved to joke around, and offered advice for all runners of every running capability. His active & positive presence in Wings programming will be missed.

We send our condolences to the Gachupin family at this time.
Rest High on those beautiful peaks, King of the Mountain.

07/24/2025

MEET OUR 2025 SUMMER WINGS FACILITATOR: BEARREN KEE

Hi, my name is Bearren Kee. I’m from Window Rock, AZ, and I am a senior at Window Rock High School. I like to run because it helps me clear my mind & the journey that comes with training is always so fun to experience. Running wasn’t always my sport, I wasn’t the best at it. But as I got older I realized how many opportunities it could bring me. Recently, I competed with Team USA in Donovaly, Slovakia, racing a 3.5‑mile mountain course & it was honestly one of the best things I’ve experienced & accomplished. One of my favorite places to run is Narbona Pass — it’s peaceful, and there’s almost never anyone out there.

07/24/2025

MEET OUR 2025 SUMMER WINGS FACILITATOR: KYLE AWELAGTE

My name is Kyle Awelagte, and I'm from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. I'm currently attending Fort Lewis College, where I'm studying Business Administration and competing on the cross-country and track & field team. Running has always been more than just a sport for me-- It's a way to connect with my culture, stay grounded, and challenge myself physically and mentally. It's something I carry with pride, and it gives me strength and discipline to uplift my community and represent where I come from.

07/24/2025

MEET OUR 2025 SUMMER WINGS FACILITATOR: MERISHA LONG

Yá'át'tééh! My name is Merisha Long. I am from Tsa-ya-toh, New Mexico which is in between Window Rock and Gallup. I'm a sophomore at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas where I am running cross country and track. I am also pursuing an associates degree in Liberal Arts, as well as working towards my Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and Nursing. I find myself inspired by the resilience and determination of natives who run with heart and that's what keeps me determined to run to this day.

07/23/2025

ST JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Running & Fitness Camp
TUES/ WED July 29th & 30th.

Join Wings Facilitators for our LAST Summer Running & Fitness Camp for youth ages 6-18, hosted in partnership with Tuba City Regional Health Center's Health Promotion Disease Prevention (HPDP) program. Please Pre-Register using the QR code on the flyer or by visiting the link: https://forms.gle/4PySjkpxbn9qR3SXA

Day-of registration will also be available during "open gym" from 8am-9am. Camp activities run from 9am-3pm. Lunch will be provided.
Wings Facilitators are Native High School and College student-athletes trained to share their practical knowledge of running. They also encourage their younger peers to move by teaching them high-energy group games. After a routine of dynamic warm-ups, continuous movement and static stretching in the morning, the focus is shifted for tag and ball games enjoyed by campers of all ages. Facilitators will also provide short "science fair" presentations on Native American running history and share their perspectives and experiences of healthy living. Comfy clothes and tennis or running shoes are strongly encouraged.

Please bring a refillable water bottle, hat and sunscreen, even though we will have access to the gym for shade. Continuous movement in the morning will be done on the trails surrounding the high school under the supervision of the Wings Team.

Thanks to Tuba City Regional Health Care for continuing to serve the community during the summer months!

07/23/2025

MEET OUR 2025 SUMMER WINGS HEAD FACILITATOR: JOLENE TSINNIJINNIE

Guw'aadzi! My name is Jolene Tsinnijinnie, I am from Santo Domingo Pueblo, as well as Navajo. I began running when I was very young until taking a break to pursue other opportunities in high school. One morning, I decided to pick up my running shoes after 3 years and join the high school XC team in my senior year. It made me realize how much I loved running and reigniting my love for running led me to going to state. Now I am a 4th year undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at New Mexico Highlands University. I am retired from running competitively, but I still run for my health, for the land, and the ancestors who give me strength to keep going.

07/23/2025

MEET OUR 2025 SUMMER WINGS FACILITATOR: BROOKE NEZ

Hello! My name is Brooke Nez, I'm originally from a little community on the Navajo Nation called Toicito. I began running after a severe ankle injury in my junior year of high school and I quickly considered it to be one of the best things I've ever done. Now I'm running collegiately at Carthage in Wisconsin, where I am pursing a BSN in nursing, and pushing myself to new heights everyday, and enjoying every minute.

07/22/2025

MEET OUR 2025 SUMMER WINGS FACILITATOR: COLTON SUNRHODES

Hello, My name is Colton SunRhodes. I am Northern Arapaho from Ethete, Wyoming. I am a senior at Wyoming Indian High School, and I like to run because it has given me many opportunities to travel and meet new people. Being from Wyoming, that is very exciting. Not only that, but running has been a traditional form of prayer among my tribes for a long time.

07/21/2025

Like so many in the running community, we would like to express our gratitude for the life of Coach Joe I. Vigil. As early as 1990 (a year after the first Wings Team), Dr. Vigil can easily be found in photos from the Wings archive. After noticing our National Teams at cross country championships, he immediately reached out to share his knowledge and connections with Native runners. He continued to do so for years. From presenting to Facilitators-in-training at Wings' Leadership Academy, to offering words of wisdom at dinners the night before USA Cross Country Championship races, Dr. Vigil consistently showed up for the Wings Team. Thank you, Coach. We hope you rest easy and that your spirit will with all the feelings of gratitude channeled your way this week.

Photo 1: Coach Vigil, Billy Mills and the Wings National Team in Portland OR, 1997. This was during one of many appearences that Coach Vigil made to buoy the spirts and increase the knowledge of Wings runners traveling to USA Cross Country Championships.

Photo 2: Coach Vigil, Chief Oren Lyons and Will Channing talking at the TAC National Cross Country Championships in NYC's Van Cortlandt Park in 1990. This may well have been the moment Coach Vigil walked up to a representative of the Wings organization to first offer his expertise.

Photo 3: Coach Vigil receiving an honoring blanket from Wings co-founder, Will Channing, at some point during the Wings Team's trip to Nationals in 1997.

Photo 4: Coach Vigil at the podium in suit an tie offering knowledge and inspiration to Wings summer Facilitators-in-training at the 1996 Wings Leadership Academy hosted in Santa Fe, NM.

07/18/2025

PINE HILL SCHOOL
Running & Fitness Camp
Wed./Thurs. July 23rd & 24th.

Join Wings Facilitators for a FREE Running & Fitness Camp for youth ages 6-18, hosted in partnership with Pine Hill School. Please Pre-Register using the QR code on the flyer or by clicking on this link: https://forms.gle/WP8fSpkyvHgHrv2G7.

Day-of registration will also be available during "open gym" from 8am-9am. Camp activities run from 9am-3pm. Lunch will be provided.

Wings Facilitators are Native High School and College student-athletes trained to share their practical knowledge of running. They also encourage their younger peers to move by teaching them high-energy group games. After a routine of dynamic warm-ups, continuous movement and static stretching in the morning, the focus is shifted for tag and ball games enjoyed by campers of all ages. Facilitators will also provide short "science fair" presentations on Native American running history and share their perspectives and experiences of healthy living.

Comfy clothes and tennis or running shoes are strongly encouraged.
Please bring a refillable water bottle, hat and sunscreen, even though we will have access to the gym for shade. Continuous movement in the morning will be done on the trails surrounding the high school under the supervision of the Wings Team.

Thanks to Pine Hill High School for continuing to serve the community during the summer months!

Address

13701 Skyline Road NE
Albuquerque, NM
87123

Telephone

+15059775057

Website

http://www.wingsofamerica.org/

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