FAITH AND FUTURE: A GATHERING FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH
APRIL 2-5, 2026 | UTAH
ABOUT THE EVENT
"Faith and Future" from Gathering of Tribes is a future-focused, faith-centered gathering created especially for Indigenous youth ages 14–18. This multi-day experience brings together youth from across the Southwest to explore education and career pathways, strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, honor their cultural identity, and build lasting friendships rooted in shared values.
Many Indigenous youth live in rural or remote communities with limited access to college and career exploration. This gathering responds to that need by offering a supportive, spiritually uplifting, and culturally sensitive environment where youth can reflect on their future, their faith, and their divine worth.
PURPOSE AND VISION
This Gathering is designed to help Indigenous youth:
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Build friendships with other Indigenous youth who share common goals, values, and faith
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Explore college and career opportunities through hands-on experiences and mentorship
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Connect their cultural heritage and traditional values with their faith in Jesus Christ
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Strengthen their testimony and understand their divine purpose
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Develop leadership, responsibility, and self-reliance
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Feel a sense of belonging, identity, and hope for the future
This is more than a trip—it is an investment in testimony, identity, discipleship, and leadership.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Participants will take part in a three-day, two-night experience that includes:
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Digital Detox, where participants intentionally reduce or eliminate the use of electronic devices—such as phones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops—in order to increase presence, connection, and overall well-being. No smartphones during this trip. Download Digital Detox Information
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BYU campus tour and meet-and-greet with current students, clubs, and admissions representatives
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Career and college exploration, including presentations from Indigenous professionals and college students
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Mentorship opportunities and discussions about education and career pathways
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Attendance at one session of General Conference in person
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Temple baptismal ordinances
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Church History site visits
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Cultural activities connecting traditional values, skills, and future goals
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Evening inspirational programs led by Indigenous leaders and youth
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Youth-led activities that strengthen leadership and teamwork
WHO CAN ATTEND
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Indigenous youth ages 14–18
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Youth from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah
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Approximately 50 participants can travel with us on the chartered bus
An additional 50 participants who live in Utah or are willing/able to provide their own transportation to event locations
COST AND SUPPORT
A $50 registration fee per youth* will reserve your place for this experience.
*Youth who provide their own transportation may pay a reduced $25 registration fee.
Financial support is provided to help remove barriers related to transportation, lodging, meals, and program costs so that all youth can participate regardless of family financial circumstances.
The registration fee should not be a barrier to participation. If this would cause a financial hardship, please contact us to ask about assistance.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications are due: February 22, 2026
If your application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation on February 23, 2026
If any participant(s) withdraw, applicant(s) on the waitlist will be contacted.
Registration Fee for accepted participants will be due: March 1, 2026
INTERESTED IN PARTCIPATING?
Click the "Apply" button below to start your application.
We expect to have more applicants than we are able to accommodate on the bus. If that is the case, additional applicants will be added to a waiting list and will be notified if more seats become available.
We will notify the 50 applicants who are selected to join us on the charter bus with more information and to discuss your pickup location (North Phoenix or Tuba City). Please do not pay your registration fee until you have been notified that your application has been accepted.
Have questions about the trip? View our Frequently Asked Questions