On April 6, 2024, the Future Inspired Native American Leaders (FINAL) Youth Council took action in a powerful way by co-sponsoring the Thunderbird Throttle MMIP Awareness Bike Run alongside the Rez Riders, a Native-led motorcycle group dedicated to community advocacy. This impactful event brought together over 200 participants in a united effort to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP).
The bike run featured three major stops across the Valley, with each location offering a platform for storytelling, education, and remembrance. At every stop, the FINAL Youth Council delivered meaningful presentations and performances—each one deeply researched and spoken with purpose. Youth participants spent time preparing their messages to honor those who are missing, uplift the families affected, and bring awareness to the crisis facing Indigenous communities across the country.
By taking an active role in organizing and participating in this event, FINAL Youth Council not only highlighted a critical issue but also promoted Social Wellness—by building community, fostering collaboration, and empowering young Native voices to speak truth in unity.
The Thunderbird Throttle was more than just a bike run—it was a movement driven by love, courage, and commitment to justice.