Tohono O’odham detective’s youth academy honors fallen officer

“Both Bryan Brown and I served the Tohono O’odham Nation as police officers, and Bryan’s legacy within the Department continues to inspire support for the Academy and the Foundation’s mission,” said Garcia.

In addition to the Bryan Brown Youth Academy summer camp, the foundation hosts and participates in community outreach events focused on youth engagement, education, cultural preservation and wellness. It also supports events that bring together tribal programs, first responders, service providers and community organizations to share resources and services while creating safe, welcoming spaces for families and youth.

Garcia said the academy has evolved over time, expanding beyond first responder engagement to include cultural preservation, leadership development, wellness programming, education and life skills to help prepare youth for the future

The program now emphasizes leadership and mentorship, with a focus on building confidence, direction and support for participants. Much of the programming is guided by student input through surveys, feedback and conversations about their experiences and suggestions for future Academies.

“We also work closely with community partners, first responders, cultural leaders, educators, and volunteers to create experiences that balance fun, education, cultural identity, teamwork and personal growth,” said Garcia.

Garcia hopes the foundation will continue to grow and expand within Native communities. One of his long-term goals is to help other tribes, villages, and Pueblos across the country develop youth programs of their own that are tailored to the specific needs of their communities.

He said communities have made their message clear: They want support, opportunities for their youth, and programs that foster hope and positive change.