Striking Eagle Native American basketball Invitational (SENAI) and Education Fair

Affiliation: Teacher Education, Educational Leadership Program, Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science
Director: Shawn Secatero, Ph.D.
Local Telephone: 505/277-6018
Address: 1 University of New Mexico MSC05 3040 Hokona Zuni Hall 388
E-mail: ssecater@unm.edu

“Honoring Our Roots: Building Our Future”

The 14th Annual Striking Eagle Native American Invitational (SENAI) is sponsored by the University of New Mexico Society of Native American Graduate and Undergraduate Students (SNAGUS), College of Education and Human Sciences, and the SENAI Circle. 

The 12th Annual Striking Eagle Native American Invitational and Education Fair will take place at Miyamura High School and Hozho Academy in Gallup, New Mexico on December 26 and 27, 2025.

The first-round playoff games will take place at various school locations in New Mexico on December 22, 2025.

The Striking Eagle Tournament began in 2011 and has attracted over 50,000 patrons, 5,000 athletes, and 3000 volunteers. This year's tournament marks the first time it will take place outside of Albuquerque and the city of Gallup as 20 high school and 16 middle school teams will compete in basketball along with opportunities for students to participate in educational workshops that are geared toward spiritual, mental, physical, and social well-being attributes.

Free educational workshops will take place at Hozho Academy and are open to the public, and students along with parents are strongly encouraged to attend. An essay and a poster contest for students will be held; prizes will include a laptop, printer, and plaque. As for elementary students, there will be a basketball clinic that is sponsored by former SENAI players and notable Native American college basketball stars. The SENAI event is sponsored by the University of New Mexico Society of Native American Graduate and Undergraduate Students, College of Education and Human Sciences, and the SENAI Circle.

There will be limited spaces for arts and craft vendors. Ticket prices for adults are $10.00, and students including elders over 65 years of age are $5.00. Game re-entry fees are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. Proceeds from the SENAI event benefit student scholarships, tournament expenses, and workshop materials.

Volunteer opportunities are also available, and the deadline is December 1, 2025, to request a form. For more information about SENAI, please contact the program director, Dr. Shawn Secatero at (505) 277-6018 or ssecater@unm.edu.

More downloads

Download the SENAI Presenter Workshop form

Download the SENAI Volunteer form

Download the SENAI Winter Intercession Course info for UNM Students

SENAI Strategic Vision and Goals

The SENAI planning committee has developed strategic vision and goals for our event which mirror the Lakota Invitational held in South Dakota during December. Our committee consists of several Tohajiilee community members, former basketball players, educators, and volunteers who dedicate their time to assist with the overall planning. The vision of SENAI and goals incorporate Native concepts, symbolism and well-being which include the following:

1. Foster a positive educational and athletic experience by being part of university campus activities and to recruit students to become part future UNM LOBOS.
2. Develop the attributes of spiritual, mental, social, and physical well-being attributes to foster sportsmanship and positive character among participants, coaches, and communities.
3. Enhance college preparatory opportunities through workshops, informational sessions, speakers, and appropriate role models.
4. Educate participants about health awareness issues and to promote healthy lifestyles through diet, exercise, and positive choices.
5. Develop a working relationship between Four Corners tribes, schools, associations, programs, and institu- tions that participate in the SENAI.
6. All SENAI participants must be academically eligible according to NMAA or their respective state rules and regulations to participate in SENAI. All games will count toward each teams 2021-22 basketball official schedule.
7. All SENAI players, families, schools, and community members must demonstrate positive sportsmanship and character as part of SENAI and rules set forth by NMAA. Participating schools outside the State of New Mexico will abide by their respective state athletic association rules and regulations.
8. As part of the educational component of our SENAI event, all SENAI players and coaching staff must attend at least one educational workshop per day as part of their participation. This commitment pays for each teams registration fee.
9. To balance athletics with academics, students participating in the SENAI Leadership workshops will learn about the holistic Corn Pollen Model and integrate well-being concepts into their own lives and focus on project based learning.
10. Develop a working relationship with the UNM College of Education and Human Sciences programs for student internship opportunities, courses, and service learning activities.

SNAGS, SENAI, & UNM AFFILIATES ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, OR THEFTS. The SENAI event is sponsored by the University of New Mexico Society of Native American Graduate and Undergraduate Students (SNAGUS), College of Education and Human Sciences, and the SENAI Circle.