ZUNI, NM (Nov. 25, 2024) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project announced today that 33 students completed the fall semester of its “Rooted in Healthy Traditions” after-school program. Held in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Zuni Education & Career Development Center and Zuni Public School District, the program started on Aug. 27 and concluded on Nov. 7.
Each day after school, the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders were able to participate in physical activities, create art, learn about food sovereignty, engage in cultural knowledge sharing and receive homework help.
ZYEP Youth Development Coordinator Kiara “Kiki” Zunie, who coordinated the program with Youth Development Leader Rani Yamutewa, said it was rewarding to see the children’s growth and development as the weeks progressed.
“Working together, the Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary administrators and staff, ZYEP activity leaders and RHT mentors brought out the best in the students,” she explained. “We watched them take the skills and lessons they learned and apply them to their lives, which is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of the program.”
“The mentors and leaders definitely put their energy, enthusiasm and love into the RHT experience,” agreed Yamutewa.
Post-program surveys revealed significant shifts among the youth participants in several areas. By RHT’s conclusion, 11 percent more students felt connected to Zuni culture, 15 percent more students felt confident introducing themselves in Zuni, and an impressive 22 percent more students said they know what traditional, healthy foods are.
Norene Lonasee, one of ZYEP’s youth development leaders, led the homework help/knowledge sharing section of the program. She talked with the children about Zuni’s fall and winter cultural activities and the meaning behind sacred practices, such as providing offerings before every meal.
The children designed their own offering bowls, created ojos (eyes) out of yarn and sewed Halloween pouches. Through each activity, they sharpened their fine motor skills and built both independence and confidence.
Kenzi Bowekaty and Zachary James, ZYEP food sovereignty leaders, engaged the students in healthy food demonstrations. The students learned to make cucumber-lime agua fresca, fruit kabobs, protein pops, spiral zucchini noodles with marinara sauce and garlic bread, and banana ice cream.
“My favorite thing about RHT was when we got to cook stuff,” said third-grader Lilly Beyuka. “My favorite activity was making Zoodles.”
Fourth-grader Marcelino Weahkee said food sovereignty also was one of his favorite activity areas, noting, “My most memorable activity was eating ice cream!”
“I liked cooking and remember the salsa we made,” added fifth-grader Roderick Lesarlley.
Bowekaty and James also taught the children about the importance of seed saving as winter approaches, guiding them as they created traditional seed pots out of molding clay. They also led lively games like cornhole.
Esther Siutza, ZYEP physical activity leader, taught the children about team sports with an emphasis on traditional Zuni values. Throughout the semester, they played tag, soccer, hockey, basketball, kickball and more.
Finally, in art, ZYEP Arts Assistant Coordinator Kandis Quam engaged the students in a variety of art activities designed to strengthen their hand-eye coordination. They created optical illusions and made paper jellyfish and monsters, yarn butterflies and turtles, and Halloween crafts.
“Art and sewing were my favorite,” said fifth-grader Simone Natewa. “The best thing about RHT is just how fun it is because you get to do different activities. You should join. It’s so fun to be here.”
Zunie noted that children of all abilities were welcome at RHT. Sandra Weekoty, a paraprofessional at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School, has provided one-on-one support for RHT students with special accommodations for two semesters to date.
“We are blessed to have Sandra on the RHT team at Shiwi Ts’ana,” Zunie said.
“I have built meaningful friendships and contributed to my overall growth outside regular work hours,” Weekoty said of her experience. “I had fun, got to know other students and gained a lot of knowledge in cooking, sportsmanship and arts and crafts.”
The fall RHT calendar also included several special “Halloween Week” activities, including a Pumpkin Party on Oct. 29, to which all participants and their families were invited. The festive event took place at the Zuni Cultural Education Center and included a wide variety of holiday-themed carnival games.
“The event brought together our community in a truly special way,” said RHT mentor Jasmine Bradley. “I was amazed by the creative Halloween costumes the children wore, and I loved watching the kids express their creativity as they transformed pumpkins into colorful masterpieces at the pumpkin painting station.”
The children were equally enthusiastic. A first-time RHT participant named Carmine said the pumpkin party was his favorite activity; he loved the games, and his homemade Halloween outfit took home the award for Best Costume.
“Everything was my favorite,” said fourth-grader Kalil C., who won the award for Scariest Costume.
Another first-timer, Anahi Ochoa, won third place in the pumpkin painting contest, which she said was her favorite memory. She added, “I will miss RHT.”
On Oct. 30, the Zuni Tribal Prevention Project and New Beginnings Program hosted a Halloween Jamboree that was designed to connect students with local resources. The children dressed up in Halloween costumes, engaged with program staff, played games and received goodies to take home.
“We are grateful to A:shiwi Transit for providing transportation for our students, and to ZTPP and New Beginnings for hosting this fun and spooky event,” Zunie said.
Finally, on Oct. 31, RHT treated the students to a day filled with Halloween-themed music and exciting activities like zombie tag and mummy tag. In art, the children made Halloween puppets and paper-plate jellyfish, while food sovereignty provided spooky snacks.
The RHT mentors clearly enjoyed the program and special events as much as their young charges. Mentor Kalil Edaakie said she loved seeing all the Halloween costumes and how excited the children were to go to the Pumpkin Party and Jamboree.
“The kids didn’t make it seem like it was work,” she reflected. “They made it seem like we were just hanging out and having fun. Food sovereignty and art were favorite activities for me.”
“A highlight of RHT for me was seeing the kids come out of their shells, and to be able to interact with all grades in physical activity,” said mentor Sophie Riley. “My favorite activity was when we all played tag.”
“My experience as an RHT mentor was truly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role,” Bradley said. “It was a privilege to witness the children express their true selves and step beyond their comfort zones.”
Raine Segura, ZYEP’s food sovereignty intern, had a special message for those who might be thinking about serving as a mentor or intern with the youth project.
“Don’t consider it, just do it,” she advised. “You won’t regret it, and you’ll have so much fun, make memories and laugh a lot.”
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
