When the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project launched “Rooted in Healthy Traditions” at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School and Zuni Middle School in 2022, the staff understood that the after-school program needed to provide support at multiple levels. Not only would RHT incorporate ZYEP staff to supervise and facilitate traditional art, food sovereignty, knowledge-sharing and physical activities, it also would provide positive role models in the form of youth mentors.
ZYEP staff understood the importance of providing mentors close in age to children they serve. These young people are able to provide leadership, guidance and companionship while also serving as a vital bridge between the childhood and adult worlds.
This year’s mentors are: Aaliyah Kaamasee, 19; Jazlyn Lalio, 21; Nathalia Lucero, 18; Ethan Martinez, 18; Kallen Quetawki, 21; and Leilani Walela, 18. We recently sat down with Aaliyah, Jazlyn, Ethan and Leilani to talk about their mentorship journeys, as well as a recent trip to Albuquerque to attend “Rekindle the Spirit,” a wellness conference that drew attendees from 15 Native communities across the Southwest.
Ethan, Jazlyn, Leilani and Aaliyah once participated in ZYEP youth programs themselves. They say this inspires and informs their work as mentors.
“I went to Summer Camp in 2017, and from there, ZYEP came into my heart,” Ethan says. “It made me want to be a role model for today’s youth.”
Jazlyn says she was inspired to become a mentor after participating in ZYEP’s Youth Sport soccer league as an elementary school student. Leilani also took part in Youth Sport, playing in the basketball league when she was 10 or 11 years old.
“Then, in summer 2021, I was a Summer Camp counselor,” she shares. “I enjoyed that, and I enjoyed the company of the youth. I thought this (RHT mentorship opportunity) would be great.”
Aaliyah says she also was deeply encouraged by her Summer Camp experience.
“I want to show our kids that there are people who aren’t so much older than they are who want what’s best for them,” she explains. “I want to be there for them.”
The mentors attended the wellness conference together on Oct. 2-3, courtesy of scholarship funding provided by Sundance Educational Consulting Inc. and The Loan Fund. While they each had their favorite workshops and sessions, a common theme quickly emerges.
“The conference really brought us together,” Aaliyah says. “It created connections and gave us opportunities to bond. That was my favorite part, because we learned to rely on each other.”
“I really liked being able to bond with the other mentors,” Leilani agrees. “It was great to get away and spend time with them. I also learned to love and care for myself while caring for others.”
The importance of self-care is another common theme among the mentors. They express gratitude for the opportunity to learn how to better care for themselves, so they can share that knowledge with the children and the greater community in the Pueblo of Zuni.
“It gave the mentors a better understanding of mental health challenges and how we can support our youth,” says Ethan, who was unable to attend the conference (2022 RHT mentor Aidan Banteah-Yuselew, 19, attended in his place). “It provided important resources so we can recognize if someone is struggling, and work together and in our community to help.”
The mentors came back from the conference eager to get back to work. Aaliyah says ZYEP is her main focus right now.
“I want to make sure the kids know that the older youth fully support them,” she explains. “They need that consistency.”
Ultimately, Aaliyah has her sights set on becoming a pediatrician and serving her community. At the present time, Zuni does not have a dedicated pediatrician.
“I’ve wanted to be a pediatrician since I started high school,” Aaliyah says. “My dream, my way to give back, is to do that for our community — in our own language. I’m so excited for the future.”
Ethan says his ZYEP experience has shifted his vision for the future. Originally, he wanted to be an electrical engineer.
“After Summer Camp and then working as a football coach (in the Youth Sport flag football league), I knew I wanted to work with youth here,” he says. “I grew up with lots of kids, but this was something new. Now that I’ve had a chance to do this, I want to be more of a teacher.
“I love driving around the community and hearing kids calling my name,” he continues. “It’s heartwarming, just to know I’ve had an impact. There isn’t much for youth here.”
Jazlyn graduated from community college in May 2023 and wasn’t sure what her next steps would be. Then she saw the RHT position at ZYEP and thought she would give that a try.
“This has had such a positive impact on me and my mental health,” she reflects. “The one thing I’ll take away from this experience is that no matter what obstacles that you may face or encounter in life, there’s always going be a light at the end of the tunnel. I want to share this with the kids, because you never know how much they are struggling, and give them that hope of knowing that it will get better.
“It has been a joy and a blessing,” she concludes. “I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it has inspired me.”
