ZUNI, NM (Apr. 13, 2023) — This month, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is joining with the Zuni Environmental Protection Program, Zuni Department of Probation, Zuni Public School District, Zuni Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Zuni Solid Waste Program to offer a full schedule of “Earth Week” activities on Apr. 17-22. A signature “Keep Zuni Beautiful” community event will take place on Earth Day, Saturday, Apr. 22.
During the week, Zuni students will have opportunities to learn about a variety of topics with Earth Week partners. These include “Why Littering is Harmful” with ZEPP, “Where Does Our Trash Go?” with the Zuni Solid Waste Program, and a water conservation presentation with the ZYEP Food Sovereignty team. A fourth presentation about solar panels is tentatively planned in conjunction with Gallup Solar.
“We want to engage tribal programs and Zuni community members in activities that address environmental protection, sustainability, the responsible management of solid waste, and the conservation of resources,” said Enric Tsalate, ZYEP’s built environment and facilities coordinator, who is coordinating Earth Week with ZEPP’s Kollin Homer. “In addition, students will be able to participate in tribal and community cleanup events on Apr. 21 and 22.”
In 2022, approximately 100 community members participated in the Pueblo of Zuni’s tribal cleanup event. They collected more than 2,000 pounds of trash in a collective effort to beautify Zuni and clean particular areas along the Zuni River.
The 2023 Pueblo of Zuni tribal cleanup will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Apr. 21. Guest speakers will welcome tribal employees, who will head out to their designated cleanup sites at 9:30 a.m. The program will provide lunch at noon.
“Although ZYEP is a separate nonprofit organization, we will be doing our part on the 21st, caring for the neighborhood in our area,” said Tahlia Natachu, ZYEP’s executive director.
Finally, “Keep Zuni Beautiful” will take place on Earth Day, Saturday, Apr. 22. ZYEP is coordinating and hosting this community-wide cleanup event, which begins at 9 a.m. with registration at Ho’n A:wan Park. After participants have cleaned up their areas, ZYEP will pick up all collected trash, and the event will conclude with guest speakers and lunch provided by A:shiwi College and Career Center.
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.
