ZUNI, NM (Dec. 14, 2023) — Each year, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project offers three programs in partnership with the Zuni Public School District. The nonprofit youth organization offers an in-school wellness class at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School, an elective class at Zuni Middle School, and the “Rooted in Healthy Traditions” after-school program.
All three programs recently came to a close for the fall semester. As ZYEP staff reflected on the semester’s highlights, a theme emerged: Food sovereignty instruction is resonating deeply with the Pueblo of Zuni’s young people, at every level.
The elementary school’s holistic wellness class originally started as a performing arts class. Made possible with assistance from the New Mexico Department of Health, the class now also incorporates physical activity, food sovereignty education, and the “Eat Smart To Play Hard” state curriculum, as well as traditional storytelling, traditional dance and music.
“We strive to teach the younger generation about the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and to encourage them to be more intentional when making food choices,” said Khassia Hattie, one of ZYEP’s food sovereignty leaders. “Through this class at Shiwi Ts’ana, I’ve learned how eager and willing the students are to eat healthy, and to drink plenty of water.”
At Zuni Middle School, ZYEP partners with 8th grade teacher Bryston Bowannie to offer an elective class that focuses on building resilience through art. Made possible with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAHMSA), the New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division, and Dr. Dominique Dosedo, Zuni Middle School principal, and her ZMS team, the elective is offered twice per year and rotates through traditional dance, food sovereignty, and art subject areas.
Here, too, food sovereignty proved to be a popular topic. Students learned more about nutrition, how to establish healthy habits for their overall wellness, and how to prepare traditional Zuni recipes incorporating vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, seeds and healthy fats.
“This is such an amazing opportunity to interact with our middle-school-age youth and share their excitement as they participate in ZYEP activities,” said Zachary James, ZYEP’s food sovereignty specialist. “Our ZMS class taught me that our youth are incredibly excited about homemade food, and they want to try more plant-based recipes.”
“It’s wonderful to see the students blossom with each passing class,” Hattie added.
The fall semester also incorporated the elementary school edition of “Rooted in Healthy Traditions,” ZYEP’s 10-week program for third- through fifth-graders at Shiwi Ts’ana. The youth project will host a middle school edition next semester.
Made possible with support from the CDC’s Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country and the New Mexico Department of Health, the program incorporates physical activity and special focus areas that include traditional art, knowledge sharing, and food sovereignty. Dylan Solomon Jr., one of ZYEP’s food sovereignty leaders, said the team was able to level up its instruction this year due to high ZYEP program participation levels among the children.
“We have seen the majority of these kids in other programs, like Summer Camp, our Youth Sport leagues, and the in-school class at Shiwi Ts’ana,” he explained. “They have an understanding of what Zuni food sovereignty is, so during the last two quarters, we were able to build on that established foundation through interactive and fun lessons.”
The children had opportunities to try new recipes, including oven-baked fried tomatillos and homemade dill spinach dip, and they learned how to make good choices involving food preparation and healthy recipes. For example, they learned how to make their own strawberry sauce for pancakes using fresh ingredients, rather than using traditional syrups that contain significantly higher amounts of sugar and additives.
“Another highlight was seeing these youth build healthy relationships with food by using and eating healthy ingredients that they might have disliked in the past,” Solomon said. “Now they’re trying those ingredients again in a healthy recipe with ZYEP, and they’re liking it this time around. They’re also becoming more independent; they wanted to chop, mix, or create their own recipes within the classroom and at home.
“These connections with our youth are what ZYEP strives to nurture,” he continued. “Some days may be tough or a little stressful, but what makes it worthwhile and meaningful is seeing the youth go home with smiling faces and in great spirits.”
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.
