ZUNI, N.M. (Nov. 24, 2025) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project concluded the fourth year of its Rooted in Healthy Traditions after-school program at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School on Oct. 30. On the final day, ZYEP staff and RHT mentors—dressed as characters from “Shrek”—celebrated with the children at a community Halloween party.
Hosted by the Zuni Education and Career Development Center and the Zuni Wellness Center, the Monster Mash Glow Bash featured a variety of fun activities for youth participants. The ZYEP team hosted a pumpkin toss, a spooky eyeball toss, and a station for face painting and temporary tattoos, where each child had a chance to earn Halloween-themed prizes.
“I led the pumpkin-throwing game alongside DeVon (Bowekaty),” said Kailin Quam, 19, one of RHT’s fourth-grade mentors. “My favorite part of the glow bash was seeing everyone who came out, and also just enjoying my time alongside the rest of the mentors and leaders.”
ZYEP Youth Development Coordinator Kiara “Kiki” Zunie said she and her team are grateful for the support from the CDC’s Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country and the New Mexico Department of Health that made the eight-week RHT program possible. She also acknowledged the vital partnerships with ZECDC and the Zuni Public School District.
“They provided our youth with experiences, teachings, and opportunities that they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives,” she said.
RHT took place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday through Thursday at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School. The program welcomed 34 registered students in grades 3 through 6 and incorporated food sovereignty, physical activity, traditional art, and knowledge sharing/homework help.
Students worked closely with ZYEP staff and six RHT mentors, ages 18 to 23, who gained valuable leadership and professional development experience while supporting Zuni youth; these six mentorship positions were made possible with funding from ZECDC.
In addition to Khailin Quam and Tamia Cachini, 21, for fourth grade, this year’s mentors included Victoria Dosedo, 18, and DeVon Bowekaty, 23, for third grade; and Raine Edaakie, 19, and Jasmine Bradley, 21, for fifth and sixth grades.
“It was rewarding to have a mix of returning and new mentors,” Zunie said. “The group quickly built a strong bond, and their positivity as a whole was reflected in our students’ RHT experience.”
She also noted that ZYEP staff did a great job encouraging the youth to learn something new each day, whether that involved trying a new vegetable or learning new phrases in Shiwi’ma, the Zuni language.
Zachary James and Khassia Hattie, two of ZYEP’s food sovereignty leaders, led the RHT food sovereignty activity. Hattie said her favorite part was seeing the kids taste new foods, learn what food sovereignty means, and do it all with smiles on their faces.
“Each session was designed to make a positive memory for our youth, and to teach them the importance and benefits of healthy foods,” she said. “We truly loved every day with the kids. They are our plants growing, and it’s up to all of us to nourish them.”
Over the course of eight weeks, the children made aprons and corn husk dragonflies, and they engaged in garden scavenger hunts and a seed activity from Albuquerque-based science center Explora. They also made sugar-free lemonade, banana pancakes, veggie kabobs, and black bean burgers.
DeVon Bowekaty said his favorite activities included the garden scavenger hunt and cooking pancakes. He added that he is grateful for the opportunity to be a mentor for the third-graders.
“The experience was out of this world,” he said. “They taught me how to approach different obstacles. And the fun moments we experienced during RHT—I won’t forget about them. I’ll hold onto them forever.”
ZYEP Physical Activity Leader Esther Siutza led the physical activity portion of RHT. Students played games such as tag and capture-the-flag, participated in nature walk-and-talk outings on the community trail system near the school, and enjoyed free playground time.
“My favorite part was the kids coming out to greet us and tell us all about their day,” she said. “They would have fun when we would switch up the warmups or allow them to get their wiggles out and be silly. I am so grateful for the friendships I made with the youth and mentors, and for the opportunity I had to share my passion.”
In traditional art, led by ZYEP Art Leader Kandis Quam, the third- and fourth-grade students learned traditional Pueblo embroidery techniques by embroidering plastic canvas to create dinosaurs, butterflies, flowers and cats. Fifth- and sixth-graders tackled cross-stitching techniques using canvas and an embroidery hoop.
The next project involved yucca basketry using paper strips. The students filled in Pueblo raincloud cut-outs, with paper chains representing the rain. Quam noted that nearly all the art projects had ties to Zuni culture—even their “Rezmon” cards, which were inspired by Pokémon.
“My favorite part was teaching and connecting various aspects of Zuni culture,” she said. “Each session had elements of our traditional Zuni art, culture, and teaching, and it was often difficult to get the kids to stop creating when it was time to clean up.”
Youth Development Leader Rani Yamutewa led the RHT activity dedicated to knowledge sharing and homework help. Students learned about A:shiwi (Zuni) core values and how they applied to their daily activities—for example, playing blindfold games that emphasized trust and honesty.
This activity area was previously led by Norene Lonasee. Yamutewa said she drew inspiration from her predecessor’s ability to share Zuni language and culture while connecting with the children.
“The ultimate goal was for the kids to connect positively with each other, establish a sense of self guided by A:shiwi core values, express creativity, and have fun,” she said. “They made it a habit to practice their Yanikina:we (Zuni greetings) and set aside a piece of their RHT snack as a food offering for their ancestors.”
The children agreed that positive connection was a highlight of their experience.
“I liked it because I like meeting new friends,” said third-grader Kavin Laweka. “I like the experience of having friends.”
The activities also were a major draw. All the kids reported that they had fun, especially creating art and learning to cook the different recipes.
“I like art and knowledge sharing and cooking class,” said third-grader Joelle Lasiloo. “I like what we do. I listen and never miss out.”
Another third-grader, Brentyn Bowekaty, said he’d been counting down the days until he would be old enough to attend RHT.
“I wanted to go because I don’t like to be bored,” he said. “I’d rather be doing things. At RHT, they do arts and crafts, and cooking… I was so excited about it. But I had to wait.”
To commemorate the end of RHT, the students created friendship bracelets and keychains, and they took home their scrapbooks so they could keep working on them.
“The wrap of RHT was very emotional,” said RHT mentor Raine Edaakie. “I enjoyed every second with the kids, and I was amazed by the program and how well the kids engaged with each activity.
“The kids learned so much in eight weeks. I hope they retain the knowledge they gained, and implement it in their everyday lives. Elahkwa to ZYEP and the community for caring so much about the youth.”
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.
