ZUNI, NM (Apr. 24, 2024) — In recognition of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, which takes place on May 5 each year, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project will host its 3rd annual MMIR Awareness Event at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 at Ho’n A:wan Park.
The ZYEP event will include guest speakers, a 1-mile walk, a quarter-mile fun stroll on the Ho’n A:wan Park Trail, and a Zumba session. In addition, the eagerly anticipated Youth Art Market will open at 4 p.m.
“Our ZYEP staff will welcome the public, the Zuni Royalty Organization will lead the opening prayer, and Brittany Garcia from the Pueblo of Zuni Archive/Records Management will provide an overview of MMIR,” said Elroy Natachu Jr., ZYEP’s arts coordinator. “Then we’ll kick off the 1-mile walk and the quarter-mile fun stroll. Afterward, guests can enjoy Zumba and the art show.”
Held in conjunction with the Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni (ARTZ) Cooperative, the MMIR youth art show has been a major highlight since ZYEP created the event in 2022 to raise awareness, emphasize the message that Native people are sacred, and support nationwide efforts to put an end to the violence. In the past, featured artists have been art students who participated in the youth project’s Emerging and Advanced Artist Apprenticeships.
“We’re doing something a little different this year,” Natachu said. “We had a lot of community interest after our youth art show last fall, so we decided to open the MMIR show up to everyone.
“The Emerging Artist Apprentices who just completed our watercolor session will be there, along with our current cohort of Advanced Artist Apprentices,” he continued. “This is a good experience for them as they gain experience for future travel shows.”
This year’s featured artists range in age from 9 to 24; the apprentices will share work that draws inspiration from the MMIR movement, while community artists will share work depicting a variety of subjects. The show will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on May 1, and all artwork will be available for purchase.
“We have 13 artists already signed up, and people will be able to join right up until the event,” Natachu said. “We want to include as many youth artists as possible, because this opportunity is specifically for them.
“We’re also welcoming community partners who wish to have information booths at the event,” he added. “It’s a great opportunity to share details about the programming and services that are available here in Zuni.”
The event is free and open to the public, and registration is now open. To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/MMIRevent2024 — and the first 200 people to register and complete one of the awareness activities will receive a free T-shirt (must be present to receive the incentive).
To sign up for the youth art market, visit https://bit.ly/2024MMIR. Community partners who would like to participate with an information booth should visit https://bit.ly/MMIRInfoBooth.
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.
