This coming weekend, Delapna:we Project participants will take the stage at the Zuni Educational and Cultural Resource Center to share traditional Zuni stories about Suski (Coyote). The performances are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, February 16 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 18.
Participants range in age from 8 to 56, and Zuni Royalty is among them: 9-year-old Mya Edaakie, Zuni Princess (featured in last month’s ZYEP Stories, along with fellow Delapna:we youth); and 8-year-old Jacob Gia, Zuni Prince.
The Zuni Royalty Organization, formerly the Miss Zuni Organization, is dedicated to providing an environment that encourages Zuni youth to embrace Zuni culture and traditions. Jacob and Mya received their titles in 2023 and will serve in their roles for a full year.
Jacob’s special pageant talent is singing — singing in Zuni, he’s quick to point out. He grew up speaking Zuni at home, and he says he loves to speak his language.
When asked what it felt like to receive the Zuni Prince title, he beams and says, “Exciting!”
In their roles as Zuni Royalty, Jacob, Mya, Junior Miss Zuni Jaylie Lalio and Miss Zuni Keia Gasper attend a variety of events around New Mexico and the Four Corners region throughout the year. One highlight, Jacob says, was participating in Toys for Tots during the holiday season.
He’s also looking forward to an upcoming Zuni Royalty trip to Phoenix. The itinerary will include a visit to the Heard Museum, a nonprofit museum dedicated to the advancement of Native art, and attending Native American Recognition Day.
Until then, the winter storytelling season is keeping Jacob busy. Since he and the other Delapna:we Project participants started working together on Jan. 2, they have been engaging in a variety of activities designed to build confidence, teach voice projection, and develop acting skills.
“They teach us to take deep breaths,” Jacob says. Breaking into a big smile, he adds, “And they always have good snacks!”
While Jacob says it’s fairly easy for him to learn his lines, the kids help each other if anyone is struggling. He has been involved with the Delapna:we Project since 2021, and he says it’s a great experience.
“You get to be happy, make characters come to life, and speak your language,” he explains.
“He knows a lot of the old language because of the old stories — old words that I don’t know,” says his mother, Tori Zunie. “I like hearing him do it, and seeing him have the confidence to do it.”
While he is looking forward to the performances this weekend, Jacob admits that he also really enjoyed working with puppets last winter to make a puppet show version of Delapna:we. That was fun.
According to his mom, Tori Zunie, Jacob first got involved with ZYEP programs when he was 5 or 6 years old. In addition to Delapna:we, he also has attended Summer Camp and participated in the various Youth Sport leagues offered over the years: basketball, cross-country and flag football.
“He couldn’t do Kenzi Bowekaty’s Dance Medicine program last year,” she notes. “He loves to dance, so he’s hoping he can do it next time!
“ZYEP has so many different programs for the kids,” she continues. “I’m so thankful to them for having these spaces where kids can run around and play, and for having the no-sugar rule!”
Jacob’s interests extend beyond singing, dancing, Zuni language, sports and performing. He says he loves going to school at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary, where he is a third-grader; his favorite subject is math. He also loves spending time with his friends, whether they are learning together, playing outside, or just hanging out.
Does he have advice for kids who might be thinking about signing up for the next Delapna:we Project at the end of this year? He definitely does.
“I would tell other kids to put your effort into bringing the characters to life and telling stories in our language,” he says. “And I would tell them to keep following your dreams.”
