Once they graduate from high school, every young person’s path looks different. Some might choose to stay close to home and pursue post-secondary education through a trade school, local college or online program, while others head out of state, seeking to experience college life in a completely new environment.
This is true of our youth in Zuni Pueblo as well, and although they might not realize it when they first venture beyond New Mexico’s borders, they are about to become ambassadors for their culture and their community.
Shelby Lalio has firsthand experience with this. Born and raised in Zuni, Shelby headed for Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff after she graduated from Zuni High School in 2021.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to study, but my heart was set on NAU,” she recalls. “It reminded me of home. It has the same climate we experience in Zuni, and it’s close to Grand Canyon National Park. We have a strong cultural connection to the canyon.”
Understanding the importance of feeling at home at her university, Shelby got involved with the NAU Office of Indigenous Student Success. She serves as a care mentor, helping new Native students with their transition to college life.
“It’s hard for freshman and transfer students who are coming from reservations,” she explains. “We come from big families, and in our communities, everyone knows everyone else. So we try to build those connections and that feeling of community here on campus.”
The office has 15 care mentors who are paired with mentees pursuing similar degrees. Most come from the 22 Southwestern tribes, although tribes outside the region also are represented.
Shelby says she started getting a lot of questions about her Zuni culture, and she wondered if there might be a way to build an even more inclusive environment, one with stronger representation for her own culture.
“I had this idea that I could invite people from my hometown to come to NAU,” she says. “Right away, I thought of ZYEP.”
Shelby and her brother participated in ZYEP’s soccer program during their childhood years, and after her high school graduation, she applied to serve as a Summer Camp counselor. It was a good experience, so Shelby applied again in summer 2022.
“When I was in high school, I was involved in basketball, volleyball and National Honor Society, and we had programs that gave back to youth, like basketball workshops for middle-schoolers,” she says. “Once I left high school, I thought that Summer Camp would be another good way to give back.
“I learned how much I really like being a mentor,” she continues. “It was new for me, because I’m the youngest of four siblings.”
Shelby did not forget what she learned at ZYEP, including lessons about Native food sovereignty, nutrition and traditional Zuni foods. That sparked another idea; she decided to organize a food demonstration event on campus, one that ZYEP could lead.
On Nov. 20, ZYEP Arts Assistant Coordinator Kandis Quam and Food Sovereignty Coordinator Brittny Seowtewa taught 16 NAU students how to make He’balokya, which is Zuni twice-baked wheat pudding. They also talked with participants about Zuni history and culture and shared information about ZYEP and its ongoing mission in Zuni Pueblo.
“It was one of the bigger events I’ve planned, and I definitely want to do another one, maybe this spring,” Shelby says. “It’s cool to keep up our Zuni culinary traditions this way. The students loved it, too. It was new and different, and they have been asking when the next one will be!”
Now, Shelby is preparing for her last semester at NAU. Although she didn’t know what her career path would be when she started as a freshman in fall 2021, that path became clear when she discovered an inner passion for domestic violence justice.
In May 2025, Shelby will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology with minors in forensic science and biology. Then, she will enter an accelerated nursing program; once she completes that program, she hopes to pursue a career in forensic nursing.
“Those are the nurses who get called in to handle domestic violence cases,” she explains. “I would like to work off the reservation for awhile, maybe in Flagstaff or Albuquerque, and build skills and knowledge that I can bring back to Zuni when I’m ready.”
She’s a very busy person these days, but Shelby says she still finds time for self-care. She enjoys catching a movie, browsing the shops downtown and spending time with her coworkers.
“Work can be very fun,” she says with a smile.
She also encourages Zuni youth to get involved with ZYEP, noting that it is a safe space and a rich outlet for exploring new subjects and interests.
“The staff is so open, and they’re very caring,” she says. “They’re always there for you. That is so important for every kid to know, that someone is there to support you and wants to help you achieve your goals.”
