ZUNI, NM (May 20, 2024) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project announced today that it will co-host a special “Pride” event with A:shiwi Tribal College and Career Readiness Center on Sunday, June 2. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the college campus, and it will be free and open to the public.
“This is going to be an historic event, one of the first of its kind in Zuni,” said Tara Wolfe, ZYEP’s program manager. “We continue to advocate for equity, inclusion and diversity here in the Zuni community, especially as it involves our youth.
“We want to make sure our LBGTQ+ youth feel supported and have access to important health resources, including mental heath care,” she continued. “Our hope is to have an intergenerational connection to bring together our people and truly embrace our core values. ‘Hon i:wichemana:wa — we will love one another (as we are).”
“I want to acknowledge ZYEP for taking the lead in the recognition of all our community members,” said Hayes A. Lewis, executive director of A:shiwi Tribal College and Career Readiness Center. “In partnership, we welcome all individuals regardless of gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, race, disability or religion. We respect their right to participate in an equitable college experience and extended education courses.
“I, too, would like to see a breakdown of self-imposed barriers based on the colonizing mentalities that seem to permeate our indigenous communities as we collectively work toward tribal equity and empowering all community members,” he added.
Pride will kick off with an opening prayer, Amidolanne Walk, and Zumba with Zuni Wellness Center fitness instructor Phillip Sandy at 9 a.m., followed by opening remarks at 10 a.m. Participants will receive fresh fruit and T-shirts following the walk and Zumba session.
From 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., participants may attend one of four informational sessions. They are: “Intro to the Rainbow,” in partnership with the Trans Resource Center, with facilitator Elroy Natachu Jr. and presenter Adrian Lawyer; “Spill the Tea,” with facilitator Liam Simplicio and three community members sharing personal stories; “LGBTQ+ Wellness,” with facilitator Khass Hattie and presenters Amira Saad, Bonnie Smith and Mattee Jim; and “LGBTQ+ History in Zuni,” in partnership with the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center, with facilitator Kandis Quam and presenters Curtis Quam and Mallory Quetawki.
After a half-hour lunch break, the afternoon sessions will run from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The schedule will be the same as in the morning, giving participants the opportunity to choose a second topic.
“Kandis, Liam, Elroy and Khass have been working hard to put together this amazing event, gathering resources and presenters,” Wolfe said.
Elroy Natachu Jr. is ZYEP’s arts coordinator. Kandis Quam and Liam Simplicio work with him as arts assistant coordinator and arts leader, respectively, while Khassandria Hattie is one of ZYEP’s food sovereignty leaders.
In addition to the presentations, the ZYEP team also has arranged for community partners to share resources during Pride. Information tables will be set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and featured partners include First Nations Community Health from Albuquerque, Shumak’olo:wa Health Center from Zuni, and the Zuni Wellness Center.
Food trucks and art vendors will be on site as well. Finally, ZYEP will hold a raffle when the afternoon sessions conclude at 2 p.m.
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.
