ZUNI, NM (Oct. 7, 2024) — On Sept. 27-29, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and Zuni Royalty Organization came together to host a Fall Fun Fest for the Zuni Pueblo community. The event included ZRO’s annual pageant and coronation as well as ZYEP’s Art & Food Market and variety of family-friendly activities at Ho’n A:wan Park.
According to Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, ZYEP’s executive director, the market was a major highlight. It provided an exciting new opportunity for the young entrepreneurs who have completed the youth project’s art apprenticeship program to showcase and sell their work.
“They are well-equipped artists at the end of their experience, but finding show opportunities outside of their ARTZ (Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni) Coop membership can be challenging,” Natachu-Eriacho explained. “We decided we need to host more regular market opportunities, and when we learned the Zuni Royalty Organization was going to be hosting their events at the end of September, we joined forces to make it all happen on the same weekend.”
The 2024-25 ZRO pageant began on Friday, Sept. 27 at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School with talent demonstrations and concluded on Saturday, Sept. 28 with the coronation of Miss Zuni Kiley Gia, Junior Miss Zuni Kaitlynn Natachu, Zuni Princess Sydney Peyketewa and Zuni Prince Trevor Shack.
“ZRO had a successful pageant and coronation, and we wish to thank the Zuni community for their support,” said Darlynn Panteah, ZRO president. “Our new Royalty are looking forward to their reign.”
ZRO conducted morning parades at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with community members lining the established holiday parade route through the pueblo. Zuni Housing Authority, Zuni Healthy Lifestyles and Shumakolo:wa Health Center also were hosting events the same weekend, and Natachu-Eriacho said she and the ZYEP were grateful they could help build momentum.
“The weekend really represented the potential, and the power, that we have as a community,” she said. “Zuni is so fortunate. We have so many great things happening, and if we come together, we can make an even deeper impact.”
After ZRO’s morning parade on Saturday, ZYEP welcomed the public to Ho’n A:wan Park for its day of Fall Fun Fest activities, made possible with support from the Chamiza Foundation and First Nations Development Institute. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., community members enjoyed the Art & Food Market, pumpkin patch, bouncy houses, fire-safety house, dance performances by Anshe:kwe Dance Group, and competitions that included a watermelon-eating contest, barrel racing, fruit-and-veggie walk, Shiwi Olympic Relay, fruit-and-veggie scramble and Art Battle.
“We hope the day gave our community a positive and healthy outlet,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “A strength that we have as A:shiwi is coming together to uplift our values, and we wanted to help foster that. This was so much more than a fun event. It was an opportunity to create a hopeful and supportive space where we could gather, engage in good things and bring smiles to faces.”
Throughout the day, ZYEP provided shuttle service to and from parking lots. In addition, the Zuni WIC Program set up a diaper changing and nursing tent, Gallup Fire Department Deputy Chief Andrew Laweka hosted the fire safety house with the help of his own family as well as firefighters from Zuni EMS/Fire, and local vendors shared their goods, skills and knowledge with festival-goers.
“My favorite part was watching older vendors encouraging our young artists to keep up the good work and giving them advice,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “We also deeply appreciated our vendors respecting our wish to offer only non-sugar-sweetened beverages. Zuni has diabetes rates that are six times the national average, so we want to be part of the solution.”
Another major highlight was the Art Battle, during which painters in three age groups competed for first, second and third place. Festival attendees then voted for their favorites, with winners taking home gift certificates for Halona Marketplace and Major Market Inc.
The winners in the ages 10-15 category were Sydney Mahooty, Reid Mahooty and Laila; winners in the age 16-24 category were Breydon Othole, Kallen Quetawki and Mary Peynetsa; and winners in the age 25-plus category were Dennis Dewa Jr., Marie Chavez and Chris Gchachu. Their work will be on display at Ho’n A:wan Park until the end of this month.
“We are so grateful to everyone who supported our efforts, including the Zuni Police Department and Kachini Security, which helped make the event safe and smooth,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “We’re also thankful for the partnerships and relationships that make our community so special. Everyone came together to support one another.”
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.
