ZUNI, NM (May 29, 2024) — The last few weeks have been busy ones for the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and young people in the Pueblo of Zuni. With the school year drawing to a close, youth engaged in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) awareness, two art shows, and cultural festivities at two local schools.
MMIR Awareness & Youth Art Market
ZYEP hosted its 3rd annual MMIR Awareness Event on Wednesday, May 1 at Ho’n A:wan Park. The event featured a 1-mile walk, a quarter-mile fun stroll on the Ho’n A:wan Park Trail, and a Zumba session with instructor Kathy Natachu, which was supported by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA).
At 5:30 p.m. ZYEP Executive Director Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho welcomed nearly 150 attendees, and Gilbert Yuselew from the Zuni Cultural Resources Advisory Team conducted the opening prayer. Miss Zuni Keia Gasper, Zuni Princess Mya Edaakie and Zuni Prince Jacob Gia from the Zuni Royalty Organization spoke as well, and Brittany Garcia from the Pueblo of Zuni Archive/Records Management provided an MMIR overview.
Four community partners provided information booths during the evening event. These included Zuni Indian Health Service Business Office/Health Benefits, Shumakolo:wa Health Center Behavioral Health Department, the New Beginnings program, and American Indian Development Associates (AIDA).
Also that day, ZYEP hosted a Youth Art Market from 4 to 7 p.m. Organized by ZYEP Arts Leader Liam Simplicio and ZYEP Artist Committee Members Cassandra Tsalate and Jalen Hannaweeka, the market gave youth artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work to the community.
“The community has shown interest in the Youth Art Market and support for the artists’ budding careers,” said Elroy Natachu Jr., ZYEP’s arts coordinator. “With the recent MMIR incidents in the community, the subject of MMIR might have been at the forefront of people’s minds. We led with a strengths-based approach, focusing on awareness and prevention to ensure our community remains vigilant and protected.”
The 12 participating artists included: Chanito Baca, 15, pueblo embroidery; Gregory Baca III, 17, pueblo embroidery; Aiden Banteah-Yuselew, 19, beaded jewelry; Mya Edaakie, 9, 2D art/bracelets/necklaces; Payton Edaakie, 11, 2D art/bracelets/necklaces; Alexander Eriacho, 23, jewelry/leather work/wood work; Tiyana Haloo, 22, Zuni pottery/watercolor paintings; Jalen Hannaweeka, 22, pueblo weaving; Breydon Othole, 22, 2D art/print; Kallen Quetawki, 21, graphic arts/merchandise; Chasady Simplicio, 19, pueblo weaving; and Mia Sutanto, 24, 2D art/print.
“Gregory Baca III said he was thankful that the art market could showcase their artwork and provide an opportunity to make sales, and Kallen Quetawki said they were excited to show their new pieces,” Natachu said. “The community was excited to see all the fantastic artwork, as well, and expressed interest in more youth-centered art shows in the future.”
Bernalillo Indian Festival Art Show
That same week, the top three youth artists from ZYEP’s most recent Emerging Artist Apprenticeship had the opportunity to attend the professional Bernalillo Indian Festival art show on May 4-5 at Loretto Park in Bernalillo, New Mexico.
“While the festival does not have a youth category, our apprentices were able to show the judges their beautiful artwork and get valuable experience talking with customers and selling their work,” said Kandis Quam, ZYEP’s arts assistant coordinator. “They also had opportunities to network and receive advice from fellow artists.
“Our staff, instructors and students all worked together to prepare for and participate in this show,” she continued. “The apprentices sold $727 in Bernalillo, and they enjoyed staying at the Nativo Lodge, where indigenous artists paint the hotel rooms. They saw what is possible with their own artwork.”
Attending artists were: Lacey Longhat, 18; Mary Peynetsa, 19; and Ryanna Waatsa, 16. Accompanying them were instructors Liam Simplicio, 22, and Laken Epaloose, 20; the youth project’s youngest instructors to date, both Simplicio and Epaloose participated in ZYEP programs before taking on these leadership roles.
Indigenous Day Celebrations
Finally, young people had opportunities to celebrate Zuni culture and life ways through the Zuni Public School District. ZYEP “Indigenous Day” festivities took place on Apr. 30 at Zuni Middle School and on May 3 at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School.
On Tuesday, Apr. 30, the ZYEP Elective Dance Group performed the traditional Buffalo Dance at Zuni Middle School, under the direction of lead teacher Bryston Bowannie. According to Tara Wolfe, ZYEP’s program manager, the 19 participating sixth, seventh and eighth graders practiced three times per week for six weeks to prepare for this special day.
“Seeing the hard work and dedication from our youth participants, and from singers Mangaysha Kallestewa and Cyrus Lutse, makes the work so meaningful and beautiful,” she said. “The dances are always amazing. The best part is that the families come together to provide regalia and share knowledge. Some of our dancers might be wearing their grandparents’ jewelry or moccasins, so the dance becomes an intergenerational showcase.”
At Zuni Middle School, ZYEP’s holistic elective class focuses on building resilience through art. Made possible with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAHMSA), the New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division, and Zuni Middle School, the elective is offered twice per year and rotates through traditional dance, food sovereignty, and art subject areas.
On Friday, May 3, Indigenous Day moved to Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School, where hundreds of children concluded their own in-school ZYEP holistic wellness class with traditional dancing, accompanied by singers Kallestewa and Lutse. The pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and fourth grade groups went first, performing the Buffalo, Eagle, Comanche, Corn and Butterfly dances.
“My favorite thing about Indigenous Day is dancing, dressing up, seeing other people’s clothes — some are always wearing their regalia in unique ways,” says Avani, a fourth-grade dancer.
Her mother agreed, noting, “I love seeing the dances and the regalia. There has been a lot of changes, but the tradition stays the same.”
First and third grade came next with the Supai and Hopi/Navajo dances. After the coronation of the 2024-25 student ambassadors and a Filipino student dance, the first and third graders resumed with an Arrow Dance Performance.
The second and fifth grade groups performed the Deer, Turkey, Horse, Basket and Rainbow Dances. Finally, the first and third graders returned to conclude with the Harvest Dance.
At Shiwi Ts’ana, also, the youth practiced for six weeks to prepare for their performances. ZYEP Youth Development Leader Rani Yamutewa served as lead teacher.
ZYEP’s wellness class at the elementary school originally started as a performing arts class. Made possible with assistance from the New Mexico Department of Health, the class now also incorporates physical activity, food sovereignty education, and the “Eat Smart To Play Hard” state curriculum, as well as traditional storytelling, traditional dance and music.
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.
