Empowering youth through cultural connection

The children who call the Kaibab Pai­ute Reservation home come from diverse backgrounds and this tribal program em­braces them all. The program provides op­portunities for heritage revitalization through hands-on tradition­al and contemporary heritage skills classes and activities to help preserve the tribal ancestral way of life for future generations.

This year the pro­gram has focused on activities to help youth build self-esteem and boost confidence through artistic self-expression. In April we talked about Tuh’mun (spring) and the origins of the Bear Dance. Each participant then got to paint their own bear. Part of these efforts in­clude showcasing their art in a public space at the Tribal Administra­tion Office. Community support is very impact­ful and empowering for our youth. When they receive compliments their faces light up. It’s priceless.