Physical Address
357 Agency Rd,
Lapwai, ID 83540
The Youth Cultural Enrichment Academy is a collaboration between the Nez Perce Tribe and Northwest Indian College and began 15 years ago as an alternative to the summer youth employment program. Instead of the focus being on accomplishing simple office duties the shift of learning centered-in on engaging in cultural practices and highlighting the importance of protecting natural resources within the scope workforce development training. YCEA students broadened their knowledge of traditional teachings each day but also recognized the part they can play in community- in service- in action.
Each participant spent over 120 hours of “class time- out in the field” learning and working on Nez Perce culture projects including historical hunting techniques, traditional roots exploration, fisheries knowledge, fish and line fishing, storytelling, volunteering during Lapwai Days activities, gathering and skinning tipi poles, University of Idaho Arboretum Tour, discussion with U of I Native Staff, powwow sweat, Archery techniques/lessons, swimming in the Wallowa Lake- Clearwater River, gathering berries and traditional medicines, stickgames, drum/song, craft making, introduction to sewing projects and applique, horse riding, tipi history lessons and erection of the tipi, and volunteering at the Red Cross Station for local fire
victims.
Our three college interns assisted in keeping students engaged each day while concurrently enrolled into an Environmental Science Course called Northwest Plants receiving five college credits through NWIC. Trips were taken to Wallowa, Winchester, Elk River, Moscow, Talmaks Lake, Sweetwater, Spalding, and Kooskia, ID. One final trip is in the planning for the end of August.
Several cultural arts specialists and elders led sessions with a hands-on approach to learning. Emaqis QeciYewyew (Big Thanks) to Vivian Henry, Huli and Danielle Scott, Andre Picard, Maggie Picard, Steven Martin, Dakota Kidder, Jake Whiteplume, Tyra Greene, Nez Perce Tribe Horse Program Interns, Leslie Moses, Tawiya Williams, Christopher Jones, Nevaeh Lacy, Wallowa Youth Retreat Staff and Teachers.
In the last few years, the goal of incorporating traditional foods inspired meals throughout the summer became a key and consistent task to accomplish. So- a big thanks also to our cooks to help make this possible: Tawiya and Anthony Williams, Danielle Bohn Scott, Tori Strombeck, Angela Picard, Christopher Jones, and Danielle Whitefoot. With their assistance YCEA was able to make baked salmon, wild rice, watermelon, salmon salad & sandwiches, fruit salad, Indian Tacos, Jerky, elk tacos, as well as bologna/bread with “lotsa lettuce”.
YCEA participants completed the program with final presentations to their families and instructors. They all did an amazing job and had some great topics to present about. Usually students get to pick their groups however, this year we had them draw names out of a hat to make sure they all share in the responsibility of presenting.
Trinity Lacy volunteered to be the Master of Ceremonies and introduced each group. DaRon Wheeler and Saphire Jackson presented first and highlighted how much they appreciated being a big help with the community needs over the summer. Cynthia Picard and Xavier Lawrence presented next and discussed their newly acquired knowledge of the tipi and moccasin making. Xavier admitted he “winged it” most of the time while Lou end up having to cover for a few boys who were trying to be sneaky.
Christopher Bohnee presented on three traditional plants and incorporated his family teachings during the explanation of their cultural significance. Ella Payne and Vincent Kipp then presented on their cultural activities learned with an emphasis on family history specific to stickgames. Vinny shared a little of his heart for his fellow YCEA friends he had fun with over the summer. Koen Smiscon and Trinity Lacy smiled a lot as they presented on their dancing skills through powwow sweat and the laughing that took place especially during the fishing experience. Christopher Jones, intern, went next and presented on what he learned in the ENVS 201 and how much he enjoyed working with the youth.
Keondre Lawrence and Mary Jane Gomez presented on fishing lessons and tipi pole gathering. Mary Jane explained the importance of being prepared especially when it comes to working out in the mountains. Kodi Greene and Lance Ellenwood did a great job presenting on their fishing experience and new horse riding tips. Lance was proud to announce he probably caught the most fish. Thamius Sherman and Valentina Villa did a poster presentation on Talmaks lake, fishing, and the overall enjoyment of the summer. They both shared a few laughs about Lance. Lastly, Nevaeh Lacy, intern, poetically presented on her three plants and the cultural significance of each wrapping up the final presentations with a calming and heartfelt closure.
Wrapping up the successful summer with final presentations, a song, and dance secured each student with a final incentive for the completion of YCEA. They picked up their checks this last week with big smiles and excitement for school clothes shopping!
A number of organizations and departments contributed to the success of this year’s program. They include: Nez Perce Tribe Horse Program, Nez Perce Tribe Local Ed Fund, Nez Perce Tribe SRBA Fund, Bureau of Indian Affairs Youth Initiative, Nez Perce Historical Museum, Lapwai High School, Northwest Indian College, U of I Native Staff and Arboretum Director, University of Idaho Extension Program, Nez Perce Tribe Child Support Program, Wallowa Youth Retreat Staff, and Social Services Program.
This article was written by ANGELA PICARD.
All views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the author are solely that of the author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of the Nez Perce Tribe or its Communications Department.
