The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP) is a transformative initiative focused on promoting health and wellness among the Zuni community’s youth. With the support of the Con Alma Health Foundation (CAHF), ZYEP has successfully integrated traditional Zuni wellness concepts into its programs, creating a culturally responsive and holistic approach to youth development.
The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP) is dedicated to promoting the health, wellness, and cultural identity of the Zuni community’s youth. Established in 2009 in response to high rates of diabetes, obesity, and other health disparities among Zuni children, ZYEP leverages traditional Zuni wellness concepts and strengths alongside modern health promotion strategies.
The organization aims to enhance the health and resiliency of Zuni youth through culturally based programs that incorporate Zuni traditions and values. This mission emphasizes the importance of cultural identity in fostering health and wellness, aiming to create a sense of belonging and pride among Zuni youth.
“All our programs provide a holistic and culturally informed wellness experience for our youth, whether it be an after school program, summer camp, art apprenticeship, sports league, or gardening initiative,” says Executive Director Tahlia Natachu, herself a former participant of the program. “We design activities that help our youth build an intrinsic motivation for these cultural teachings so that they develop healthy habits for the rest of their life and pass it on to the next generation.”
The group offers a variety of programs designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The “Rooted in Healthy Traditions” after school program provides a safe space for children to engage in physical activities, arts and crafts, cultural education, food sovereignty, and academic support. Recognizing the importance of physical activity in promoting health, ZYEP offers sports programs, including soccer, basketball, football, T ball, and running clubs. These programs help improve physical fitness and teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
“We design activities that help our youth build an intrinsic motivation for these cultural teachings so that they develop healthy habits for the rest of their life and pass it on to the next generation.”
ZYEP Executive Director Tahlia Natachu
ZYEP’s summer camp offers a unique opportunity for Zuni youth to immerse themselves in their cultural heritage while participating in fun and educational activities. Their flagship initiative, summer camp, includes traditional Zuni crafts, dances, and outdoor adventures, fostering a deep connection to the land and community. “Summer camp is a time for our kids to reconnect with their roots,” Natachu explains. “It’s a chance for them to learn from elders, explore nature, and build a sense of community.”
Additionally, ZYEP’s food sovereignty program aims to reconnect Zuni youth with traditional food practices and promote healthy eating habits through gardening, cooking classes, and nutrition education. “Food is a central part of our culture and our health,” Natachu says. “By teaching children about traditional foods and healthy eating, we’re helping them develop lifelong habits that support their long-term well-being.”
ZYEP also recognizes that mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness. The organization supports mental health initiatives and aims to build protective factors that combat risk factors, helping Zuni youth develop coping skills, build self-esteem, and navigate the challenges of adolescence. “Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Natachu emphasizes. “Our programs aim to provide the support and connection to resources kids need to thrive emotionally and mentally, giving them the confidence and ability to succeed.”
The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is a perfect example of how culturally based programs can make a profound difference in the lives of young people. The organization’s holistic approach addresses not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and cultural well-being, ensuring that Zuni children are well-equipped to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our community and partners,” Natachu concludes. “Together, we are building a healthier, stronger future for our children.”
For more information on the program visit zyep.org.
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