By Corvo Rohwer, Puyallup Tribal News
Tribal youth and their parents started their short break from school off in a good way by participating in this year’s Gathering Of Native Americans Spring Break Camp from April 7 to 9.
The GONA camp is intended to be a space where Tribal children can come to feel belonging in their community through the structure of four focus pillars: belonging, mastery, interdependence and generosity. The first day of camp focused on belonging and mastery, beginning with a photo wall of positive affirmations and culturally-based ice-breaker activities.
Following the start of the event, attendees were shown into the gym where they were mesmerized by a magic show put on by Navajo magician Brian Yazzie. Wowing the crowd with his various tricks and acts, Yazzie also invited members of the audience to partake in some of his magic up close.
Wrap Around Department’s Youth Programs Intake-Resource Case Manager Nancy LaPointe-McCloud said that one of her favorite aspects of GONA is seeing the youth in a happy and healthy environment.
“My favorite part is seeing the little ones, like today, just so amazed with the magic,” LaPointe-McCloud said. “It just it makes me really happy to see them enjoy themselves.”
After the show, multiple Tribal departments set up various activity stations for families and their children to engage with. These “passport activities” included mural wood with Wrap Around, jewelry with Housing, painting with the Community Domestic Violence Advocacy Program, lacrosse with Indigenous Leadership and a talking circle with the Kwawachee Center.
Youth Program Coordinator Marsha Pluff emphasized the importance of Tribal departments collaborating with one another to uplift the community for the youth.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this by ourselves,” Pluff said. “To be able to gather all the kids, give them something to do for spring break. … it just brings us back to that community base to provide a welcoming environment for the kids.”
If you’re interested in attending the next event, GONA will continue this summer at the Puyallup Tribe Wolf Camp (1699 Benbow Dr. E Graham, WA 98339) from July 14 to 16. For more information, reach out to Marsha Pluff at 253-337-8549, and be on the lookout for online registration as the dates get closer.
