First annual Taos Celebration of the Youth

[walksalone11]

Just a little something some friends and i are working on in response to the present and on going problem of youth suicides in the area...

   
Invite all your friends to this event as to help spread the word!

[DAY 1] Friday, September 2:

-Opening Prayer at Dawn
-Fasting for the Young Begins (Either Full Fast or Restricted Diet)
-Hearing the Young
Open invitation for young people to express their ideas and
concerns. Dialogue with elder generations. Things expressed
will be taken into account for prayer sessions for the rest
of the celebration
-Loving Hands Concert and Mural Project
Benefit concert at theSpot (900 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte)
Donations go to Essay Contest Winners answering the
following question: "What advice would you give older generations to make Taos a better place for it's young people?"
Submit essay with age and contact info to: sugarcayenne@gmail.com
-Sweat for the Young
Sweat Lodge Ceremony offered near Steakout

[DAY 2] Saturday, September 3:

-Running for the Young
Running as prayer for the young
(from Taos Pueblo to Town)
-Wiping of the Tears Ceremony
(For families who have suffered the loss of their young)
-Dancing Out Grief, Dancing In Joy
-Sweat for the Young (7PM)
Sweat Lodge Ceremony offered off Middle Road

[DAY 3] Sunday, September 4:

-University for the Young
We are learning and teaching each other across generations
So far we have a deer-hide tanning class, spoken word
workshops, mural painting workshop, a soccer clinic, DJ
lessons, yoga classes all day, silversmithing, flint
fire-making, theatre, manifestation lessons, peer counsel-
ing, reiki lessons and modern dance classes What will you learn,
what will you teach?
-Kirtan Chant for the Young
-Pipe Ceremony for the Young
-Sweat for the Young
Sweat Lodge Ceremony offered off Cruz Alta

[DAY 4] Monday September 5:

-CELEBRATION of the Young
Final Bash at Kit Carson Park with exhibition of young artistic
talent, facepainting, graffiti contest, spoken word, and more.
-Breaking of the Fast
Local and Organic Foods provided at Kit Carson Park
-Sweat for the Young
Sweat Lodge Ceremony in Los Cordovas for the Young


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In light of past and recent suicides and a blatant issue of misunderstanding of our youth in Taos, we are instigating the greatest party our young people will ever know to show them how much we love them/us. All events will be drug and alcohol free, we will be high on love.

We need your input! If you see a way that you can contribute to the schedule of event below, or if there is another event you'd like to add to the schedule please contact lylajune@gmail.com, or (707) 857-6126 or simply write it on the wall.

[walksalone11]

Please watch while my dear friend Lyla June explains the whys of the event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqXx813CXkM

[walksalone11]

Every generation can see that many of our young people are struggling. Born into a world that condones and encourages sacrificing freedom and joy for profit and fame, our young are often brushed aside. When our youth believe this life is not worth living we know something must change. It is time to address the root of the issue. We can build walls one hundred feet high on all sides of the Gorge Bridge, but until we lay a foundation of love and trust that our young people can stand upon, there will be no peace. And so, to the Young Nation of our community and of the world, we extend our helping hands to you in adoration and admiration. You are beautiful.

The non-commodified, community organized, town-wide Celebration of the Young will occur on Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, 2011. This four day ceremony and celebration will provide young people of all ages (0-30 years old) a myriad of physical, intellectual and spiritual gifts. There will also be creative and diverse ways of praying for the young that will be open to citizens of all ages, from running to chanting to dancing to attending Lakota sweat lodge, there is a way that YOU can offer your time and energy for the hearts, bodies, and minds of the future. Indeed, we have a spiritual issue on our hands and it calls for a spiritual solution. May the love we offer during these days nourish our community. May the celebration be heard from the depths of their hearts to the edges of the earth.

 

-Tateh Uha Omani


http://celebrationoftheyoung.org/