Gathering on Native Americans-SCAIR-TANF-2012 By Roy Cook Traditionally,
from earliest times, Native American communities would gather together
and renew family ties, meet new friends and participate in spiritual experiences
as a group at the spring time Tribal event. Osiyo, Hello, my Native American relatives. Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR, Executive Director, Wanda Michaelis welcomed our Native American families and San Diego Urban Tribal TANF participants to the April 4,2012 Springtime Gathering of Native Americans GONA, career training activity. She told us what, where and when the activities would be.
Also she introduced
the SCAIR staff from Alpine and San Diego offices. She was particularly
pleased to recognize the community service volunteers: Brittany Kuhl,
Tristen Kuhl, Alex Contreras and Sammi Johnson. Lynne Ray Smith,
SCTCA on-site TANF Tribal manager also introduced the TANF staff in attendance. SCAIR Board President
Bill Johnson called upon SCAIR Senior Advisor Randy Edmonds for a traditional
blessing to open the GONA proceedings.
This is a special
day for our SCAIR Senior Advisor, Randy Edmonds. It is his 78th Birthday.
He received many cheerful songs and gifts in appreciation of his contribution
to the greater Native American community and the SCAIR organization. Randy
is also a presenter this day. His theme is the BIA Relocation program
and how many of the out of state Native American Tribal population came
to be a part of the Southern California dynamic addition to song, language,
culture and Traditional tribal life. Additionally, he
spoke to the value of the family unit. Hugs are important. Respect your
parents and never talk back to them. These are values he learned as a
Kiowa-Caddo child at home and in tribal boarding school. Presenter, Bonnie Edmonds brings a long history as a job developer in Indian programs. One of the most effective results have been when she has taken the time to talk to the employer and thereby effectively advise her job seekers more confidently. GONA Training presenter Sarah Hernandez has been a job developer since she was 19 years of age working for SD county offices. She has had some bumps in the road of life but since recovery she has been clean for 8 years and is happy being a single mom to her two boys. She feels her life experience greatly aids her in reaching the aspiring job seeker with empathy and honesty. Further she states that the SCAIR program is vital to the Native American community. Following the speakers presentations, Wanda restated that SCAIR is all about family. Each needs to find their passion. Opportunities exist each day if one is ready to see them. This is a fine bridge to the next adult participation activity: the raw egg drop. Success or spatter depends on the protection determined with the supplies provided. Many perished but two were successful from the 15 feet drop. This was a fun group project presented by Kameka Smith and Heidi Beckenbach. Following the Nutritional experience all are invited for activities in the outdoor park and the warm sunshine. Tug of war, hula hoops and a fun parachute group activity made this day active, healthy and happy.
Finally, to all our Kumeyaay and Native American families thanks to you for being there: Wado, Aho, and Mehan. |