jimmydean2018 2018, Chumash, Indigenous Rights, Native Culture, Native Youth, Wishtoyo Village

Rainbow by James Fenelon

God_s Rainbow

I am now back from Wishtoyo which means rainbow in the Chumash language. Wishtoyo is one of few places which has managed to preserve much the culture from the natives of that area. For the most part the place is unaffected and tries its best to stay that way. The Chumash people are currently involved in a fight for the channel islands which was originally theirs. Many lessons were taught, but the most important of them was to fight to keep your culture alive. The Chumash like many native nations are still alive and are adapting alongside society with them being ahead in some cases. Many native nations were already aware and grateful for their resources which is something that most countries are having a tough time grasping. This is what makes Wishtoyo (Rainbow) a truly sacred place.

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jimmydean2018 2018, Haudenosaunee, Indigenous Games, Indigenous Rights, Native Culture, pipeline program

Capturing the spirit in “Spirit Game” by James Fenelon

The movie “Spirit Game” captures the ancient practice of Iroquois Native Americans in what most interpret as Lacrosse. While the developing of what we know as Lacrosse is an interesting story, the movie displayed the struggle of modern day Iroquois Natives trying to be represented properly in the very practice which originated from them. Oppression among many Indigenous communities still happens today and this movie brings one of those major issues to light.

yellowsunrey 2018, Azteca, Hector Perez Pacheco, Higher Education, Indigenous Games, Indigenous Rights, Life Skills, Mexica, Mexica, Nahuatl, Native Culture, pipeline program, Telling Your Story, Uncategorized

Ja-Rey sweats and protects

so honeyyyy, 

Today we were giving the opportunity to play an indigenous game called Mexica flower wars. The objective of the game was to capture the warriors who were carrying sacred staffs by touching the tops of their opponents heads. It really wasn’t as easy as it sounds. The day before we learned how to protect over self using indigenous martial arts.  we learn to block our heads and our stomachs but also learned how to move energy. Our instructor, Hector Pacheco reminded us how disciplined our ancestors were by cultivating a focus atmosphere within the students. He taught us the knowledge behind the game and how those with the sacred staffs represent future generations. The goal for the team was to protect the new generation and to listen to those of the future. Participating in Mexica flower wars built a stronger sense of community at the NY2C program between the students. We were able to communicate with each other and focus our energy on one purpose. From this we would be able to apply the same skills we learn during the game to help enrich our communities. Being able to organize and communicate with people in our community allows use to cultivate the energy and discipline we need to create a more inclusive future for indigenous people all over the world. I had a good time though it was so hoooot up in there. it was funny also, I can’t wait to learn a lot more about…. everything. 

jimmydean2018 2018, Indigenous Games, Indigenous Rights, Native Youth

Flower Wars by James Fenelon

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With the name “Flower Wars” there is inherent feeling that there might be an aggressive tone to the game. This is not the case. Flower Wars is a fun game that has two teams compete in a team building manner. As we would play, it was easy to observe that one of the objectives of the game was to give support to your team where it was needed. You couldn’t succeed in beating the other team unless your team was great with supporting one another. These positive messages should included with our policies regarding the environment. If we do not support endangered species then it is possible the whole ecosystems could collapse ultimately hurting us and the environment. This also related to the mistreatment of indigenous communities in that we are hurting people that are on our own team, humanity.

benjaminalv Dine/Navajo, Indigenous Games, Indigenous Rights

Day 3 at Pitzer! By: Benjamin

Today we played the Mexica Flower Wars with Hector. It was a great way to communicate, bond, and listen to everyone’s idea on what to do so we can strive. Earlier that day we talked about Indigenous rights and Environmental issues. I believe that there is a way these two things can help one another. When we discussed about all the issues on the Navajo Nation, I felt as if we need to do something. In the Mexica game we had to communicate and come to an agreement on what to do as a family/community. We as a community can help it by communicating with each other so we can benefit our society. When we do this we then can have less issues because we all understand the problem!!28420470437_bffd16fd46_z28420239387_f093dce19e_z

genna10 2018, Angela Mooney D'Arcy, Environmental Law, Hector Perez Pacheco, Indigenous Games, Indigenous Rights, People

Solving Big Problems: Blog Prompt Day 3

How can the concepts of communication and community that you practiced in Mexica Flower Wars with Hector help us solve some of the environmental and Indigenous rights issues that you discussed earlier in the day with Angela?

Think about the topics you presented on from your own communities with Angela.

Reflect on what you shared in the circle after Mexica Flower Wars.

Brainstorm! Get creative! Think out of the box!