Thank Yous and Takeaways by James Fenelon

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The Native Youth to College program (NY2C) is now coming to an end it is appropriate to say a couple words of farewell. The first words go out to the elders which are the reason any of the activities within the program were possible. They did a great job of mixing fun with learning and deciding which times were appropriate for which. Julia, Scott, and the mentors did an excellent job of guiding the youth. Without them we would not have any foundations to build upon. From those foundations there were many takeaways from the program. NY2C wove together getting into college, college life, as well as importance of culture. Every student shined during the two weeks while we were together. I am going to miss all of the family I have gained here. Hopefully we do not forget one another and that our roads cross in the future. Notice how the final words are farewells and not goodbyes, this is because we will see each other in the future in one form or another.

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Isaac’s blog

isaacThe photoshopping was fun. I got to learn how to learn how to photoshop some stuff into a picture. i think i could make more pictures and just have fun with it. also make more about native americans. i like the way mine came out. what the picture means to me is that i am connected to the water and eagles are a big part of my culture and a part of my tribe. My experience being here was fun and I will take what I learned and share it with my community. Also the mentors where awesome this year. They helped us with anything we needed and also made sure that we where focused and on task.

Isaac’s blog

i am going to talk about the when we went to the island. It was really cool to go visit some of the cultural spots of the Chumash people. we went snorking and it was cool to see the kelp and some fish. we also go to see a rock the looks like an elephant. i also like the western u think they talked about how some of them helped make movies and i though that was really cool that we got to meet someone who helped make my childhood movies.

Isaac’s blog

today was fun. we got to do the indigenous games and we got to learn how to take away a weapon. we also got to make some baskets. It was fun to make the baskets because i made one last year and i use it for my coins. the one i made this year i am going to give it to my sister. washtoyo was fun to i liked the swimming part was fun. we also did kayak. i had fun on the way to the island where we did the swimming and kayaking.

Isaac’s 4th day: Spirit Game

This was the second time watching the movie and even though it was me second time it is still good. i think i would be good if everyone should be able to see this movie. i had my hopes up and alway think the they are going to win at the end of the game. it reminded me of my tribe and on how we have a somewhat sport the has been around for years. the sport is called war canoe racing and i have been racing for like 5 years. it is a big thing for my tribe. we have a festival every year and it is called stommish and everyone is welcome to come and watch all of the tribes race. we have 7 and under up to 45 and over. they race with a lot of other people.

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.

Jarrod’s 4th day: Spirit Game

I have watched this film last year when I was at the Native Youth to College Program last year but i still loved watching it as if I was watching it for the first time. I just love watching sports and even if i knew what the end result was, I still had my hopes up and would actually get hyped. I also loved seeing indigenous people fight for their people when they weren’t allowed to cross without an U.S. passport. I’m glad that they keep the game alive in their nation, since other nations have lost their way.

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. 

Jarrod’s 3rd Day :D

Today, I learned the importance of communication and strategy through the Mexica Flower wars by how the first round my group didn’t know what to do because we were not led properly and we were basically running around like headless chickens. On the second round on the other hand, we were coordinated and actually communicated with each other, and that led us to a victory. Communication and strategy actually makes a big difference in your team if you are actually willing to listen.

In Angela’s class, we talked about environmental issues and Law issues. With the environmental issues we talked about oil, cultural land and pollution. With laws we talked about discrimination and how some law enforcement is not always good.

Isaac’s 3rd day

Today was alright. It was kinda slow but it was fun learning about the flower game. we did a couple of rounds and go t to come together as one. we all had a part to do when we played the flower game. the last activity of the day was alright we got to learn about what the US has been doing trough out the years. for example they have been trying to bring down the of the illegal immigration. i got to learn a little more about mayan math. i didn’t get it at first but after today i kinda understood it a little more then what i did the first time.