this past summer was the third time the
alterNATIVE program has run ever. I was returning as a facilitator/mentor to both familiar communities & new ones alike. alterNATIVE is a week long program ran by indigenous/ally facilitators in college who can have honest conversations about our experiences in higher education as natives. we talk about tough subjects: genocide, stereotypes, violence, systematic oppression and neglect. but the highlight of the program is shedding light on the accomplishments and empowerment of native america: positive media representation, native education expansion, the students' future roles as leaders. it's an emotionally taxing yet rewarding time.
the first week, my team & I were working with the pine hill navajo reservation. their leaders in education and the overall community were so gracious and accommodating I couldn't believe it. we were very blessed to be welcomed into their lives. the second week, we worked with the navajo to'hajiilee and laguna pueblo communities. though there was some confusion the first day, the new site was p successful ^_^
so, here's some photos I took while staying with the pine hill communities. shout out to the pine hill fam & the faculty housing.
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| pine hill |
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| pine hill fam |
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| charlie's butler |
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| road to grandpa's |
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| :))) |
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| michelle |
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| charlie! |
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| sunset |
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| new mexico is probably the most beautiful state in america |
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| acoma pueblo |
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| greatest coffee shop |
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| ze facilitators |
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| danielle y orly |
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| we pulled over for this one |
