Growing up in Zuni Pueblo, I was surrounded by the beauty of our lands, the strength of our culture, and the resilience of our people. Yet, like many children in our community, I didn’t always have opportunities to fully engage with the outdoors in meaningful ways. That changed when I became involved with the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, first as a participant, then as a counselor, and now as the executive director.
Since 2009, ZYEP has been dedicated to providing Zuni youth with opportunities to connect with their culture, strengthen their well-being, and build confidence through outdoor learning. For years, we relied on community-driven efforts to make these experiences possible. But in recent years, the Outdoor Equity Fund has played a transformative role in expanding our work, allowing us to increase access to culturally significant outdoor programs, reach more youth, and create a sustainable model for engaging future generations.
The impact of this funding goes far beyond just getting kids outside. It is helping to break down barriers, foster leadership, and ensure that Zuni youth see themselves as stewards of their land and culture.
For many Indigenous youth, outdoor recreation has long felt out of reach—not because the land is unfamiliar, but because access to the necessary resources, gear, and structured programs has been limited. Before we received OEF funding, our Connect to Land program—where youth visit culturally significant sites like Chaco Canyon and the Grand Canyon—was something we struggled to sustain year after year.
Since receiving our first OEF grant, nearly 500 Zuni youth have participated in outdoor learning experiences that deepen their connection to land, culture, and identity. These trips are more than just excursions—they are lessons in resilience, history, and self-discovery. They help young people see their place in the world, not just as visitors to these landscapes, but as part of a long lineage of caretakers and protectors of the land.
One of the most exciting aspects of our expansion has been the mentorship model that has emerged. Many of our program participants return year after year, moving from campers to mentors to leaders. We’ve seen former participants go on to pursue careers in conservation, environmental science, and outdoor education—all fields where Indigenous representation has historically been lacking.
Beyond the direct benefits to youth, outdoor programming has economic ripple effects as well. When young people develop skills in conservation, outdoor education, and land stewardship, they are preparing for careers in growing industries that benefit the state. Whether it’s working in national parks, starting local guiding businesses, or advocating for environmental policies, the next generation is being equipped with the tools to contribute to New Mexico’s outdoor economy and sustainability efforts.
OEF’s impact is clear. At ZYEP, it has allowed us to take an existing dream and turn it into a fully realized, structured program that serves hundreds of youth every year. It has enabled us to provide gear, transportation, and mentorship so that no young person is left behind due to financial barriers. And most importantly, it has helped us instill a deep sense of pride, responsibility, and possibility in the next generation.
The OEF is more than just a grant program—it is a catalyst for change. And as we look to the future, we remain committed to ensuring that every Zuni youth has access to the transformative power of the outdoors.
