Rooted in Culture, Growing Through Nature:

In the heart of the Santa Ana Pueblo, the Tamaya Wellness Center is more than just a fitness and recreation hub. It is a space dedicated to promoting wellness, culture, and community through innovative programming. With the support of the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), the center has amplified its ability to connect youth to the natural world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the outdoors while creating opportunities for physical, mental, and cultural growth.

The Tamaya Wellness Center embodies a philosophy of holistic wellness, the “Tamaya way,” which integrates physical activity, cultural awareness, and community engagement. Its programs include aquatics, fitness, recreation, and seasonal camps, all designed to meet the unique needs of the Santa Ana Pueblo community. For the youth of the Pueblo, the center’s programming is a lifeline to activities that not only encourage movement but also deepen their connection to their cultural heritage and the natural world.

At the core of these efforts is the Tamaya Outdoor Adventure Club, a transformative initiative designed to provide outdoor experiences for children and teens in the community. By removing financial and logistical barriers, the club ensures that participants, many of whom may not have access to such opportunities otherwise, can explore the outdoors in meaningful ways. With the help of the OEF, the Tamaya Wellness Center has been able to expand and enhance these outdoor programs, reaching more youth and creating deeper, more impactful experiences.

Before receiving support from the OEF, the Tamaya Wellness Center’s outdoor programming primarily focused on local activities, such as hikes and river exploration near the Pueblo. While these experiences were valuable, the center’s staff dreamed of providing broader opportunities to introduce youth to new environments, foster deeper cultural connections, and build life skills. The funding from OEF made those dreams a reality.

In the summer of 2023, the Outdoor Adventure Club organized a transformative trip to Battleship Rock, a stunning natural landmark in the Jemez Mountains. For many participants, it was their first time venturing beyond the local Sandia Mountains or the Rio Grande. The experience was nothing short of magical. Youth explored trails, waded into streams, and stood in awe before a cascading waterfall. Some children, who had never before played in a natural stream, relished the chance to connect with water in a way that felt both joyful and profound.

“For a lot of these kids, it was a first,” shared Tanya, one of the program’s coordinators. “The hike, the water, even just being surrounded by the towering pines—it was completely new to them. And seeing their faces light up, their curiosity sparked, it was worth every effort.”

The trip wasn’t just about fun, though there was plenty of that—including an unforgettable moment involving a massive spider floating down the stream that caused equal parts fear and fascination among the group. The experience also incorporated lessons about environmental stewardship. The children learned about Leave No Trace principles, the importance of respecting natural spaces, and how their actions contribute to the health of ecosystems. These lessons were reinforced through art projects, where participants reflected on the sights and feelings they experienced that day.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Tamaya Wellness Center’s programming is its integration of cultural teachings. In Pueblo culture, nature and spirituality are deeply intertwined. Elements of the natural world, such as mountains, rivers, and rain, are often reflected in children’s Indian names and are central to traditional stories and ceremonies. The Outdoor Adventure Club intentionally incorporates this cultural perspective, helping youth understand the sacredness of the land and their responsibility to care for it.

“Many of our kids don’t realize how connected they already are to the natural world through our culture,” Tanya explained. “Their names, their family histories, and even our traditional teachings are tied to nature. Through these programs, we’re helping them make those connections in a more tangible way.”

This cultural grounding is woven into every outdoor experience, whether it’s learning about the plants and animals of the region, discussing the significance of specific mountains and rivers, or simply practicing gratitude for the environment. These lessons not only enrich the youth’s understanding of their heritage but also strengthen their sense of identity and belonging.

Beyond cultural enrichment, the Tamaya Outdoor Adventure Club provides youth with opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Many of the activities—such as hiking to a waterfall or navigating new trails—push participants out of their comfort zones. Staff members have witnessed firsthand how these challenges translate into personal growth.

“We’ve seen kids who were hesitant to even dip their toes in a stream at the beginning of the day end up splashing and laughing with their friends by the end,” shared Kelly, a recreation supervisor. “They’re learning that they can face their fears, try new things, and have fun doing it.”

The program also emphasizes leadership and collaboration. Older participants are often encouraged to mentor younger ones, whether by helping them navigate trails, sharing tips for staying hydrated, or simply offering encouragement. This approach not only strengthens bonds among participants but also fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in contributing to the group’s success.

The success of the Battleship Rock trip and other outdoor excursions has inspired the Tamaya Wellness Center team to dream even bigger. In the winter, they planned a snowshoeing trip in the Sandia Mountains, an activity that would introduce older youth to yet another aspect of New Mexico’s natural beauty. Although unseasonably warm weather caused the trip to be postponed, the staff remains committed to rescheduling it as soon as conditions allow.

The OEF has also allowed the center to bring in guest speakers, such as hydrologists and conservation officers, to introduce participants to careers in natural sciences and environmental protection. These sessions have sparked curiosity among the youth, with many asking insightful questions about how to track wildlife, measure water quality, and use technology like drones to study the environment. While most participants are still young and exploring their interests, one former program participant is already studying conservation at New Mexico State University, inspired in part by her experiences with the center.

For the staff at the Tamaya Wellness Center, the impact of the Outdoor Equity Fund goes far beyond the immediate benefits of a single trip or program. It’s about planting seeds for the future. By giving youth the chance to explore, learn, and grow in outdoor spaces, the center is fostering a generation that values and protects the natural world.

“These experiences aren’t just about today,” Tanya reflected. “They’re about helping our kids see themselves as part of something bigger—their community, their culture, and the environment. And when they see that, they start to understand their role in taking care of all of it.”

As New Mexico continues to invest in the Outdoor Equity Fund, programs like those at the Tamaya Wellness Center demonstrate the transformative power of providing equitable access to the outdoors. By breaking down barriers and creating intentional, culturally rich experiences, the center is not just changing lives—it’s shaping the future of the Pueblo and beyond.