Reconnecting to Land, Culture, and Self:

n the heart of Zuni Pueblo, where traditions, language, and cultural practices have been passed down for generations, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Program (ZYEP) is fostering a new era of leadership and self-discovery among Zuni youth. Through innovative outdoor programs and cultural education, ZYEP is ensuring that young people not only embrace their heritage but also develop the skills and confidence needed to shape their own futures.

Since its founding in 2009, ZYEP has served as a critical resource for Zuni youth, offering year-round programs that focus on health, education, and cultural identity. What began as a single summer camp in response to the lack of structured activities for youth has now evolved into a comprehensive network of programs, serving over 1,000 children annually. With a commitment to mentorship, physical and mental well-being, and fostering deep connections to the land, ZYEP continues to be a pillar of strength in the community.

One of the most transformative components of ZYEP’s work has been its “Connect to Land” initiative, which provides culturally significant outdoor experiences for Zuni youth. These trips—whether hiking, camping, or visiting ancestral sites—offer opportunities for participants to engage with their history while also learning valuable life skills. Thanks to funding from the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), ZYEP has been able to expand and strengthen these initiatives, ensuring that even more youth can experience the benefits of outdoor education and cultural immersion.

The Outdoor Equity Fund has been a game-changer for ZYEP, allowing the organization to solidify its outdoor programming and provide more intentional, meaningful experiences for Zuni youth.

“This funding allowed us to turn a dream into reality,” said Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, Executive Director of ZYEP. “We always knew that taking our kids out to culturally significant sites was crucial, but with OEF, we could establish a dedicated program to do this in a sustainable way.”

Before receiving OEF funding, ZYEP incorporated outdoor experiences into its broader programming, but the organization lacked the resources to provide consistent and structured outdoor education. The OEF grant provided the funding necessary to secure transportation, outdoor gear, and cultural advisors who could guide youth through these experiences with knowledge and respect for Zuni traditions.

Since becoming an OEF grantee, ZYEP has taken over 700 youth on outdoor excursions, visiting sacred sites like Chaco Canyon, the Gila Wilderness, and the Grand Canyon—Zuni’s place of emergence. These trips serve as more than just recreational activities; they are deeply rooted in cultural education, teaching young people about the historical and spiritual significance of the land.

For Zuni youth, these outdoor experiences are about more than just adventure—they are about reclaiming space, understanding their identity, and seeing new possibilities for their futures.

“There’s this realization that comes when you stand in these places and learn their history,” said Natachu-Eriacho. “Our kids are realizing that they belong in these outdoor spaces, not just as visitors, but as future leaders, conservationists, and land stewards.”

ZYEP has seen firsthand how participation in outdoor programs has inspired career interests among Zuni youth. Some participants have pursued internships with the National Park Service, while others have sought out training to become outdoor educators. One former ZYEP participant, Cody, transitioned from the program into a career in wildland firefighting, proving that these experiences can directly influence professional pathways. Another young duo was inspired to develop her own Zuni outdoor guide service, helping to educate visitors on how to experience Zuni lands responsibly and respectfully.

By offering young people exposure to careers in land management, outdoor education, and conservation, ZYEP is helping to diversify an industry that has historically lacked Indigenous representation. With OEF support, the program continues to challenge the misconception that outdoor recreation is exclusive to non-Native communities, reinforcing that Indigenous people have always been caretakers of these lands.

In addition to cultural empowerment, ZYEP’s outdoor programs have had a profound impact on the mental and emotional well-being of participants. Many youth face significant challenges, including high rates of poverty, mental health struggles, and the ongoing effects of historical trauma. Time spent in nature provides a healing space where they can disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with themselves and their community.

“Nature gives our youth a chance to breathe, to reflect, and to process their emotions in a safe environment,” Natachu-Eriacho shared. “Some of our trips have led to deep conversations and moments of realization for our kids. For some, it’s the first time they feel truly seen and heard.”

Research supports what ZYEP has observed: access to outdoor spaces is directly linked to improved mental health, reduced anxiety, and increased self-esteem. When paired with the guidance of trusted mentors and cultural educators, these experiences become even more powerful, equipping youth with tools for resilience that they carry into adulthood.

The Zuni Youth Enrichment Program is living proof that investing in outdoor equity is about investing in the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. By blending cultural education with outdoor access, ZYEP is ensuring that Zuni youth grow up with a deep understanding of who they are, where they come from, and what they are capable of achieving.

The work is far from over. With continued support from the Outdoor Equity Fund, ZYEP hopes to expand its programs even further, reaching more youth, offering more advanced outdoor training, and creating lasting pathways for Indigenous representation in outdoor spaces.

“The impact is clear,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “If we want a healthier, stronger, more resilient New Mexico, we must keep funding programs like these. Our kids deserve nothing less.”