For immediate release
ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is excited to partner with Artemis, the Flower Hill Institute, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to bring young people to the Valles Caldera National Park and Preserve for a weekend of camping, outdoor activities, and cultural exchange. This event will take place August 25 – 26.
This event will bring New Mexico Wildlife Federation members, Native youth from the Katishtya Youth Leadership Institute, the Pueblo Pathways Project, and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Youth Leadership Council together to learn about each other’s cultures on our public lands. Friday night will start with a storyteller from Jemez Pueblo sharing history and leading the group in discussion. Ten youth from Yselta del Sur Pueblo Youth Leadership Council from El Paso, Texas have never been to the Valles Caldera and are excited to connect with youth from the Northern Pueblos. This group has been an integral part of the fight in preserving and defending Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument.
Saturday will be an activity packed day made possible with the help of Christine Gonzales and Kara Armano of the National Wildlife Federation’s Artemis group that engages sportswomen and youth. Gonzales and Armano will lead participants in archery demonstrations and fly fishing at the campground and in the park.
“This event will be a fantastic example of the power public lands can have in bringing people together,” said Executive Director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Garrett Vene Klasen. “This outdoor weekend is a multi-state event representing the diverse culture of the Southwest. Connecting different Native groups with sportswomen and agency representatives is a great opportunity to learn about conservation and our different backgrounds.”
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is generously providing equipment, gear, and staff to make this event possible.
