San Diego American Indian Youth Center

From San Diego to Bray, Letter 3

2012-03-09T20:42:00.001-08:00

Red Cross teaches disaster preparedness

2012-03-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Youth Center was graced with the presence of Ana Ortiz, AmeriCorps from the American Red Cross, for a disaster preparedness training (special thanks to Kimberley for hooking us up with the Red Cross, you rock!). Youth members and staff learned about preparation for earthquakes, power outages, and other disasters that may occur here in the San Diego region. After taking a quiz on what we

From Bray to San Diego, Letter 2

2012-02-21T11:18:00.001-08:00

Dancing fiends on Valentine's Day

2012-02-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

Dare I embarrass myself? And my boss? Sure...This footage was captured at Club 7's Valentine's Day party, "I <3 my <3," on the Rincon Indian Reservation. Little did we know that we were going to be participating in the dance-off. Oh, the agony...

From San Diego to Bray, Letter 2

2012-02-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

Teen Day at CCA!

2012-02-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

We're going to start taking monthly field trips for Teen Day, and we began this month with a trip to Canyon Crest Academy to watch JP play basketball! Youth members made signs, wore CCA shirts given to us by JP's mom (THANKS!) and then enjoyed some frozen yogurt after the game. Many of our teens are so active in their high schools and their communities, and we hope to make our monthly field trips

From Bray to San Diego, Letter 1

2012-01-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

Our first response back from the HiRez Youth Centre! Excitement abounds!

Red is for good luck in the Year of the Dragon

2012-01-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

SDAIHYC was privy to the traditions of Chinese New Year last night, when we feasted on foods that are traditional around China and other parts of Asia during this season: noodles for long life, chicken for unity, tangerines for luck and spring rolls for wealth. Red apples dotted the chicken curry, mirroring the red paper around the Youth Center with Chinese writing calling for a happy new year

From San Diego to Bray, Letter 1

2012-01-24T23:07:00.000-08:00

Today, SDAIHYC is starting correspondence with the HiRez Youth Centre in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland! We are excited to learn more about their program, their youth, and the amazing work they do across the Atlantic. What's up to Ireland from San Diego!

Skateboarding and Gung Fu update

2012-01-20T19:52:00.000-08:00

Skateboarding group is now back in full swing...with an actual skateboard instructor! Yes, you can now skate AND have someone to teach you cool tricks...not just have Daniel saying "Don't fall!" The group is still on Thursdays from 430-6PM; try to be at the YC by 415PM so that you can get your board and safety equipment (the helmet is NOT optional, everything else is) before we venture to

Best of luck, Dr. Cain!

2012-01-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

Our original Youth Center Coordinator, Licensed Psychologist, Health Circle facilitator, and all-around awesome lady Dr. Melanie Cain has left the building...and San Diego :(. Dr. Cain has taken a position in Los Angeles County serving the urban Native population up there, but we are forever grateful for the service she provided for all of us here in San Diego. On January 3rd, her last day here

Ice skates and dancing with taco plates

2011-12-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

This last weekend was a busy one for Youth Center members, parents and staff. On Friday, we continued where we stopped last year and went ice skating at Horton Plaza. Thanks to our wonderful volunteer Kimberley and to the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation for their donation of tickets for our Native youth! SDAIHYC teamed up with Indian Health Council's Club 7 from the Rincon Indian

Inter Tribal Sports basketball practice starts!

2011-12-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

SDAIHYC is now hosting the San Diego Urban Inter Tribal Sports teams, and the this week we've held our first official basketball practice! We have been playing basketball quite a bit in the last three months, but now it's for real; we have a court reserved most Mondays and Wednesdays (some Thursdays) through the month of January and for the rest of the ITS basketball season. If you haven't

Painting awesomeness for UCSD

2011-12-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

Our very own Daniella turned a blank canvas from UCSD's Native American Student Association into a work of art! She chose a variety of symbols to represent the sheer diversity of Native nations that attend our Youth Center, and left room for the youth members to place the names of their tribes and those of other youth members who weren't present in the borders, surrounding the painting with all

Oh Christmas tree...

2011-12-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

The tree seems to be in a lot of our recent posts, huh? Here is a picture with the Elder Group (meets 11PM-1AM on Tuesday mornings) in front of the tree!

2011 World AIDS Day

2011-12-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

20 youth members and staff participated in this year's World AIDS Day candlelight vigil, starting at the LGBT Community Center and culminating at the 20th Annual Tree of Life Ceremony at Hillcrest Village. Youth member Joseph made an Ojo de Dios during Cultural Arts class specifically to hang on the Tree of Life! After the mile walk on a nippy (well, at least in California) 55 degree night,

Welcome to the 2011 holiday season!

2011-11-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

The winter holidays are upon us, and we kicked them off at the Youth Center on Monday with festive decorations all around (including our tree, with Western decorations, Ojos de Dios, member-made ornaments, angels, and apparently, a skating antelope...). Check out the monthly calendar, because December is jam-packed with a multitude of events!

Congratulations to the Native American Month honorees!

2011-11-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

November is National Native American Heritage Month. This year, the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, in partnership with Councilmember Todd Gloria, the Council of American Indian Organizations of San Diego County, and Indian Human Resource Center honored six outstanding members of the Native American community in San Diego. Among the honorees that were recognized last Friday were

YC Harvest Dinner 2011

2011-11-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, November 15th, the Youth Center hosted our third annual Harvest Dinner, complete with turkey and all the fixins (except for the cranberry sauce, which I forgot to put out until the very last second...). Thank you to everyone who came and brought food to share in this occasion of sharing and gratitude. In relation to the season, cultural arts teacher and Elder Group facilitator

Harvest time=pine cone turkey time!

2011-11-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

With harvest comes harvest-related art projects. Meet Mother Theresa (right), the pine cone turkey created by our art instructor Cari Gloria. Also, say hi to Gobbles (left), Fernando's one-eyed, lock-jawed, beauty-marked, rustled-feathered turkey. He's still beautiful, though. *GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE!*

We're in a limo!

2011-11-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you to our wonderful newest volunteer Malik King, who treated our youth members to an awesome limo ride from the YC to SDSU for the 35th anniversary of the American Indian Studies Program on Thursday and to the SDSU vs UNM football game on Saturday! Pictures from the latter limo ride and the football game itself can be seen here.

Happy Halloween from SDAIHYC!

2011-11-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

The staff here at the Youth Center wish you a happy belated Halloween, we hope you had a safe time trick o' treating, responsibly partying, or just chilling at home watching scary movies. Or knitting, if that's what you do on Halloween... Much love, Christopher, Gabe, Daniel, Erica, Joe and Melisa. Err...Gabe, Christopher, Erica, Daniel, Melisa and Joe! PS>>This is our 100th blog post!

Haunted Trails and a Halloween tale (err, carol...)

2011-10-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, October 27, SDAIHYC teamed up with staff and youth from Indian Health Council's Club 7 on the Rincon Indian Reservation for an evening of fright at Balboa Park's Haunted Trails. Nearly 50 youth, staff and parents braved the mile trek through the spooks and chills of the trail, which ended with Youth & Family Services Coordinator Christopher Scott being chased by a dude with a (fake)

Fridays are now TEEN DAY! (w00t)

2011-10-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Starting in November, Fridays are officially going to be "Teen Day," with programming focused on youth members ages 13+. So teens, come and join us on Fridays (we're only open one Friday in November, but you know, after that...)! Let us know your suggestions!

"The Baldest Loser" ends

2011-10-12T15:27:00.001-07:00

For those who didn't know, there was a little competition between Daniel and Gabe to see who would keep growing out their hair. First one to cut it lost. As you can see, Gabe was very happy when Daniel cut his hair.

We have a QR Code!

2011-10-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mr. Brian Hayes from Operation Samahan, we have a QR code! What us a QR code, you ask? Well, a Quick Response (QR) code is a fancy type of barcode originally used in the automotive industry, but now used in many businesses and fields! Our code will direct you to a page with a short description, Facebook link and link to our blog. OK, so you're already at our blog...but now you can

SDAIHC at FilAmFest 2011

2011-10-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

SDAIHC teamed up with fellow community clinic Operation Samahan and other community organizations at the 2011 Filipino American Arts & Culture Festival (FilAmFest). Operation Samahan, a title sponsor for the FilAmFest and head of the Health & Wellness Area, spearheaded the program, the theme of which was "Healthy and Active Lifestyles." In accordance with the theme, SDAIHC provided literature

Thanks, Geoff!

2011-09-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

These past few months, we have been blessed to have Mr. Geoff Godfrey (or "Coach," to one particular youth member) as our skateboard instructor. earlier this month, Geoff left our organization to pursue other ventures in Los Angeles with Insomniac Events. During his tenure at SDAIHYC, Geoff garnered quality skateboard decks, trucks and wheels at amazing prices, taught people (including

SDAIHYC visits with Club 7 at Rincon

2011-09-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Despite issues with traffic and getting moderately lost, members, staff and parents from SDAIHYC travelled to the Rincon Indian Reservation to join Club 7--a group provided by Indian Health Council for foster youth living off the reservation--in their programming. After watching videos made by Rincon youth, the programs' participants combined for a night of games (such as the one Patricia and

New school year means school supplies!

2011-09-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our active members who earned new school supplies for the coming school year! Keep up your academics, and remember: if you need help on your homework, school work, or anything education-related as the year progresses, don't be shy and ask for help!

Daniella's post to her 3rd favorite person...EVER!

2011-09-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Head Tribal Member of Molded Nation, I would like to inform you that you were the highlight of my summer... I don't know how many times I walked into the youth center with a sad look on my face but somehow you always knew how to make me laugh and smile no matter what. Also I wanted to say thanx for literally making my summer the best, your high energy is what made me want to

Back to school hours start this week!

2011-08-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

Alas, the summer hath come to an end...at least for the Youth Center. This week, we return to our school year hours of 3-8PM. With the new school year starting back up, please remember one of our top rules: homework MUST be done before participating in the activities! We started this week (err, well, today...) with a nice 4 mile Walk y Talk(y) through Little Italy, Harborside and Seaport

Back to School Beach Party 2011

2011-08-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Back to School Beach Party was hosted on August 20 by the Soaring Eagles Dance Troop in collaboration with SDAIHYC and Tribal TANF. Attendees enjoyed grilled burgers and dogs along with tons of fresh watermelon during a seasonly mild day at Imperial Beach. Check out pictures here of the food, skateboarding, volleyball, and water fun from the party!

Intergenerational Dinner at the Park

2011-08-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

The monthly Intergenerational Dinner on Tuesday, August 23rd was quite the event! We were so blessed to have amazing Filipino food that consisted of pancit, chicken adobo, banana lumpia and so many more scrumptious dishes! Not to exclude the delicious beans and chicken grilled by the Razos and all the potluck items from community members! Thank you to everyone who brought a dish or donation.

Museum Days!

2011-08-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

Museum Tuesdays are back! The summer has blessed us with unbelievable weather and we can't help but take advantage of it and of course, the lovely Balboa Park we have just right up the street from the Center. Every Tuesday staff and youth members walk to Balboa Park and visit specific free museums. Museums vary every month and every week. Museum Tuesdays are from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Hope to

Sovereignty and sack races

2011-08-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Tribal Sovereignty Institute's Native Youth Symposium, held today at the Pala Indian Reservation by the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association, combined education about sovereignty with physical fitness. After an inspirational talk from Elena Hood, American Indian teens from around San Diego County--incuding 12 SDAIHYC members--learned about tribal sovereignty in both historical

Beach Party 2011 less than 2 weeks away!

2011-08-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Youth Counselors Joe and Gabe are aching to get in the water. They're so anxious to boogie board, they're attempting to catch a wave on the Youth Center furniture. Lucky for them, the Soaring Eagles Dance Troop, in collaboration with SDAIHYC, is holding the "Back to School Beach Party!" on Saturday, August 20 in Imperial Beach from 11AM-6PM. The party will be centered at Pier Plaza (the

"Thriller," Native Style

2011-08-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

America's Best Dance Crew ain't got nothin' on us.

Youth Making a Difference

2011-08-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Recently I was approached by two of our very own youth members and let's just say that this act of kindness is definitely one for the books. Not only was it because of the act itself, but it was of what they said after showing me this adorable picture!... Rebekah and Michelle proudly shared the photos of their new kitten and were very excited to share their experience adopting from an animal

Community Night August 2011

2011-08-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

It's already the beginning of the month and Community Night will be here in no time! Community Night will be on Thursday, August, 25, 2011 at the Normal Heights Community Center on 4649 Hawley Blvd. San Diego, CA 92116.The lovely Perse Hooper will present on Creating Successful Families based on the Franklin Covey Book 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families.Dinner will be provided but potluck

Summer gung fu

2011-08-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

SDAIHYC's infamous Gung Fu classes are now held on Fridays before Fitness Fun! They have also moved to Balboa Park, weather permitting of course! Daniel Domaguin has resigned as Gung Fu instructor and has passed his duties onto fellow friend/ martial artist, Ciani Palencia. Be sure to join us for Gung Fu on Fridays at Balboa Park and enjoy the weather that sunny San Diego allows us to have every

Skating 2 Days a Week!

2011-08-02T14:47:00.001-07:00

The SDAIHYC Skateboarding Instructor, Geoff Godfrey, recently added a second day of Skateboarding Group to our summer schedule. Groups are now held on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:30 pm for Beginner Skateboarders AND on Thursdays from 4:30-6:00 p.m. for Advanced Skateboarders. Skating locations include the local Washington Skate Park a few miles from the Youth Center and beautiful Balboa Park.

Culture Camp 2011: "Water Fun in the Sun!"

2011-07-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Water is of utmost importance to every culture in the world, and for SDAIHC's 8th Annual Culture Camp, "Water Fun in the Sun!", 31 Native American youth, along with parent chaperones and staff, learned about water's role in the history and present-day lives of local tribes. Despite some unexpected adversity, this year's Culture Camp was a cascade of cheer!Each day, we traveled to different parts

YC marches with Nations of the 4 Directions in San Diego LGBT Pride 2011!

2011-07-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

Health Center staff, Youth Center members, families and friends joined Karen Vigneault and the Nations of the 4 Directions in the 2011 San Diego LGBT Pride Parade! Youth Center members handed out frisbees to parade onlookers, while staff and volunteers passed out prophylactics and personal lubricant for prevention outreach to the community. Check out pictures of the event from within the

Happy 2nd birthday Youth Center!

2011-07-13T20:52:00.001-07:00

We're a toddler now! To celebrate our birthday, we started with a day at the park, followed by a pork/beef taco AND the now-annual-tradition of spam with potatoes. We wouldv'e had homemade ice cream, but someone forgot to get ice...we'll do that tomorrow. Instead of ice cream, we had a sweet (literally) mocha-coconut roll, which was savored during a session of Friday Night Live, in which

Lumpia and twins

2011-07-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

No reason for this post. Well, except to show yall the result of Youth Counselor/Administrative Assistant Erica Charley's first time making lumpia EVER, and syke you out with one of our sets of twins here at SDAIHYC watching Sponge Bob before Fitness Fun at the park...can you tell who is who?

SDAIHYC now on Facebook!

2011-07-03T09:39:00.001-07:00

Yes, yes; the Youth Center has finally caught up with the 21st century and started a Facebook page. No, Facebook is not unblocked on the Youth Center computers. "Then why have a Facebook page?" you ask. Well, beyond the monthly emails, blog, website, and calendars handed out at the Youth Center, Facebook is the best way to update everyone on everything that's going on. For instance, we're

Soccer and heat to kick diabetes

2011-06-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

There are two words of the day for the Youth Soccer Camp provided by the NB3 Foundation and hosted by Inter Tribal Sports: "hot" and "hot." The weather was a balmy 94 degrees, and our youth, running around the big green of the Viejas Recreation Center, collectively burned thousands of calories by the end of the day. Native children from around the Southern California region, including our own

Powwow by the Sea 2011

2011-06-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

Youth members, staff and families had a great time at Powwow by the Sea this weekend! Here, Youth & Family Services Coordinator Christopher Scott takes a break from grass dancing to pose with members in picturesque Imperial Beach. Our very own Cheyenne, Powwow by the Sea Princess 2010, gave up her crown :(, but the event was fun nonetheless. Check out pictures here.

Summer means dinner in the Park!

2011-06-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, we closed down the Youth Center for a few hours to enjoy a nice healthy(-ish) dinner at Balboa Park. Parents joined staff and youth members for a delightful afternoon under the San Diego sun, and the time came too soon to go back indoors. With warmer days and longer hours, we're going to be outside a lot more; feel free to come join us while you're off school! More pictures

OB skate park pics!

2011-06-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

We made our way to the Robb Field Skate Park in Ocean Beach for the second time this month, and some of the pics from this trip are in our Photobucket album here. Yes, I used the "sports" setting on the camera. My camera is just not that awesome...

First trip to the skate park!

2011-05-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to the Washington Street Skate Park! Check out pictures at here. My apologies for the blurriness of some of the pictures; I'm still working on my skateboard photography skills.

"Native Youth Honoring Our Elders" a momentous occasion!

2011-05-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who attended our conference/celebration, "Native Youth Honoring Our Elders: A Celebration of Wellness, A Recognition of Vickie Gambala's 33 Years of Service" this past Saturday. The event drew ~450 participants on May14th, which was proclaimed "Vickie Gambala Day" by the City of San Diego. Visit our Photobucket account here for pictures of the event. We also have a Youtube

"Native Youth Honoring Our Elders: A Celebration of Wellness" in just over a week!

2011-05-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

Join us on Saturday, May 14th at Admiral Baker Field for our annual youth conference. This year's event, "Native Youth Honoring Our Elders: A Celebration of Wellness, A Recognition of Vickie Gambala's 33 Years of Service" will take place from 9AM-4PM. The celebration will include sports activities, martial arts/self-defense, arts & crafts, food, and most importantly, appreciation of Vickie

SDSU Sports Tour

2011-04-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Our partnership with SDSU has allowed us to visit the campus various times over the past two years. We have been to Men’s and Women’s basketball games, a tour of the KPBS building, concert by the music department, a dinner & school tour and softball & baseball games. We would like to thank our sponsor Dr. Aaron Bruce and the Office of the President! On Friday April 15th 2011 our Youth

April showers bring photo battles...

2011-04-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, we chanced the on/off San Diego weather and went for a walk around Balboa Park in two teams for a photo battle. Each team had an hour to take as many quality pictures as possible, which would then be judged back at the Youth Center. Congratulations to Kellen's team, whose team took the winning picture at left. Each team took a plethora of pictures, but due to space, only 18

How to build a skateboard, our way.

2011-04-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

After weeks of agonizing, near-unbearable waiting, we got the chance to build their own boards! Thanks to Route 44 Skateboards & Records, members of our skateboarding group learned how to assemble skateboards, from blank decks and miscellaneous parts to rideable contraptions that members can ollie, flip, carve and grind on! With help from staff, members applied their own grip tape, trucks,

San Diego State University & Music of Peru

2011-04-06T15:40:00.001-07:00

Miyuyam SDAIYC Fans, On April 4th 2011 the Youth Center was able to visit San Diego State University for a musical called "World Music: Sounds of Peru with the Inca". We were able to attend the performance for free because of our partnership with SDSU. We would like to thank our sponsor and Dr. Aaron Bruce Director of Diversity at the Presidents Office. We went as a group of 15 youth members

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

2011-04-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Miyuyam SDAIYC Fans, On February 18th 2011 youth counselor Kellen and youth members Lissette & Cheyenne attended the 2011 Thomas Jefferson School of Law conference "Gender Justice and Indian Sovereignty: Native American Women and the Law". There were some of the most famous and influential Native women in Federal Indian law. Some of the guest speakers were law professors, lawyers and Native

Girl power at CSU San Marcos

2011-03-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

Our female-bodied, female-identified members represented yesterday! The Youth Center was closed yesterday for a special field trip to Cal State University, San Marcos, where we attended a screening of "Two Spirits," a documentary about two-spirit identity that chronicles the life and murder of Navajo two-spirit Fred "F.C." Martinez. "Two Spirits" will be airing on PBS in June. The film was

Transforming spaces with American Indian storytelling

2011-03-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of March, SDAIHYC volunteer and Luiseño storyteller Cathleen Chilcote Wallace shared her storytelling with the Youth Center for the first time. Stories from the animal and human world were told, including a story from Ms. Wallace's own family. We also got to learn about how different tools, such as baskets and fish traps, are made with local resources and Indigenous ingenuity

Skateboarding group in full effect!

2011-03-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

We started our new skateboarding group yesterday. Members and staff brought their own boards (or borrowed boards) and did some leisurely skateboarding behind the Aerospace Museum in Balboa Park. Within a few weeks, we should be making our own boards! Check out pictures from the first group session in our 2011 Food & Fitness Fun album here.

Health Champions Post-survey! Whoo!

2011-03-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

It's time for the Health Champions post-survey. Please visit the following link: http://www.kwiksurveys.com?s=IHDIMK_3ef239fa and fill out the survey. It will take no more than 10 minutes of your time. There is one ad in the middle of the survey...ignore it. When you've completed the survey, you will be taken back to the blog...that's it...Thanks!

Cupid's Dance

2011-02-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

Last Monday, we took a break from regular programming and had a special Valentine's Day party: "Cupid's Dance." The Youth Center was transformed into a dance club, complete with two DJs (Mr. Geoff Godfrey, and Mr. Sal Garcia from Friday Night Live), food from Fillippi's Italian Restaurant, cupcakes, candy and members dressed in red, white and pink. Members, staff and families alike partook in

Let's learn how to skateboard...

2011-02-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Want to learn how to skateboard? I know I do. For those youth members that are interested, we are beginning a skateboarding group starting in March! The group will take place on Thursdays from 5-6PM, in between Substance Abuse Class and Gung Fu. If you want to join the skateboarding group, then put your name on the sign-in sheet at the Youth Center or reply to this post so that we know

Do you like science? Here's an opportunity!

2011-02-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

There's a conference coming up at the University of San Diego (USD) on Saturday, March 5 entitled "Celebrating Milestones of Women in Science." The event is geared towards girls grades 6-10, and as the attached flyer states, will include "hands-on workshops" with "San Diego's top biologists, chemists, computer scientists, doctors, engineers, forensic scientists, geologists, physicists, medical

"The Wolfpack" Health & Fitness Program: Year I in Review

2011-02-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

SDAIHYC members and staff recently created a video, reflecting back on the first year of our Health & Fitness Program, "The Wolfpack." Watch and hear our thoughts on the Youth Center's physical fitness, proper nutrition, and health-related discussion programming. Thanks to all the members and staff who shared their voices for this project; let's make this year an even more outstanding one for

1st Community Night of the year tomorrow!

2011-01-26T21:49:00.000-08:00

With a new year comes a new round of Community Nights, held on the fourth Thursday of every month. Tomorrow will be the first Community Night of 2011 with guest speaker Steve Newcomb (Shawnee/Lenape) author, news columnist and founder of the Indigenous Law Institute. Community Nights are hosted at the Normal Heights Community Center, located at 4649 Hawley Boulevard. The event goes from 6:30

Starting 2011 with intergenerational togetherness

2011-01-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2011, SDAIHYC family! Yesterday, we kicked off the new year with a new program: a monthly intergenerational dinner (pics from the dinner in the 2011 Intergenerational Dinners album here). On January 4th, the first Elder Group commenced here at the Youth Center, and will continue to meet every first, second, and fourth Tuesday of the month from 11AM-130PM. The Elder Group consists of

Don't fall!: Ice skating with SDAIHYC

2010-12-14T12:19:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, December 9, Youth Center members, family and staff headed to Horton Plaza's outdoor ice rink for Fantasy on Ice, sponsored by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Participants ranged from seasoned figure skaters to youth who have never been on a pair of skates! We skated for nearly 2 hours, and would have gone longer if we didn't close at 8PM...Pictures can be found in our

Celebrating the season with December Nights 2010

2010-12-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

The holiday season was kicked off by active and new Youth Center members and families yesterday with a dinner and field trip to December Nights at Balboa Park. The night began with a salad and pizza dinner amongst the newly-decorated tree, along with cupcakes, brownies and cookies baked exclusively by Youth Center members. We then walked over to Balboa Park and enjoyed the newly-lit trees, free

2010 World AIDS Day

2010-12-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

Nearly 30 SDAIHYC youth members, parents and staff participated in the 2010 World AIDS Day events in Hillcrest. The night started with a candlelight vigil from the LGBT Center to Village Hillcrest. This was followed by the 19th annual Tree of Life Ceremony, co-hosted by Mama's Kitchen. Participants heard remarks from community members and elected officials, including Councilman Todd Gloria.

Au revoir, mis niños y niñas!

2010-11-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Youth, Family, and Community Members, It has been a fulfilling year and a half with the San Diego American Indian Health Youth Center. Since I have become a licensed psychologist, there is a stronger need for me to focus my workday in the Behavioral Health Department with adults. This means I will no longer serve as the Youth Center Project Coordinator. This position has been awarded to a

What do YOU want to cook on November 10th?

2010-11-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

Youth members have requested to pick the main course for an upcoming Wednesday Night Dinner. November 10th is that night! If you have any ideas, feel free to discuss them with your fellow members here at the Youth Center or on the comment section of this post. What we eat is up to all of you, as long as the meal follows these requests: balanced (includes healthy sources of protein,

Halloween Party Next Tuesday!

2010-10-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

What are you doing next Tuesday? That's right. You're going to the Halloween Party. What's that? Yes, you're dressing up as a kooky character, and then you're entering the costume contest to win a variety of prizes. And then what? And then you'll play games, get spooked in the haunted house, eat wonderful food, and after a bit of free dancing, dominate the dance contest by showing off your

A little alternative health, a little dancin'...

2010-10-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

We are blessed to have two special programs at the Youth Center these next two weeks: on Wednesday, we will have a free (FREE!) dance lesson from Culture Shock (we don't necessarily have to wear masks like the Jabbawockeez, though...). Next week, we have an extra gift and get to experience the dance lesson at the Culture Shock Dance Center (pending good behavior the week before, of course).

"They say cut backs, we say fight back!"

2010-10-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Youth Center members, guardians and staff joined hundreds of other students, teachers, and community members in the National Day of Action to Defend Education and Public Services yesterday at Pantoja Park in Downtown. The day started with a rally, followed by a march, and ending with a festival back at Pantoja Park, where are very own member Bella presented a speech on how budget cuts are

Healthier frybread to celebrate life

2010-10-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Ms. Sparrow Narcomey led a special frybread-making class this Tuesday in lieu of cultural arts & crafts. Sparrow's frybread recipe utilizes whole wheat flour, and is cut into strips (as pictured on the right), so that you get just enough of the safflower oil-fried treat. Youth members helped in the dough-making, rolling, and poking the rounds with a fork (as is done for Oklahoma-style frybread)

Join us next Thursday to defend Education!

2010-10-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

On October 7th, we will participate in the Day of Action to Defend Education and Public Services. The Youth Center members have already voiced their concerns over the cuts to education locally in California; if you haven’t seen it yet, check out their YouTube video entitled “What is Happening to Our Education?” at http://www.youtube.com/SanDiegoAIHYC. We will join other concerned students,

AIDS Walk 2010

2010-09-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Last year, AIDS Walk participants were blessed with overcast and a slight breeze. A late start to summer was the theme for this year's AIDS Walk, but our members, parents, friends and staff were troopers for the entire 5k! Even though the day started bright and early with a 7AM breakfast at the Youth Center, SDAIHYC participants made it through the entire route (which went up 6th Avenue, onto

2nd Annual Beach Party: Too Cool

2010-09-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

We had fun times at the 2nd Annual Back to School Beach Party, held once again at Mission Beach! Due to a busy summer, we planned this year's party early on in the school year before everyone's schedules got too crazy.Even though the water wasn't the warmest and the weather not incredibly steamy, this potluck-style gathering was a blast, so much so that we forgot to take pictures throughout the

Need community service hours? Be a Trash Talker!

2010-09-17T13:20:00.001-07:00

Do you need to complete community service hours for school? In collaboration with the Operation Samahan Youth2Youth Program, members of the San Diego American Indian Health/Youth Center can get up to 8 hours of community service in one day!On Saturday, October 2nd, as part of the 6th Annual FilAmFest (the picture at right is from last year's Festival), volunteer youth will serve as "Trash

Meet Sir Noms-A-Lot!

2010-09-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

Our very own creative Youth Center member Daniella turned a gluten-free cookie mix box into the wonderful work of art in the video above. Sir Noms-A-Lot is the newest edition to our pantheon of wonderous Youth Center mascots, which include Rusty the "Diversity Bear" and his friend Mowgli, Dmitri the Owl, & Roberto, "el perro fantasmo." Alas, our first mascot Brody Skyler Hughes III, the armless

What is Happening to Our Education?

2010-08-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the National Day of Action in Defense of Public Education on October 7th, 2010, SDAIHYC members voice their concerns and share their research regarding the cuts to public education in California.

First "President's Challenge" medals awarded!

2010-08-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jesse for being the first Youth Center member to be awarded President's Challenge medals! Jesse accumulated 52237 points, the most of any Youth Center member or staff! Logging our activity on President's Challenge is a part of our health & fitness programming here at the Youth Center, which members named "The Wolfpack." For more information on The Wolfpack, click here. To

Earthquake Preparedness Training

2010-08-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today, Professor of Geology at Mesa College Don Barrie came to the Youth Center and provided members and staff with Earthquake Preparedness Training. The training included a demonstration of why houses/other structures built entirely out of stone are not "earthquake safe." In the picture at left, Eliseo and Spike swing a hammer at a piece of quartzite, showing how disruption to a larger stone

Join us for the 2010 AIDS Walk!

2010-08-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

The San Diego American Indian Health Center is forming a team for the 2010 AIDS Walk & Run, "the largest one-day HIV/AIDS fundraiser in San Diego County," and we would like you to join us! The event is on Sunday, September 26th at 8AM. We will meet before the event at the Youth Center, and we will pay the registration fee for the youth. Of course, any friends and family who would like to join

Sage gathering and martial arts field trip-ing

2010-08-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

We have two exciting excursions coming up in the next few days. Tomorrow, Friday, August 6th, we're going on a mini-trip to gather sage. After gathering and drying, we will bundle the leaves to be gifted to participants of the Strength for the Journey retreat. Information on past Strength for the Journey retreats can be found here. Next Sunday, August 15th, members can sign up to join us on a

Daniella's post to her second favorite person...EVER! (& Raina)

2010-07-28T15:28:00.001-07:00

AMY!!! :DDD To my most second favorite person ever!! haha jk. Anyways I just wanted to say I am going to MISSYOUSOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!! :( I going to miss that awesome smile, laugh, and personality you brought to the Center; we needed someone like you to brighten up everyone's day. I loved spending time with you at the Youth Center, the beach, and at PRIDE. I wish you the best of luck in college and

Culture Camp 2010 a HOT Success!

2010-07-18T19:57:00.001-07:00

The San Diego American Indian Health Center's 7th Annual Culture Camp brought 25 youth participants and Youth Center staff all around San Diego County in three days of exploration, learning, and exhilarating activity. Despite record levels of heat, participants had enormous amounts of bonding time to create joyous, lasting memories.On Day 1, we learned how to silk screen from Elvis Hauser,

Happy Birthday Youth Center!

2010-07-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

On July 13, 2009, the San Diego American Indian Health/Youth Center opened its doors, becoming the first urban Native youth center in San Diego County. One year later, we're still open and still providing for the urban Native community in and around America's Finest City! Today, we celebrated our birthday with both "business as usual" and some special gifts. We went to Balboa Park and played

Daniella's post to her favorite person...EVER!.

2010-07-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

KELLEN!!! We are all going to miss you soooooo much!! I am going to especially miss that athleticism and competitiveness you bring to the Youth Center. I know we have had our differences of opinions from time to time, but in the end we both had a huge laugh and smile :). I especially want to thank you for all the filming opportunities & advice you have given me all the times when I really needed

Souplantation caters Health Champions banquet.

2010-07-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, June 30, Youth Center members and staff were treated to a special banquet catered by Souplantation, marking the completion of the Health Champions program. We were treated to a variety of creations from their menu, including Won Ton Chicken Happiness salad, Vegetarian Harvest soup, baked potatoes, Garlic Asiago Focaccia, cornbread, cookies, iced tea and raspberry lemonade (

Charley Narcomey

2010-06-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

The man of wise words. There are many words to describe him, kind-hearted, full of wisdom, many laughs, and many gifts. Though the gifts were sometimes not materialistic, they were always very useful for a man or woman of any age. This was a man that had gone through many experiences and was always willing to share them with the youth or any one who was willing to listen. The heart of a person

Fitness Camp 2010

2010-06-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

From June 21-22, Youth Center members and staff participated in a Youth Fitness Camp, which focused on American Indian Games and the Mount Pathways Challenge from the Physical Activity Kit (PAK), a partnership between the Indian Health Service - Health Promotion Disease Prevention Initiative and the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center. Each day, participants engaged in exercises

Pictures from ReNEW Celebration are up!

2010-06-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at ReNEW with good food, good people, and good fun...hope yall did too. Click here and visit the 2010 ReNEW Celebration album to check out some of our pics from the event. Feel free to share any you have with us, as well!

What's going on Sunday? ReNEW yourself...

2010-06-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Two days from now, ReNEW: Revitalizing Native Energy & Wellness, A Community Celebration of Health & Fitness is kicking off! Come eat, come play, come dance and most important of all, come and have fun with family, friends, and new friends (fun like Youth Counselor Erica Charley and Bella, spinning at the SDSU Powwow in the photo at right). For more information on ReNEW, see the post below.

ReNEW: Revitalizing Native Energy & Wellness just 2 WEEKS AWAY!!!

2010-05-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

JOIN US on June 6th, 2010 from 10AM-4PM at Admiral Baker Field for ReNEW: Revitalizing Native Energy & Wellness, A Community Celebration of Health & Fitness. ReNEW is this year's youth conference, and is breaking the barriers of what defines a "conference" by taking place outdoors and incorporating activities for the entire family! Come and participate in the myriad of sports activities,

When Health Circle becomes an impromptu dance party...

2010-05-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Our Health Circle topic today was "Understanding Physical Fitness: Finding Your Muscles." After learning about different muscle groups and exercises for them (those groups and corresponding exercises are listed on "Alex," whom Daniella is smiling with to the left), we decided to work out by having an impromptu dance party! We started with the hokey pokey, then moved on to the cha cha slide,

Healthy, tasty summer snacks.

2010-05-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

Today, we made easy snacks that youth can make with minimal adult assistance. They are healthy and delicious alternatives that take almost no time and effort! Youth Counselor Erica Charley, Lissette, Daniella, Bella, and Youth Center Program Coordinator Dr. Cain pose in front of smoothies (with strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and...spinach!), crudités (fancy word for "cut up vegetables"),