Relaying our stories, digitally.

From March 20-21, SDAIYC hosted a regional Digital Storytelling Train-the-Trainer workshop.  The event was sponsored by the Healthy Native Communities Partnership and California Area IHS Promotion Disease Prevention.  The workshop was designed to "guide [participants] through a process combining storytelling with modern-day technology and digital media. Digital storytelling is a low-cost, powerful and compelling way to promote social change and action by sharing first-narratives combined with digital media."  Participants shared personal stories and combined voice, music, everyday sounds and images to relay personal histories.  We hope to train youth members in the art of digital storytelling, which functions both as a creative and cathartic experience (well, at least for me).

Master artists in our midst...

Every Monday, Ms. Naomi Lake, LCSW, Behavioral Health Director at the San Diego American Indian Health Center, leads our youth in a Creative Arts group, where members can express themselves artistically using a variety of mediums, from markers and crayons to colored pencils and charcoal.  Our own resident artists show off their masterpieces: Jesse created a chalk tiger that was then framed, and Brandy drew a picture for fellow member Rachel's birthday.  Join us sometime soon to make your own wonders!

YC Vids

Hey check out our new videos. We have been working real hard and want your input. What scenarios would you like us to create?

March for Education

On March 4th 2010, staff and members of SDAIYC participated in the March for Education from El Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park to the downtown Governor's Office.  Participation in the march had a two-fold meaning for our youth and staff: we exercised our bodies in the 2+ mile walk between the Center and the Governor's office, and exercised our support for education funding from elementary school through college.  Health Center Intern Erin Hayes stated that "As a college student, it was inspiring to see other college students fight for the same cause."  She held a sign along with Angel, stating "Education is everyone's right...I guess not mine."  Staff and members came up with their own slogans for signs, including Daniella,  who wore a clever and insightful sign along with fellow member Lissette saying "What?!...do you want me to be stoopid?"  Youth Counselor Kellen Hernandez came up with the poignant slogan "Less $, more problems: don't blame the economy."  We marched alongside students from various schools, including UCSD, SDSU, and City College.  The picture is courtesy of the Justice UCSD Flickr gallery of the March 4th events.

Greetings from Dr. Cain :-)

Welcome to our blog posting!!!

We are happy to have you :-) Let me tell you a little bit about the San Diego American Indian Youth Center. We are the first urban, Indian youth center in San Diego County. This youth center is a place where youth between the ages of 10-22 can come hang out, meet new people, and learn new, exciting things about the Native American culture. We offer many groups, classes, and activities for youth members, which are designed to also promote interpersonal growth (and develop mad karaoke skills). If you would like to learn more about our program, please visit our website at www.sdaihc.com/youthcenter.aspx. Keep posted for new, upcoming events. Stay tuned for more info.

Dr. Cain