There are over 10,000 Native Americans in the San
Francisco and Monterey Bay areas between the ages of 10 and
21. These youth have higher rates of substance abuse,
criminal involvement, school drop-out, and suicide.
According to Deno Idris, Drug and Alcohol Counselor at the
American Indian Child Resource Center in Oakland, "The youth
are looking at what it means to be an adult. Alcohol, drugs
and gang activity are taking the place of the traditional
ceremonies that mark the rites of passage. They are missing
something. Indian Canyon represents the old, sacred way. It
is very important that our youth is connected with this way
of living, these ceremonies." Knowing that they belong to a
living culture, coming to a physical location where that
culture is rooted, and taking part in the ancient traditions
gives these youth a sense of bonding, purpose, self-worth
and, ultimately, hope.
Cultural and human service organizations, including
Barrios Unidos, American Indian Child Resource Center, Santa
Clara County Human Resources Agency, and the San Jose School
District already make use of the facilities at Indian
Canyon. The Village House will enable Indian Canyon to
provide a centering and protected place for these youth as
they participate in culturally-connected activities and
ceremony.
Native American youth will also be actively involved
in the construction of the Village House and the maintenance
of the sustainable living infrastructure of the Canyon. As
caretakers of this building and the land, they will develop
a deeper relationship with it, one that will give them
strength and grounding as they become adults. By involving
the youth in the Village House, and connecting them with
elders, community leaders, and the land, we will be ensuring
the continuance of ceremony.
