Every generation can see that many of our young people are struggling. Born into a world that condones and encourages sacrificing freedom and joy for profit and fame, our young are often brushed aside. When our youth believe this life is not worth living we know something must change. It is time to address the root of the issue. We can build walls one hundred feet high on all sides of the Gorge Bridge, but until we lay a foundation of love and trust that our young people can stand upon, there will be no peace. And so, to the Young Nation of our community and of the world, we extend our helping hands to you in adoration and admiration. You are beautiful.
The non-commodified, community organized, town-wide Celebration of the Young will occur on Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, 2011. This four day ceremony and celebration will provide young people of all ages (0-30 years old) a myriad of physical, intellectual and spiritual gifts. There will also be creative and diverse ways of praying for the young that will be open to citizens of all ages, from running to chanting to dancing to attending Lakota sweat lodge, there is a way that YOU can offer your time and energy for the hearts, bodies, and minds of the future. Indeed, we have a spiritual issue on our hands and it calls for a spiritual solution. May the love we offer during these days nourish our community. May the celebration be heard from the depths of their hearts to the edges of the earth.
-Taté Yuha Omani
(Lyla Johnston)
Lupita Morgas
September 1, 2011 at 5:53 pm
I applaude your efforts and wish you all a very successful celebration. I lost a son, Jon Isaac Trujillo to suicide on 12/28/06. A day that changed my life forever. Depression in our youth is so common and so overlooked. My son became a young father at the age of 15 years old and struggled with trying to be a good dad plus still dealing with everyday teenage life. Please pray for my son and our family as we cope to accept the decision he chose that tragic day. We miss him so very much and hope he found the peace he was searching for as for us we take life one day at a time and take nothing for granted. My prayers will be with you all. I had made plans for this Labor Day weekend but hope to get more involved next year…maybe…I am still grieving my son and at times takes all my energy but one day I hope to come out and be able to make a difference. Kudos to all of you for your efforts.
Sincerely,
Lupita Morgas
Lyla J
September 1, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Dear Lupita,
Please consider coming to the Wiping of the Tears Ceremony either this year or the next. It is designed to help us release grief when the time feels right. It is Saturday September 3rd 2011. We are meeting at the 2 Wolves Center across from Cafe Tazza. All of our love goes out to you and your family. May Jon rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Lyla
Laura in Taos
September 1, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I have published a video for suicide awareness with a song I wrote for the most recent loss we’ve experienced. I an releasing it as public domain for any assistance it may offer. Please feel free to use it if you feel it is useful:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufrj0yTV00Q&w=420&h=345