Two Days That Made an Impact
I recently had an incredible visit to Dulce, NM with the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. They asked me to lead a 2‑day youth conference for 100+ young people, and the experience left me energized and full of hope.
Returning to a Familiar Place
I’ve been to the Jicarilla Apache community many times over the years. From concerts to community events, they’ve always welcomed me with open arms. Coming back this time felt like reconnecting with family.
When I stepped into the room and saw 100 young people — curious, a little cautious, but ready — I knew we were about to share something powerful.
Two Days of Growth
Right from the start we got straight into the deep work:
- Day One: Breaking down mental barriers and focusing on belief, action, and vision. One young woman who had been told she’d never leave the rez ended the day planning her path to medical school.
- Day Two: Teamwork and resilience. Youth created action plans to tackle community challenges and found their collective voice.
These weren’t a series of canned lectures. This was real engagement. The youth weren’t just listening — they were doing the work and building their own brilliant solutions.
Presence and Power
What struck me most was how present they all stayed throughout both days. No phones, no side conversations. Just focus, honesty, and thinking through big questions like:
- How do we stay true to culture while moving forward?
- What if our families don’t support our dreams?
- How do we create opportunities that don’t exist yet?
They answered those questions, and many more, for themselves, and as a collective, and that’s where the transformation begins to happen.
Community Support
The Jicarilla Tribe’s Behavioral Health leadership and other community mentors made it clear how much they care about their youth. From planning to participation, their investment in the next generation showed. Even elders who participated gave me positive feedback about the event and showed their support for the messages that were being communicated. That’s community and I am always grateful for their input.
And yes — shoutout to the Jicarilla Apache Tribe’s Chama Lodge for such great hospitality and meals. If you haven’t been there, you’re truly missing out.
Your Community Could Be Next
The positive outcomes that happened in Dulce can happen anywhere. When leadership commits, youth rise. If your community is ready, I’d love to bring this type of work to you. Visit Litefoot.com/booking to get started.
With gratitude,
Litefoot