“This event over exceeded my expectations,” Regional TANF Manager Harold Arres said. “The youth were not only willing but excited to participate.”

Chance, who lives in Dallas and is a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, travels throughout the United States and Canada to work with Native communities in efforts to inspire, heal, motivate, and energize. He has a talent for using his energy and humor to spread a simple message, “Use your personal talents to lead you to greatness.” He promotes healthy living and lives his life alcohol and drug free.

Tribal Unite was formed about two years ago to unite Tribes through encouragement, leadership and spirituality. “We need to support each other,” Chance said. “We visit at least 20-30 Tribal communities across the United States every summer. We’ve had the privilege of working with Soboba at various conferences and it’s truly an honor to finally come out here.”

He has been serving tribal communities and organizations for over 20 years as a motivational speaker, event MC, and professional development trainer/facilitator. Chance is also a stage, television and film actor who appeared in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a movie that earned 10 Academy Award nominations this year. He is the principal founder of Tribal Unite with the vision to utilize multiple platforms to encourage tribal interests. For more information, www.chancerush.com.

Arres has seen Chance at several UNITY conferences in the past and said, “He’s got some great things to say to the youth and today was no exception. After speaking with our youth, a lot of them stated they enjoyed Chance’s words of encouragement. The youth were optimistic about their futures after hearing him speak.”

The 28 youths who attended enjoyed lunch before listening to an introduction by Chance, followed by an ice-breaker activity to start off with fun. Rush said the focus for the day would be on spirituality, leadership, mental health and opportunities.

He told the young people to “work strong in your community.” He said it’s okay for adults to have expectations for their children, but encouragement has to be the priority.

Chance requested two volunteers to illustrate the message of “whatever you lean toward, it will lean back.” Mkilawish Arres and Exequiel Minott stood back-to-back and as he asked one to lean backwards, the other had to do the same to maintain solid footing.

“Whatever you’ve got going in your young life, remember that Soboba youth run things. You are number one. I want you all to get down to business. You’re not the future, you’re the now. The future is in the unborn,” he said.

He told the youth that they should have a game plan and stick to it. “Everybody has a purpose while they’re here. We get on you and tell you what you should and shouldn’t do. We throw everything at you because we know that youth are ready to go,” he said. “You have to be ready to level up when the time comes.”

Chance admitted that even as an adult and all he has experienced, there is still so much for him to learn. He told the youth that with all the programs they attend, people know who they are. “You have a reputation. It’s a good one so keep it strong and take ownership of it,” he said.

He told them to always remember everything they have been through as Native people. “It’s a privilege to be who we are,” he said. “We were put on this earth to do great things, do something powerful. There is great energy in this room, there’s something powerful in this room.”

Chance told them to get ready. “Some of you are going to be put in some amazing places but it’s going to take hard work of being solid to be successful.”

He said younger siblings and other children are looking up to them and they should be a good example. “You don’t have to be perfect and ladies and gentlemen, you are not going to be perfect until you get home with Creator,” he said. “But while we’re down here on Mother Earth, let’s go all out and make an impact, make a difference in other people.”

Fifteen-year-old Mkilawish Arres was impressed with the things that Chance had to say and learned not to wait “for people to tell me what I can do.” The soon-to-be high school junior will be spending the summer working and playing sports.

Abby Rush is a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold. She resides in Tulsa, OK where she is pursuing her M.A. in English Literature and Language. Abby pursued her poetic voice at a young age and has grown with her craft for over a decade. She seeks to tell the stories of Indigenous people through her work, always uplifting Native voices in her writing and outreach endeavors. Abby is dedicated to spreading her message of wellness through writing across Indian Country.

She shared with the audience at Soboba a video of a recent TEDx Talks she had done at the University of Tulsa, discussing how more light needs to be shed on the violence faced by American Indigenous women, the pervasive PTSD within Indigenous communities, and the alarmingly higher violent crime rates they endure compared to the rest of America. She shared how she promotes wellness through storytelling and poetry.

She made it clear that her stories don’t speak for everyone, but she encourages others to share their thoughts through the written word. “Your people came through their own trials and tribulations; we are here because our ancestors survived,” Abby said. “I started to think about my voice and the power it could yield. I’m a writer, a poet and maybe you’re an athlete or a musician. All of us have gifts we can use to build relationships.”

Abby, 25, shared that she struggled with mental illness a couple of years ago and didn’t want to ask for help. But she decided to take the advice she always shares with young children and that is to not keep things bottled up inside and to reach out to others when needed. “Push your ego and pride down and ask for help,” she said. More information can be found at www.AbbyRush.com.

Her TEDx Talk about the plight facing American Indigenous women can be viewed at www.youtube.com/live/AeYpZ0edhT0?app=desktop.

High school senior Zachary Guacheno said he enjoyed all the different talks. “There were a few things I learned and will keep in mind for the future,” he said.

The afternoon was filled with fun activities and frequent breaks between segments. This allowed the youth to socialize and enjoy the music provided by Rudy Indigenous. The Oklahoma based DJ and motivational speaker is Choctaw and Kickapoo. With a primary focus on personal growth and wellness to spread positivity throughout Indian Country and beyond, Rudy uses his skills in music and public speaking to help create, uplift and support the stories of Indigenous people and communities across the United States. For more information, please visit www.RudyIndigenous.com.

Nowaniiki Resvaloso, 13, had fun with all the games. His takeaway from the talks is “that we are not the future” but rather the powerful present, as Chance emphasized. Joeann Walker, who just completed her freshman year of high school, also enjoyed the activities. She learned it is important for her “to put myself out there” and plans to do that more.

There were seven TANF staff members present to assist with the event who will be able to encourage and reinforce the messages in the future. The three staff members from Cahuilla were JJ Sanders-Alto, Howard Matthews Jr. and Andrea Candelaria. Joining Arres from the Soboba office were Nancy Gallegos, Maria Hernandez, Mayra Campos and Annalisa Tucker.

“A highlight for me was seeing the engagement and enthusiasm in our youth,” Arres said. “This year, our youth are really stepping it up and getting involved and contributing to our events. This event was a great opportunity for them to do so.”

Parks & Recreation Director Andy Silvas also oversees the Soboba Youth Council and was pleased with the success of the event. A highlight for him was seeing the youth get involved with all the activities that were presented. “I expected the kids to lose interest at some point, but they stayed engaged,” he said. “We would definitely like to host similar events in the future.”

Aniyah Brittain, who is headed to seventh grade, said her plans this summer are to have fun and relax. She enjoyed the event and said, “I liked that they said I can be whatever I want to be in the future.” Shania Guacheno, also an upcoming seventh grader, said she liked how people at the event were nice. “I want to try to be successful like them,” she said.

Arres said they are considering doing more of these hands-on wellness type events in the near future. “We are also looking forward to inviting Chance Rush and Tribal Unite to host another event sometime next year,” he said.

For more information, www.tribalunite.com.

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The Soboba Tribal Environmental Department is committed to protecting, restoring, and enhancing natural resources on the Soboba Reservation for all tribal members past, present and future. The STED works to raise awareness of all aspects of the environment. This includes solid waste issues, pollution prevention, water and air quality, conservation measures, household hazardous waste disposal and many other areas.

The open house gave the department yet another community outreach opportunity to provide education and updates utilizing a slideshow to highlight some of its projects.

STED Environmental Director Christian Aceves, who recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with the department, said the event was designed as a way to connect to the community it serves. Because they are often seen out and about on the Reservation, describing some of the reasons they are doing what they do seemed appropriate.

“We want to let everyone know that we are here to help and we’re here to answer any questions,” he said. “Please feel free to stop by our office or call us at any time. We are here for you.”

Aceves explained a common misconception people have is that they are part of the national Environmental Protection Agency, which is an independent agency of the United States government that was proposed and implemented by President Richard Nixon in 1970 to ensure clean air and water. Since the EPA has no jurisdiction over Tribal affairs, STED is a liaison between the Tribe and the federal agency.

“On top of generous Tribal support, we qualify for many EPA grants to help us achieve our goals,” he said.

Current grants being utilized include one for Hazardous Household Waste so residents can safely dispose of items that can be dangerous to keep around their homes, such as old paint and solvents. The department hosts a quarterly event to try and make it as easy as possible to keep homes safe from hazardous materials building up. The next event is being planned for November.

STED Environmental Specialist Micah Knox focuses on the water and air quality on the Reservation and said through the Clean Water Act Section 106 and 319 grant programs, the department monitors water quality, creates educational materials to prevent pollution of water and assesses/addresses any nonpoint source pollution issues. Knox said water quality is tested for a multitude of parameters including temperature, pH level and other crucial elements. It has begun to be monitored for flow.

The newest grant is from the California Air Resource Board, which will allow the installation of air quality monitors to measure such things as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. The monitors will be directly connected to their own dedicated website where anyone can access the information in real time.

“What you drink is the same as what you breathe and we want it to be safe,” Knox said. “Graphs are available on our website and this newest grant will give us air quality details, minute by minute.”

Additionally, an annual community cleanup is held that enlists youth volunteers from the Soboba Tribal TANF program.

“Soboba Tribal TANF youth volunteers are always willing to assist STED in many events from Earth Day to the Household Hazardous Waste events and community clean-ups. Their ongoing support is appreciated and valued by this department,” Aceves said. “We admire Mr. (Harold) Arres’ continued devotion to teaching Soboba youth and his commitment to creating young leaders within the community.”

Administrative Assistant Angelica Rangel said this past summer’s event was very successful with more than 30 truck/trailer bins filled with about 15 tons of solid waste, household waste, e-waste and tires. The collected items were sorted and distributed to the proper authorities that oversee each area.

“Assisting the Soboba Elders is such an honor. STED hosts a multitude of special events for environmental health and sustainability that help both children and elders alike. All events, most notably cleanup events, offer special services for elders in need of extra assistance,” Aceves said. “STED also relies on Public Works and Canyon Crew and of course the support of the Soboba Tribal Council and Tribal Administration offices to ensure the success of each event.”

Rangel said April’s Tribal Earth Day was the biggest STED-hosted event of the year.

“Over 500 people attended and nearly 40 environmentally conscious vendors participated,” she said, adding there were free giveaways for all attendees, recycling boxes available throughout the event and educational material and activities provided by the participating vendors.

The STED regularly collaborates with other Tribal departments to ensure all is being done to provide a clean and safe environment. Parks and Recreation aids by placing and picking up recycling bins. Although STED operates within its own department to distribute recycling bins, permanent bins are located throughout various administration departments and areas. Temporary bins, such as cardboard boxes, are used for special events at the event coordinator’s request. STED works with CR&R to obtain these temporary bins at no cost.

Rangel said the recycling boxes placed at key locations throughout the community resulted in about 31 pounds of aluminum cans and plastic bottles being recycled last month, with all earnings going back into the program. These are disposable boxes that are provided for specific events and by year’s end about 50 of them are expected to be utilized.

Michelle Kaliher, who recently returned to the department as an administrative assistant, said Noli Indian school has been pivotal in many different aspects of the department. “Noli science classes participated in the second annual recycled art project contest at Tribal Earth Day and have now graciously volunteered space on school property to host a permanent air quality monitor for our California Air Resource Board Community Air Grant monitoring project.”

Knox talked about the tree monitoring that he works on with GIS Technician Justin Subith. He said about 150 oak trees have been tagged to date but there are more than 2,000 oak trees on the reservation so it’s an ongoing process. Trees are examined for overall health, damage, crown health, insect emergence and tree circumference.

“We have an annual tree planting event coming up to revitalize some areas on the reservation with trees that are indigenous to this area and the Canyon Crew is a crucial part of this project; they help plant and pick up the plants,” Knox said. “Public Works also aids by providing additional personnel and equipment.”

The team also used the open house event to bring awareness to challenges facing the reservation with the main concerns being erosion control and illegal dumping.

According to National Geographic, “erosion is described as the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water.” Aceves pointed out that other factors, such as off-roading vehicles in erosion vulnerable areas, also worsens the condition.

Yet another concern is the possibility of the Gold Spotted Oak Borer finding its way onto the Reservation. The GSOB is an invasive species contributing to the growing number of oak tree deaths occurring on federal, state, private and Native lands in Southern California. So far, it has not affected Soboba’s oaks. To prevent the GSOB from entering the Reservation, introducing outside wood sources such as firewood should be avoided. There were GSOB identification cards available at the event. Residents were asked to report any possible sightings.

Another concern STED is addressing is the fact that Soboba lands are having trouble sprouting new life due to high brush levels.

“Without human intervention, we could see a major loss of oak habitat in the next 50 years,” Knox said.

Aceves said the best way to be proactive is to keep the area clean by picking up any litter that is seen and disposing of it properly; never to burn or bury it. “Every bit of waste has its place,” he said. He also encouraged everyone to use greener and cleaner alternative cleaning products, plant more native species and try to reuse water whenever possible. Safer choice products can be found at www.epa.gov/saferchoice.

The STED takes a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental needs and concerns on and off the reservation. A large emphasis is placed on community outreach with a focus on youth. The development and presentation of workshops, meetings and classroom activities help produce awareness of the environment and reduce negative impacts. Team members also regularly participate in trainings, conferences and webinars related to grant topics and conditions. For more information, 951-654-5544 ext. 4129, caceves@soboba-nsn.gov, mknox@soboba-nsn.gov, epa.soboba-nsn.gov or on social media @sobobaenvironmental.

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The Soboba Tribal TANF Program (STTP) offers its members many opportunities to learn and improve in school and in life. The program focuses on cultural education and preservation, career development, prevention activities and support services. At the Prevention Resource Center on the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Reservation, classes are offered all year long and many of those that are part of the program’s Cultural Education and Preservation component have proven to be extremely popular. Regular classes are also held at sites in Riverside and the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation.

Regional Prevention Manager Harold Arres and Program Specialist II Olga Gomez Munoz, both at the PRC site, said youth and families were especially excited and showed high levels of interest in the cultural classes offered during the last few months of 2019.   “We held a gourd painting class which was especially fun for the families from our Cahuilla site. Adults, youth and children painted masterpieces including Christmas designs, comic book characters and some artistic native patterns among their designs,” Gomez Munoz said. “Many families and youth came together for our Pine Needle Pendant class. The youth were excited to make their first pine needle pendant and put thought into who they would be gifting their first creation to as the tradition holds.”

A traditional beaded earring making class, led by Mercedes Estrada from the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, was a huge success and brought families closer as a unit and closer to the culture. One of the younger participants completed a full set of earrings and showed pride in her work.

“Due to the high success and interest in learning to bead jewelry, we invited Mercedes back to host a Christmas ornament beading class,” Gomez Munoz said. “This class was a fun way to bring native cultural traditions and incorporate them into our modern family traditions.”

Another cultural class that participants enjoyed and were excited to participate in was a Clay Pot Making class. This three-part series led by instructor and Native art consultant, Tony Soares, began with youth gathering clay from the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians land and clay from the mountains of Bautista Creek. Youth learned to find, identify and gather clay rocks and soften and process the clay. For the second class, youth and their families were invited to learn how to make clay pots with Soares, who has been making pots for 40 years.

“We dug the clay in its dry form,” explained Soares. “I showed them two different methods of processing: the old way of grinding it into a powder on a metate with a mano, and a water levigation method which is much easier. Then, when the clay was ready, I wedged it and the students made pottery out of it.”

Gomez Munoz said the youth and their families were eager to get their hands dirty. She said: “Not only did this class bring out the cultural aspect of clay pot making, but it was rewarding to see how it brought the family dynamic together.”

The final class in the series showed how to fire the dried pots. A huge bonfire was set up at The Oaks and everyone was excited to see their final product and pottery come to life and were happy to have been part of the process.

“We preheated the pots slowly to about 500 degrees around the fire and then put them on top of firewood in the fire pit, covered the pots with wood and cow chips and let them burn for a few hours,” Soares said. “The wood brings the temperature up to about 1,800 degrees which fires the pots so they will never turn back into clay. The particles vitrify like glass. The different temperatures, oxygen, carbon and minerals in the clay is what makes the different colors.”

Gomez Munoz said the STTP’s tutoring program for native youth in grades K-12 (Youth Educational Success Services – Y.E.S.S.) is scheduled to resume on Jan. 13 at the Cahuilla site and Jan. 21 at Soboba. GED preparation classes are held at the Soboba site every Monday and Thursday.

TANF Tribal Teen Nights will continue throughout the year focusing on cultural classes and presentations, leadership, team building and activities that promote higher education along with other fun-packed plans.

The annual Girl Power Conference, in collaboration with the San Jacinto Unified School District and local businesses and organizations, is aimed at empowering sixth- and seventh-grade girls. TANF members will be participating in the March 14 event.

April will find members attending the 14^th annual Dream the Impossible Native Youth Conference (DIT) in collaboration with surrounding tribes’ TANF and youth programs. This year’s event will be at California State University, Long Beach for Native youth ages 13-19.

Each summer, STTP coordinates its WE LEAD (Work Experience through Leadership, Education, Acquirement & Desire) youth internship program. Recruitment starts in early March for Native youth ages 14-21. Work experience begins June 22. Its Summer Youth Academy offers various cultural, educational, team building and health and wellness activities and outings for youth ages 12-19. Soares led an arrow making class which had a large turnout during the 2019 Summer Youth Academy.

July’s annual UNITY Conference will be held in Washington, DC and youth who meet the program requirements will be invited to attend. In collaboration with surrounding tribes’ TANF and youth programs, STTP will be hosting its annual camping trip in late July.

In November, eligible youth will be invited to attend the 2020 National Conference of American Indians (NCAI), a convention and marketplace to be held in Portland, Oregon this year.

Information, http://sobobatanf.org/

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