Tutčint Youth Empowerment Participate “Red Road to D.C.”

On Saturday June 12, 2021, Tutčint Youth Empowerment “a program of Pukúu Cultural Community Services” joined with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, in welcoming the House of Tears Carvers from the Lummi Nation in Washington state. These carvers along with a few supporters, were accompanying their Totem Pole on its “Red Road to D.C.” Protecting Sacred Sites journey. This special event was held at Tait Ranch in Frazier Park, California, one of their stops along the Pacific Coast. Youth heard traditional songs from the Tataviam and Lummi, and speakers such as carvers Douglas and Jewell James. Their hope is to call attention to various Indigenous issues such as Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, protection of Native lands and waters, and the incarceration of undocumented youth, with symbols carved into the Totem Pole. Tutčint youth presented the Lummi youth in attendance with an 8^th Generation blanket with Pukúu logo (on behalf of Pukúu Cultural Community Services), and the Lummi in turn gifted Athena Penner, one of our youth, with a blanket from their Nation. It was a memorable day of ceremony, prayer and empowerment for all who attended.