Bryce Canyon News

March 13, 2013 13-04
For Immediate Release
Kathleen Gonder 435-834-4740
Bryce Canyon National Park
Hosts Field Day for
Youth from the Paiute Tribe of Southern Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park and the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association hosted a field day of learning activities for Southern Paiute youth in grades 4th, 5th and 6th. The goal of the event was to connect Southern Paiute youth to the park, as a part of their traditional homeland as well as participate in activities focused on science and geology. Fourteen youth from the Cedar and Shivwits Bands as well as their chaperones and a Tribal Elder traveled to the park and spent the day enjoying a Ranger guided snowshoe hike and model rocket building. Everyone enjoyed their first time on snowshoes as well as the mountain lion winter survival activity conducted by Park Ranger Kevin Poe. During lunch, Tribal Elder Vala Parashont spoke about her memories of her grandparents and traveling around southern Utah with them. She also talked with the youth about respect for the land and Southern Paiute cultural traditions. Due to a mid-afternoon snow storm, the students were unable to launch their rockets but didn’t let that dampen their enthusiasm. “I had a blast on Saturday. I was very impressed with our kids who were very well behaved and listened to instruction. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to attend,” said Julie Smith, Education Specialist with the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah and one of the chaperones. Many thanks go to Dorena Martineau, Cultural Specialist for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association, park staff and volunteers who worked so hard on this event. This project was made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of DISNEY.
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