ASPEN SONG KIDS (ASK)
Aspen Song Kids
Taos Pueblo Youth international Artists with their parents
MISSION & FUTURE GOALS
“Aspen Song Kids’ mission is to preserve our culture, our heritage, our tradition, and our language. We do that through our art.”
The program focuses on language preservation, cultural education and community outreach and empowerment through art and activism.
Based at Taos Pueblo, the collective consists of a core group of kin based relationships who have been working together to center language, culture and education.
Some of the accomplishments and focus over the first few years of the collective:
- Published a book of art and poetry called Sacred Spiral
- Nationally travelled to over 50 different libraries, including several in Native American Communities
- Part of international art show Paseo Project
- Featured on the main stage of SWAIA Indian Market in Santa Fe
- Coordinated enrichment programs with Taos Pueblo Elders to share Tiwa language with youth
- Mentor of the collective is teaching Native American Studies at Taos Academy
Future Goals that would require funding support:
- Language Immersion Workshop with honorariums to elders to do language immersion and cultural practices including traditional foods.
- Healing Pow Wow organized by youth and hosted at Taos Academy Charter School
- Develop existing property outside of the Taos Pueblo as an artist residency for visiting indigenous artists, travelling dancers or drum groups who can run education programs. Including a working farm. This project would need funding and could also benefit from solar energy support.
- Secure transportation in the form of 15-25 person van or bus that includes a handicap wheelchair lift to transport elders and children
- Publish second book and get first book translated into several languages
