The Intergenerational Youth Council Colorado is an event in the first weekend of October (2019) to connect youth with Native American elders to exchange knowledge to confidently navigate our changing world.
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The weekend will be a community gathering on ceremonial land. Elders from different ceremonial traditions will hold fire ceremonies, council, sweat lodge ceremonies, storytelling and share positive and encouraging exchange with children and adults alike. This event will be meaningful and important for people of all ages.
In traditional native culture, the community comes together with resources for ceremony, with contributions and reciprocity from all. We are hoping for 100% participation of our community—please give what you can to make the Intergenerational Youth Council event happen.
Once we receive your donation we will email you with event details if you would like to attend the event. Your donation counts as your registration for the event. Our fundraising goal is $6000
Please donate! All donations are tax deductible.
To make this event possible, we need funds for:
Ceremonial structures and sweat lodge blankets
Porta-johns
Travel expenses for elders traveling from afar
Lodging and meals for elders
Ceremonial materials like wood and medicines
Equipment for land maintenance
Sponsoring an attendee
Our fundraising deadline is October 2!
If you have found this path meaningful in your life, we ask for your deeper help in carrying the vision to the next place. Please donate to help make this event possible.
**This is a volunteer led event and no individuals will receive salaries or compensation from council funds. Requested fees for attendance at the council do not represent a charge for ceremony.**
Schedule of events (subject to change):
Friday, October 4th
5:00-9:00pm: Opening Fire Ceremony
Saturday, October 5th
6:00am-12:00pm: Youth Sweat Lodge(s)
12:00-2:00pm: Lunch
2:00-6:00pm: Council Under Old Cottonwood
6:30-10:00pm: Dinner, Council and Evening Storytelling
Sunday, October 6th
6:00-8:00am: Sunrise Pipe Ceremony
8:00-10:00am: Breakfast
10:00am-2:00pm: Council Under Old Cottonwood
3:00-6:30pm: Youth Flower Staff Blessing and Closing Mayan Fire Ceremony
For more information, contact Stevan: info@westerndoor.org or 720.260.0737
FAQs
Is the Youth Council just for kids/families?
This Council will benefit people of ALL AGES! The Elders will be imparting their wisdom to the youth, but the messages apply to everyone! Please don't let the name fool you - this event is just as important for adults as it is the youth.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
There will be limited on-site parking available, and more parking along Valmont Road with a short walk to the event.
What can I bring into the event?
Please bring your own picnic meals. (Camping stoves are fine to use.)
There is well water available for drinking and porta-johns will be provided.
The ceremonial grounds are rustic so we rely on you to pack out what's brought in and practice leave-no-trace.
Can I camp on the land?
Unfortunately we're unable to support camping during the weekend.
I can only attend part of the weekend, can I still come?
For the sake of continuity and integration, we prefere that you be a part of as much as possible. That said, it's ok to come and go.
What's the refund policy?
The event organizers are responsible for paying for elder travel and expenses and therefore there are no refunds available after ticket sales close. Any excess funds are considered donation and will be used for this and future events (see below "How are funds used?).
Can I bring my dog?
Please leave your four-leggeds at home! Between accomodating for a large group and holding a sacred ceremonial space, we can't allow any pets at the Council.
How are funds used?
Funds for the council are used for travel costs, food for elders, gifts for youth and elders, port-a-johns, insurance and many other miscellaneous expenses to make this council possible. This is a volunteer-led event and no individuals will receive salaries or compensation from council funds. Requested contributions at the council do not represent a charge for ceremony.
How can I volunteer?
This is a volunteer-run event. Your help before, during and after the event will be essential to the success of the event. Volunteer sign-up information will be coming soon!
About the Western Door
The Western Door (westerndoor.org) is an organization created to help the people confidently navigate our changing world. This is done through ceremonial traditions passed on by Grandmother Keewaydinoquay of the great lakes and through partnerships with elders, communities and organizations dedicated to the natural and traditional ways.
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