The Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council of Santo Domingo Pueblo continues to create meaningful impact across the Southwest Region through youth-led service, wellness programming and community-centered events. Guided by a commitment to leadership and creating safe spaces for Native youth and families, the council has spent the past year organizing initiatives that strengthen community relationships, promote wellness and encourage youth involvement. Their work reflects a powerful example of Native youth leadership rooted in service, culture and care for future generations.
One of the council’s most notable accomplishments this year was hosting its inaugural Trunk-O-Treat on October 25, 2025. Welcoming more than 230 participants from Santo Domingo Pueblo, the event created a fun and safe environment for youth and families in a drug- and alcohol-free space centered on Social Wellness. Community members participated in costume contests and visited creatively decorated trunks led by volunteers and families. The evening also included words of encouragement from a respected community elder, who recognized the council’s leadership and encouraged continued support for the young people helping create positive opportunities in the Pueblo. By organizing a multigenerational event grounded in safety and celebration, the Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council created a strong foundation for future community gatherings.
That spirit of connection continued during Holiday Family Fun Night on December 6, 2025. Bringing together families and community members for an evening of celebration, the event featured youth-led activity stations, a gingerbread decorating contest, an “Ugly Sweater” competition and a photo station for families to capture memories together. Council members led every part of the event, from planning activities to coordinating with tribal departments for refreshments and support. The evening highlighted the youth council’s leadership while creating a welcoming space filled with creativity, laughter and community pride during the holiday season.
The council also expanded its impact through environmental stewardship with Keep Kewa Beautiful on January 3, 2026. As part of the “Breaking Bad Habits” initiative funded through an $18,000 Clean & Beautiful grant, youth council members helped launch cleanup efforts designed to strengthen community pride and encourage youth participation in beautification projects. During the first phase of the initiative, the council collected more than 100 pounds of trash while also helping tribal staff develop the program’s structure for continued participation through the spring. Their leadership demonstrated how service and wellness can go hand in hand, creating a cleaner and healthier community while encouraging responsibility and pride of place.
On February 6, 2026, the Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council partnered with Santo Domingo Family Services to co-host Heart 2 Heart: Teen Dating Awareness, centered on Physical Wellness and healthy relationships. Council members helped shape the event by bringing youth voice into planning, selecting educational materials and helping coordinate raffle items. The result was a meaningful gathering that encouraged conversation, education and stronger partnerships between youth and adults in the community. By creating space for open dialogue around important topics affecting young people, the council continued demonstrating thoughtful leadership and advocacy.
Looking ahead, the Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council shared interest in strengthening their facilitation skills and continuing to grow as leaders. In reflecting on the past year, the council expressed gratitude to UNITY for creating spaces where Native youth can thrive and develop leadership grounded in culture and community. They shared that UNITY has helped provide a path for youth leadership that empowered them to host events like Trunk-O-Treat and lead initiatives like Keep Kewa Beautiful. As they continue building momentum, the Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council remains committed to creating opportunities for Native youth while helping pave the way for the next generation of leaders in Santo Domingo Pueblo and across the Southwest.
