Jicarilla Apache Culture Committee

Origins

Officers

Wainwright Velarde, President

Sookie Vicenti, Vice-President

Nina Zentz , Secretary

Bryan F. Vigil, Treasurer

VISION

The vision of the Culture Committee is to practice Apache culture as a part of everyday life.

". . we at this time want to preserve what we got left for our young people. It is almost forgotten, our grandpa's knowledge, their wisdom, their songs and words. Our elders, our ancestors, received these gifts from the Creator, and from Mother Earth. . . Our Grandpa's have told us, to never give up, keep our culture, keep practicing our old ways . . Again it is for our people that we are seeking to preserve our precious way of life, because that is what is helping us keep our Jicarilla tribe strong and stand united as a tribe. We need to understand and respect each other, as long as we have Jicarilla blood in us."

- former Culture Committee President

The Jicarilla Apache Culture Committee was established by Legislative Council Resolution No. 94-R-212-11 on November 4, 1993. The Committee consists of elders who meet monthly to assist in developing the long range goals of the Cultural Affairs Office. They provide direction and advice on all matters relating to traditions, practices and language through their wisdom, strength and prayers.

The Committee elders have made presentations to the various classrooms and culture camps.

To learn more about the work of the Culture Committee or to become part of the experience, call the Cultural Affairs Office at 505-759-1343 or 0083 for the next scheduled meeting date.

JICARILLA APACHE CULTURE COMMITTEE

"a reawakening of traditions"

THE CULTURE COMMITTEE IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT ACCEPTS TAX EXEMPT DONATIONS.