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Incarcerated youth build Dineh sweat lodge at NM Children, Youth & Families YDDC and Girls School
March 23, 2007
Albuquerque, NM - Approximately 10 incarcerated youth and security staff at the NM Youth Diagnostic and Development Center (YDDC) and NM Girls School began the process of building a Dineh Sweat Lodge. The Sweat Lodge is part of a Project funded by the NM Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) to provide culturally relevant and appropriate spiritual services to Native American youth at YDDC and other State juvenile facilities. Twice a month the youth participate in sweats and drumming sessions. Guided by Philmer Bluehouse, Traditionalist and Dineh Peacemaker residents also receive training on the process and purpose of sweats, peacemaking, and the significance of the drum to Indian people. Security staff also receives training on cultural diversity and policies and procedures, including safety. American Indian Development Associates provides technical assistance and administrative oversight for the project.
More articles:
NM Children, Youth & Families Department Cultural Service to Indian Youth