Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument hosted the fifth annual Yevingkarere Southern Paiute youth camp from September 21st to September 23rd.

Southern Paiute youth from tribal bands in Arizona, Utah and Nevada gathered near Mt. Trumbull in early fall to camp and learn about their culture from respected tribal elders. 

“We are much honored to host this cultural camp each year and especially want to thank staff from Pipe Spring and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, and Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks for their assistance in making the camp successful this year,” said Superintendent Rosie Pepito. “The Paiute children, elders and chaperones benefit so much from this time shared together and really enjoy this annual outing.”

Camp started with a water activity at the ponds at Pipe Spring before departing for Parashant and the higher elevation ponderosa pine forests on Mt. Trumbull. Time passed very quickly, as elders demonstrated fire starting, loom beading, medicine bag and moccasin making techniques for the children to test their skills on.  Traditional Southern Paiute games, language skills, cultural beliefs and sampling of native foods were also introduced. 

A field trip to lava flows following very old Paiute trails concluded the weekend activities and was highlighted by an elder who sang about the ancient Paiute people who actually witnessed the fiery rocks flowing. 

The Yevingkarere Camp was developed with NPS Youth Partnership Program and BLM “Take It Outside” initiative funding.  Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is jointly managed by both agencies through a Service First agreement.

Contact Information
Name: Scott Sticha, Chief of Interpretation and Partnerships