In Summer of 2022, Indigenous Cultures Institute identified a need in their work with local families and decided to hold an event with some fun activities and family resources. The organization invited local nonprofit organizations (health providers, utility and housing assistance programs, and other family support services) to join in providing resources for community families. The ICI Back To School Bash was initiated and culminated in a summer of programming ICI brought to the San Marcos community, which included the week-long Summer Youth Encounter Camp, the Repatriation of Ancestral Remains and the Xinachtli Teacher Training. Extensive work continued with the development of the Coahuiltecan Language program and preparations for the upcoming Annual Powwow held each October.
At the time, families were coming out of COVID and many were attempting to recover from the economic impact. “We understood that family finances were being stretched during those difficult economic times, and we wanted to provide some support,” Maria Rocha, Elder and Co-Founder of ICI, said. “We provided 200-plus backpacks and school supplies for students who attended the event. This effort was significant for our local parents, many who
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