San Pasqual REZolution and GONA

On Friday, February 28th, REZolution hosted the San Pasqual REZolution Event at the San

Pasqual Tribal Hall. The event showcased creative performances, cultural representation,

and art. This event served as the kickoff for a two-day Gathering of Native Americans

(GONA) with other Native American organizations from across California!

The event began with an introduction by

Joseph Ravago and an opening blessing by

Raymond Belardes, a Kumeyaay Bird Singer

from San Pasqual. The San Pasqual Bird

Singers sang traditional songs to welcome

everyone into the space and set the tone.

Performances included poetry, playing the

flute, traditional storytelling, and traditional

dance. REZolution set up an art station with

canvases and paint for those who wanted to

paint during the event.

After some of the performances (and raffling off some prizes!), food was served. We had

club sandwiches, fruit, salad, and spa water to drink.

REZolution continued to welcome performers onstage and later finished the raffles, the

grand prize being a framed piece of art. REZolution’s Research Assistant, Justin Rodriguez,

encouraged attendees to take an audience survey for an extra raffle ticket before giving the

last prize out. REZolution showed their appreciation to event attendees and ended the

successful event in preparation of the GONA for the weekend ahead.

The GONA took place from March 1st – 2nd at the San Pasqual Cultural Center. Native

American professionals from across California came down to take part in collaborations

and discussions on the best methods to serve youth regarding learning culture, uplifting

mental health, and expressing themselves. The GONA served as a great way to learn from

others with the shared goal of engaging Native youth. REZolution obtained key strategies to

improve upon how they serve the IHC community. It was a delightful weekend that left

everyone motivated to return home and put their new knowledge to work!

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