HARRAH — Izabella Pacheco eagerly reached out as her cousin approached, embracing her warmly. They were gathered with their families at the historic Harrah School for the final session of the Parenting with Tradition program.
Before delving into the session on Feb. 8, everyone gathered for a delightful dinner. The tantalizing scent of tacos wafted through the community room as they enjoyed a meal together. A table adorned with an array of taco fixings, fresh vegetables, chips, and other delectable treats set the stage for the evening.
A total of twelve adults from eight families successfully completed the program, marking the largest group to date, according to Julie Schillreff, the coordinator of the White Swan Community Coalition. The coalition, in collaboration with the Yakama Nation, organized the course, which commenced on Jan. 9 and was facilitated by Jeremy Garcia and Jazmaine Wong.
Schillreff expressed gratitude for the invaluable partnership with the Yakama Nation, particularly Yakama Nation Awtni Shix̱witpamá (Behavioral Health), emphasizing the tremendous support it provided. Additionally, the coalition received a grant from the Discuren Foundation, which offered funds for gas cards and other incentives.
Notably, participation in the course is open to individuals in a parenting role, regardless of tribal affiliation. Whether parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, older siblings, or other caregivers, everyone is welcome to benefit from the program.
Izabella’s mother, Celeste Cantu, learned about the course from her own mother. Accompanied by her partner, Angel Pacheco, they have been attending the sessions with Izabella, who will be turning 2 years old in March. Despite residing in Selah, they made the effort to attend the 2 1⁄2-hour sessions, prioritizing the enriching experience of Parenting with Tradition.
Reflecting on their journey, Pacheco shared, “It has been truly enlightening. We may lead different lives, but we share commonalities. I believe it is incredibly beneficial for parents from all walks of life.”
Angel Pacheco and Celeste Cantu, accompanied by their daughter Izabella Pacheco, enjoyed a meal together before the commencement of the “Parenting with Tradition” class on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Harrah, Wash. Evan Abell / Yakima Herald-Republic
Embracing Tradition Across Generations
Describing Izabella as a vibrant and sociable child who enjoys singing, dancing, and expanding her vocabulary, Cantu proudly shared her daughter’s recent milestones. “This morning, she surprised us by saying ‘bless you’ after sneezing. She can even sing the birthday song,” Cantu remarked. “She has a keen interest in drawing.”
Cantu expressed the joy of attending the program as a family, with Izabella seated on her lap, engrossed in drawing. As a first-time mother, Cantu, along with Pacheco, found the perspectives of other parents particularly enlightening.
Seeking guidance and support in her parenting journey, Cantu emphasized, “I am open to any assistance available. Any form of support is invaluable. My primary goal is to be the best mother I can be for her.”
Recognized nationally as Positive Indian Parenting, the course focuses on instilling traditional and culturally specific parenting values and practices, as outlined on the community coalition website. Participants delve into various traditional child-rearing approaches and adapt them to address contemporary parenting challenges.
While Cantu acknowledged her limited exposure to traditional teachings, she expressed a desire to learn and pass down this heritage to Izabella, emphasizing the importance of nurturing her daughter’s cultural identity.
The final session on Feb. 8 served as a celebratory culmination for the graduates and their families. Participants received certificates and a generous gift basket valued at $300, including passes to recreational venues, a Visa gift card, games, and a puzzle.
Each session commenced with a communal dinner, with childcare services available throughout. In addition to around 10 children under childcare, older children were also invited to dine before excusing themselves. “We catered dinner for 25 people each week,” Schillreff noted, underscoring the communal spirit of the program.
Following the dinner, the sessions, lasting approximately two hours, fostered engaging discussions and shared learning experiences among the participants.
Fostering Dialogue and Community Support
Garcia and Wong initiated the first Parenting with Tradition course in October 2022, emphasizing interactive conversations over traditional lectures. “Our approach revolves around facilitating dialogue,” Garcia explained. The sessions featured brief lessons, followed by extensive group discussions, allowing participants to share their insights and experiences.
The final session on Feb. 8 commenced with Wong summarizing the diverse topics explored throughout the program, ranging from boarding schools and generational trauma to the significance of storytelling in parenting. Wong emphasized the value of storytelling in imparting essential life lessons to children.
Participants engaged in reflective journaling as part of the program, contemplating their childhood challenges and cherished memories. Wong encouraged them to jot down five positive and negative aspects of their upbringing, fostering introspection and self-awareness.
While active participation and sharing were encouraged, individuals had the freedom to simply listen during the sessions. Prior to the session, Ryan Craig conducted interviews with select participants for promotional videos, capturing their testimonials and experiences with Parenting with Tradition.
Babette Lucei, a participant and grandmother seeking to enhance her parenting skills with her grandchildren, highlighted the program’s positive impact. “The supportive environment here is truly uplifting. I realized that many others are navigating similar situations. Hearing others’ coping mechanisms and experiences has been enlightening,” Lucei shared. “We are learning and growing together, creating a positive community of support.”
Participants valued the opportunity to exchange feedback and insights, emphasizing the mutual learning and support within the group. “This space exudes positivity and provides a much-needed break. It has been immensely beneficial for me,” Lucei concluded.