Rincon Indian Education Center (RIEC) 501c3 is seeking sponsorships to ensure the success of the 2nd Annual Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) ‘We Are Sacred’ event for our young people, ages 18 - 25. The GONA will take place June 17-19, 2022 at Los Coyotes Campground. Los Coyotes and RIEC/GONA Planning Committee will host 60 young adults and approximately 35 facilitators and volunteers from San Diego County and Riverside County area reservations and organizations.

This 3-day Gathering of Native Americans is structured around an evidenced-based culture intervention curriculum developed in 1992. The purpose of GONA is to provide space for young adults to address community-identified issues that are potential barriers to their healing process. They will strengthen their sense of self-identity through participation in Indigenous Practices including cultural, spiritual, and physical activities.

The first GONA was hosted virtually in 2020 in response to the pandemic and despite challenges, it was a huge success with 60 registrants and 10 plus presenters including Indian Health Council, UCSD Intertribal Resource Center, Food is Medicine Project, Chairwoman Bernice Paipa of the Santa Ysabel Ipai Nation, Strong Hearted Women’s Coalition, and others. Youth participants commented that they were heavily impacted by the readings from National Compadres Network co-founder and Storyteller Mr. Jerry Tello https://www.nationalcompadresnetwork.org/people/jerry-tello/. Mr Tello has agreed to be one of our keynotes speakers for this year’s 2022 event and is excited to work with our local Native communities! Our youth found healing in our Winter Count Reflection and commented on feeling more connected and having a better understanding of the importance of community and individual healing upon completion of the weekend.