Wumaniti Earth Native Sanctuary

Phase 1: Outreach and Community Partnerships To serve 200+ participants, we utilize a Station Rotation model for 36 students per workshop to maximize safety: Wumaniti will partner with tribal education programs, including Taos Pueblo and Pojoaque Pueblo, and Title I schools in Taos and Rio Arriba Counties. Leveraging these sovereign networks ensures high participation from low-income and Indigenous youth. All programming is hosted at the Wumaniti Sanctuary in El Prado, NM, providing an already existing dedicated outdoor space which in the end saves a lot of time and money. The set-up at the sanctuary fosters a deep sense of belonging for rural and tribal youth. Phase 2: The "War Horse Path" 6-Month Youth Leadership Series Over six months, we facilitate progressive Youth Leadership Workshops. Each workshop moves youth to community leadership through a disciplined, four-stage "War Horse" methodology. Centering & Observation (whole group): Following a safety orientation, youth organize into "Centering Circles." They engage with the Lead Program Director in Chi Gong/Tai Chi centering to learn emotional self-regulation. By observing the herd's interactions, youth learn to read non-verbal cues and develop the empathy required for effective leadership. Station Rotations (3 Concurrent Groups): 1. Stewardship & Observation (Foundation Skills): For youth interested in animal husbandry or needing a gentle introduction to livestock, this station focuses on herd observation, safe petting, and foundational grooming of animals with a somatic arts (mindfulness) instructor and two assistants. It teaches the responsibility of caring for living beings. Nomadic shelter building is taught along with native crafts, games, drumming and singing. 2. Foundational Horsemanship (Two Round Pens): Using techniques under a horse riding instructor and two assistants, students are split up into two groups and rotate from ground-handling seasoned horses to riding seasoned horses. Our "live carousel" method in a supervised round pen allows youth to safely develop balance, trust, and connection. 3. Ground Archery & The Test of Unification (Archery Range): Participants practice ground archery with an archery instructor and two assistants. We utilize blunted safety arrows (no tips) for a zero-injury environment. Once a student demonstrates "quiet strength," they undergo the Test of Unification, a rite of passage marking readiness for mounted work. (small group or pairs) Graduation to Horseback Archery (Beginner Track): Under 1-on-1 supervision with the Lead Program Instructor, students who pass ground and riding protocols graduate to active Horseback Archery in the beginner enclosed safety track. This transformative experience fosters confidence and cultural heritage. Phase 3: Service, Stewardship & Safety Excellence The day concludes with Horse Partnership, where students groom and "give back" to the seasoned horses, reinforcing the leadership principle of service. Safety Standards: As a Certified MA3 Instructor, trained in CPR and First Aid, Gemma DiFerdinando oversees all protocols. All staff are graduates of the Wumaniti Safety Protocol Workshop, ensuring a unified expert standard. Our use of tip-less arrows, "youth-conditioned" seasoned horses, and high instructor-to-student ratios ensures that youth will feel safe. See #51. for some short videos that help showcase this program.