In an effort to bring back traditional values and have youths
honor their elders, an annual event that began 18 years ago,
continued its tradition during the weekend at Mt. Madonna State
Park.
In an effort to bring back traditional values and have youths honor their elders, an annual event that began 18 years ago, continued its tradition during the weekend at Mt. Madonna State Park.
Jim Chemo Candelaria, founder for the Ohlone Indian Annual Gathering of the Elders, said the idea is to return traditional values to youngsters and to teach them a way of life that shows respect for their elders.
“It promotes growth and it’s a way to teach them to do something that honors their grandparents and parents,” Candelaria said.
And to help honor this tradition, about 15 members of the Hollister Youth Alliance participated in the three-day event. The members helped with parking and also worked in the kitchen.
“I like working the security, to help keep it safe,” said Jose Hernandez, a HYA member, adding he thought it was a good idea to help the elders.
The three-day event began with a prayer as a campfire was it. The fire burns throughout the gathering until a another prayer is read to extinguished the flame.
During the gathering, elders sit under a circled arbor while youth dancers entertain with ceremonial dances and chants.
“This is a value system for life,” said Luis Vasquez, who sits on the TENA Council.
Throughout, ceremonial dances were performed like the Ohlone PowWow and the Bear Dance and vendors were on hand to raise funds to pay for park fees. Also, youth groups from San Jose to Salinas participated in the event to help raise funds.
“It’s a fun thing for them to do, too,” Hollister Youth Alliance Director Jo Wahdon said.
