Attention Newsroom

November 29, 2005

Youth of the Peaks

youth(at)savethepeaks.org

*high resolution photo available

For Immediate Release

New Group to Mobilize Youth for Protection of Sacred Mountain & Environment

Flagstaff, AZ - A new voice has been added to the opposition to snowmaking with wastewater on the San Francisco Peaks. The Youth of the Peaks was started earlier this year when a small group of youth from Coconino High School, Flag High School, Ponderosa High School, Northern Arizona University, and different communities on the reservations saw that they had something in common: an interest in environmental protection, cultural preservation and a desire to stop Arizona Snowbowl from adversely impacting these places with its plan for expansion and wastewater snowmaking on the San Francisco Peaks.

“The Youth of the Peaks was formed to mobilize youth to take a stand for community, culture, and the environment,” said group co-founder Kelley Nez (Dine) who attends Ponderosa High School, “We are empowering and strengthening young people to become leaders for our future and for our present.”

From December 5th through the 11th, the Youth of the Peaks will be holding a Youth Mobilization Week to raise awareness and take action to defend the Sacred San Francisco Peaks. The week kicks off with a pot luck on the 5th at the Hive (319 S. San Francisco St.) at 6:30 p.m.

"This week is about inspiring youth to take a stand," said Alberta Nells of Youth of the Peaks, "We are coming together in hopes of building a movement that provides healing and respect for our people, culture, heritage, and land."

Who: Youth of the Peaks

What: "Youth of the Peaks Mobilization Week" to raise awareness and take action to defend the Sacred San Francisco Peaks

When: December 5th - 11th

Mon. 5th - Pot luck, 6:30 p.m. at the Hive (319 S. San Francisco St. Flagstaff, AZ)

Tues. 6th - Candle Light Vigil, 5:00 p.m. at Heritage Square, Downtown Flagstaff, AZ

Wed. 7th - Poets of the Peaks, 8:00 p.m. at the Hive. Bring your poetry! Come early to sign up!

Fri. 9th - Film: “The Snowbowl Effect”, Free Screening! 6:30 p.m. at Coconino High School Mini Auditorium 2801 N. Izabel. Q&A with the Director

Sat. 10th - Concert with Blackfire, Drazil, Existence A.D., Curruptive & Mosh and Fall, 6:30 p.m. at the Hive. $3-5 sliding scale (no one turned away for lack of funds)

Sat. 10th & Sun. 11th - Youth of the Peaks Action Summit! Beginning for breakfast at 8 at the Hive. Media trainings, Learning from our elders, Skills trainings, Public speaking, 'zine making & more!

The Hive is located @ 319 S. San Francisco St. Flagstaff, AZ.

For more information please contact: youth(at)savethepeaks.org

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