SANTA KONUV’ & THE “GIVING” PARTY
During the termination era, many of our Elders endured severe malnourishment and economic deprivation and knew little to no English. Just a few blocks away, they would see the colonized Christmas celebrations, and they understood that the man who gave gifts was called “Santa Claus.” From that, they learned “Santa Konov’” (Konuv’ is Paiute for “giving”) and would go door to door asking for Santa Konov’, hoping their neighbors would be willing to share nourishment during the season of giving. That lived memory of hardship, survival, and the power of community care is the reason we gather today.
The upcoming Konuv’ “Giving” Party will be a family-centered get-together for our community that promotes our youth initiative by teaching the importance of giving and how to use Konuv’ in the Paiute language. It also supports our Tiwahe outcomes by fostering community participation and strengthening family relationship connections. Konuv’ is especially meaningful for children currently in foster care, creating a welcoming space to make culturally significant connections with peers and community members and to feel culturally and spiritually supported through language revitalization and togetherness while also inviting all enrolled and descendant children to participate, learn, and belong.
The Konuv’ Party will be hosted by the Puow’wan Program on Dec. 20 at 6 pm in the PITU Gym, 440 N. Paiute Drive. To make the event exciting and supportive for everyone, we will provide materials needed for presentations, nourishment, and gratitude offerings in appreciation for each child while supplies last. See the flyer for more details.
