Raising awareness at Skate Park Jam

Maynard Taylor attempts to do a trick on his skateboard. Taylor was one of many participants showing off their skateboarding skills at the second annual Skate Park Jam held at the Píinuu Nuuchi Skate Park on Friday, Sept. 24. The annual event is held to promote awareness for mental health and suicide prevention in the community. Held in conjunction with Suicide Prevention Month, the event introduced the new “988” number as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which recently went live, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Tribal member, Maleina Carel throws a bag in hopes to make it on the board during a game of Cornhole with her mother, Marie Joy. A game of cornhole was one of many options outside of skating.

A young rider looks off into the distance towards her family before hopping on her scooter. Skaters, bike riders, and scooter riders of all ages were able to enjoy the Píinuu Nuuchi Skate Park as they saw fit.

A local skater works his way up the side of the bowl, perfecting his form, during the Skate Park Jam. The event was open to all members of the community.

Cyrus Cosio paints a rock to feature the number “988” as part of the newly created Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

SunUte Fitness Director, Abel Velasquez hands Andre Bluestar-Baker a bottle of water from a concession stand hosted by the SunUte Community Center.

SunUte Director, Robin Duffy-Wirth and Southern Ute Health Center Native Connections Program Specialist, Precious Collins gives a special thanks to tribal elder Byron Frost and a warm welcome to attendees — kicking off the start of the annual Skate Park Jam.

Southern Ute Brave, Henry Whiteskunk introduces himself to the community and thanks attendees for their interest in the event.

Staff from San Juan Basin Health hosted one of the many booths at the Skate Park Jam that featured mental health and suicide prevention resources. Attendees could pick up stickers, pens, and pamphlets with information on the services provided within La Plata County.

Curtis White Thunder stands with Precious Collins after winning a skate deck in the raffle event hosted by the SunUte Community Center and the Behavioral Health Division. All participants of the event were able to sign up for the raffle, and additional tickets were given out to those who completed a scavenger hunt.

Fabian Martinez | SU Drum

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Wed Oct 5th, 2022 , by Fabian Martinez | The Southern Ute Drum

The second annual “988” Skate Park Jam was held at the Píinuu Nuuchi Skate Park on Friday, Sept. 24, in collaboration between the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division, SunUte Community Center, various tribal departments, and community programs within the area. As part of Suicide Prevention Month, the event introduced the new “988” number as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which recently went live, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Booths from the Behavioral Health Division and San Juan Basin Public Health gave mental health resources to those in attendance and helped reiterate the importance of reaching out for help.

The Skate Park was open to all members of the community and allowed for all skaters to showcase their skills and enter a raffle to win skate gear. A prayer was given by Southern Ute tribal elder, Bryon Frost in remembrance to those who have passed on. Music was provided by Oscar Cosio, with a meal provided by SunUte Community Center, and food booth by Rez Girls Catering with additional food options for purchase. An outdoor film screening of the Disney feature film, Encanto, was shown after sunset.