"What's your story?" For clinical psychologist Kayt Whitebird Orange, those three simple words changed her life and her community. Offering an opportunity to explore history, the question became the motor behind "Voices of the Strong," a digital storytelling project of the Ohkay Owingeh that creatively conveys the message of a thriving culture, present day. The project kicked off about a year ago thanks to a grant from the Optum Health New Mexico Reinvestment. Orange is building on the success of a similar storytelling project from Oakland's Native American Health Center that created three-minute videos of conversation on culture, food and tradition. Orange reached out to the youth and mentors of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Boys and Girls Club, who in turn reached out their elders. A bond formed. The kids worked the cameras; the elders worked their wisdom, "learn your language, pay attention to culture," they advised. As stories unraveled, a community's identity strengthened. Meet the faces of the project from 2-4 pm Sunday in the Ohkay Owingeh Casino Ballroom. (Alexa Mangrum)
