Sisters Kaya and Tessa, from Shiprock, New Mexico, have always loved helping in the kitchen. Whether it was stirring a pot or sprinkling herbs, they were eager to be part of family meals. But their mother, juggling work and household responsibilities, often found it difficult to teach them the skills they were so curious about.

That changed when the Rising Spirits Initiative introduced a series of cookery workshops in their community. Kaya and Tessa joined eagerly, and it quickly became their favorite weekly activity. The workshops taught them basic kitchen skills - like chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients - but also immersed them in traditional Navajo cooking methods. They learned to make fry bread, stew, and even how to grind corn the way their ancestors did.

Beyond cooking, the sisters found something even more valuable: confidence. Kaya, the older sister, discovered a knack for leadership, helping younger participants with tasks, while Tessa, more reserved, started opening up and making friends. The workshops became a space for them to socialize, learn, and connect with their heritage.

Their mom says the difference in her daughters is incredible. They’re more independent and can’t wait to share their creations with the family. “They’re proud of what they’re learning,” she says, “and I’m proud of them.” For Kaya and Tessa, the workshops are more than just a fun activity - they’re a way to celebrate who they are while building skills for the future.