In celebration of National Children’s Day, Nome youngsters had the chance to hunt for rainbow-painted rocks and turn them in for a prize.
Nome’s Children’s Day is part of a global celebration of the lives of children and the challenges they face. The event included activities for kids such as face painting, rock decorating, seed planting, and more.
Event organizer Jennifer Dean-Johnson at Kawerak’s Child Advocacy Centersays making the festivities available to all children is a high priority. “Regardless of economics, where they live, any of that, if you’re here and you want to participate, no matter what your age group or your background is, and you don’t have to have a tribal affiliation, it’s just welcome to all,” she says.
While other community celebrations are geared for adults, Dean-Johnson believes it’s important to hold events for the community that are child-inclusive and bring the community together. “This is about having an activity that’s just for children,” she says.
“We are here to support them and champion kids,” she says.
Dean-Johnson added that children in the community experience prolific trauma. She says by meeting safe adults, they are helping children and their families become more aware of resources and help available to them.
Image at top: Community members celebrate Children’s Day. Photo by Ava White/KNOM.
