When the Kayenta and Black Mesa coal mines closed, many Hopi and Navajo families lost a key source of fuel for home heating. With coal no longer available, some turned to gathering firewood – an effort complicated by land-use restrictions and limited resources. On the Navajo Nation, firewood collection is often restricted to designated clan lands, and removing wood from another’s allotment is not tolerated. While some Hopi mesas have forested areas, wood is often scarce, and cutting live trees … [Read more...] about Volunteers Cut, Split, Deliver Firewood to Tribal Communities
Navajo
New Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Attraction
The past few months have seen major increases in visitation to unique educational experiences provided by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center (VVAC) in the heart of Camp Verde. Executive Director Monica Buckle attributes much of that increase to the “phenomenal” new location of the center in its new building at 460 W. Finnie Flat Road in the middle of town. “We ran out of space at our past site, so local donors have been exceptionally generous in helping us fund the new museum … [Read more...] about New Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Attraction
Improving Regionwide Health Helps Create Vibrant Communities
Health First Foundation Northern Arizona is dedicated to raising funds and distributing them to advance community health and well-being throughout the region. The foundation evaluates health needs in our communities and brings together donors and community collaborators to support initiatives that have a sustainable impact on well-being. The following question and answer format characterizes community health and explains why it is so important. Q: What is community health? A: Simply put, … [Read more...] about Improving Regionwide Health Helps Create Vibrant Communities
Navajo & Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund Teams Up with Bashas’ DinÉ Markets to Distribute Personal Protective Equipment KITS
As COVID-19 cases skyrocket across the United States, the Navajo Nation is experiencing uncontrolled spread in about 55 communities and has entered its second shelter-in-place order. Controlling the spread of COVID is critical, and a key element of success is access to necessary personal protection equipment, or PPE. That’s why the Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund is teaming up with Bashas’ Diné Markets to bring direct relief to families in need on the Navajo … [Read more...] about Navajo & Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund Teams Up with Bashas’ DinÉ Markets to Distribute Personal Protective Equipment KITS
DigDeep Bringing Clean Water to Navajo Homes
When we hear about a “water crisis,” we may be inclined to think of it as a problem somewhere else, but according to DigDeep, a non-profit organization that has been providing running water for those in need, 30% of the families on the Navajo Nation have neither a tap for fresh water nor a toilet. The organization says that on the reservation, about one in three homes do not have basic plumbing and must drive miles to a watering station to fill plastic jugs for their household … [Read more...] about DigDeep Bringing Clean Water to Navajo Homes
Tribal Leaders Praise Sen. McSally’s Leadership on Tribal Gaming Enterprises Fix
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) announced yesterday that small tribal gaming enterprises under 500 employees can now apply for financial relief through the Payment Protection Program (PPP). Her leadership on this issue is receiving widespread support from tribal leaders across the country. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez: "We would like to thank Senator McSally for her continuous advocacy on behalf of the Navajo Nation and Indian Country to ensure Indian gaming enterprises are … [Read more...] about Tribal Leaders Praise Sen. McSally’s Leadership on Tribal Gaming Enterprises Fix
Navajo Gaming Considering Options Near Flagstaff
For the Navajo Gaming Enterprise, one of numerous Navajo Nation-owned businesses, 2020 begins with potential. After closing escrow on a 14.1-acre parcel north of Flagstaff, Navajo Gaming is conducting market research to determine best uses for the property, which includes Horsemen Lodge, an iconic steakhouse. Navajo Gaming is just one of 22 different enterprises owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, each with the goal of creating jobs and stimulating economic development for the tribe, … [Read more...] about Navajo Gaming Considering Options Near Flagstaff
Empowering Tribes with Clean Energy
Arizona is blessed with an abundance of sun and the resulting solar power it can generate if properly harnessed. Perhaps nowhere is this more true than on the open landscapes of the Hopi Reservation and the Navajo Nation. Suzanne Singer, a member of the Navajo tribe who grew up in Flagstaff, has a background in mechanical engineering and energy analysis and is uniquely qualified to lead an effort to develop energy independence in tribal communities in Northern Arizona and across the … [Read more...] about Empowering Tribes with Clean Energy
Teller Continues Looking Up
As a youngster, Arlando Teller stood in the yard of his Chinle home on the Navajo Reservation and looked up at an azure sky pebbled with popcorn clouds and jet contrails. He wondered where those white streaks crisscrossing the wild blue yonder were headed. When he graduated from Chinle High School in 1991, his continuing curiosity prompted him to find out. He wanted to become a part of that high-flying adventure. He enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – home of the Eagles – in … [Read more...] about Teller Continues Looking Up
Navajo Business Promoting Culture through Coffee Mugs
Coffee mugs and license plates sharing information about Navajo clans are gaining popularity. The local home-based online Navajo business, www.dinegifts.com, offers cups with the Navajo clan names in Navajo wording and English on the front, while the back has a brief story about the clan’s origin. The metallic license plates have the clan name in Navajo wording and English, and “Navajo Nation” lettering emblazoned across the top. “I bought two clan cups recently and gave one to my son who … [Read more...] about Navajo Business Promoting Culture through Coffee Mugs
