so in case you’re about to watch a cw television show based in the southwest that’s featuring an episode based on some supposed reservation – or you’ve read anything about the situation on the navajo nation recently – i wanted to share some ways that we all can help the diné (navajo) community beyond kind-of depicting them on television.
today the navajo nation surpassed new york state and new jersey for the highest per-capita coronavirus infection rate in the country. that’s 2,304 cases per 100,000 people. 173,600 people live on the navajo nation, roughly. below are a number of organizations & community groups raising money & resources. it would mean so much to me if you’d consider supporting these communities right now - & continue to think about how you can support the indigenous communities near you, & understand the indigenous land you might currently occupy.
the navajo water project helps bring running water to navajo families without, and also helps families pay their water & electricity bills
the adopt an elder project helps feed navajo elders during the pandemic
the navajo health command operations center is the navajo nation’s only official fundraising and donation effort
rez rising is a database of native american small businesses across the southwest
the kinlani mutual aid group is a flagstaff, az based volunteer group collecting supplies
the native american relief fund operated by the native american community foundation provides emergency grants to communities for supplies & more
and a number of community-run fundraising efforts:
northern diné covid relief effort
navajo & hopi families relief fund
native student emergency fund
bluff area mutual aid - supply delivery in utah
navajo nation relief project
if you’re aware of any other legitimate fundraising efforts to help these communities, or the indigenous communities near you, please add them.
the Navajo Water Project also sells blankets and jewelry, and the Adopt an Elder Project sells rugs hand made by Navajo Elders if that appeals to any of you!
