Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) May-June 2024 E-Newsletter

The mission of Native Americans for Community Action Inc. is to provide preventive wellness strategies and empower and advocate for Native peoples and others in need, in order to create a healthy community based on Harmony, Respect, and Indigenous Values.
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Community members playing the Shoe Game
Feb. 16, 2024

NACA Reach Ur Life Navajo Késhjéé (Shoe Game)

Led by Talibah Begay, the Késhjéé was a joyful event that community members of all ages attended and enjoyed. NACA Reach Ur Life provided light refreshments, and incentives for pre-registered participants.

Family Health Center
1500 E. Cedar Suite 26,
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
fhwc@nacainc.org
(928) 773-1245
M-F | 8 AM – 5 PM

Wellness Center
1500 E. Cedar Ave., Suite 52
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
hpwc@nacainc.org
(928) 773-1245 ext. 221
M-Th | 8 AM – 7 PM
F | 8 AM – 5 PM

General Services Administration
1500 E. Cedar Ave., Suite 56
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
outreach@nacainc.org
(928) 526-2968
M-F | 8 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 5 PM

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Vol 3    Issue 3
May – June 2024

Native Americans for Community Action Inc., is a Flagstaff Community 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization and, as such, depends on the generous support of the community to offer services and programs that provide for critical needs around Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.

Help us by making a one-time contribution, and earn tax credit!

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NACA Events
SMPR registration is open!
NACA After Hours care
2024 Spring Into Summer Hiking
NACA Pow Wow Sweat every Monday
NACA Open House - Save the Date
3rd Annual 2SLGBTQ Health Matters Conference
May 2024 Health Promotions newsletter
Health Promotions Garden Kick-off Event
NACA closed for Memorial Day
NACA News & Info
NACA Staff and community members holding signs and walking for MMIW Awareness
Awareness Months
NAMI Family to Family & NAMI Family to Friends
May
Mental Health Awareness MonthThis year, NAMI is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the Take the Moment campaign. We encourage you to join us in fostering open dialogues, cultivating empathy and understanding. We also urge you to share our resources to support individuals and families on their journey towards mental wellness. Through “Take the Moment,” we shine a spotlight on NAMI’s array of signature programs including: NAMI BasicsNAMI Family-to-FamilyNAMI Family & FriendsNAMI HomefrontNAMI In Our Own VoiceNAMI Peer-to-PeerNAMI Support Groups and our invaluable NAMI HelpLine, which is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.

This campaign also champions the importance of destigmatizing mental health by normalizing the practice of taking moments to prioritize mental health care without guilt or shame.

2Spirit LGBTQ Progress Flag

June

2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month

“Colonization and Christian beliefs led to the persecution of our two-spirit and queer family members — from cutting their hair, to incarceration, and in some cases, murder. According to a study published on the website of the National Congress of American Indians, Catholic missionaries fed two-spirit and queer people to their dogs. Many tribes asked tribal members who identified as two-spirit or queer to go underground to protect sacred family members.

We must continue to protect our sacred family members and keep up the good fight. If you have people near and dear to you who identify as queer and transgender, surround them with love and empower them to be who they truly are.”

Resources
Hopi Education Endowment Fund logo
Hopi Education Endowment FundIn 2000, Hopi Tribal leadership wisely vested funding for the Hopi sinom (people) and their need for higher educational opportunities by establishing the Hopi Education Endowment Fund for the purpose of raising funds for college scholarships.

Twenty-three years later, the HEEF has established beneficial relationships with private donors, foundations, and fellow American Indian first nations to grow the endowment for future generations to come. The future of Hopi is entwined with the diligent work of the HEEF to raise funds to grow the endowment into a long-lasting funding source for Hopi students.

Great Seal of Zuni Tribe
Pueblo of Zuni

The Zuni Pueblo is nestled in a scenic valley, surrounded by the enchanting mesas, located about 150 miles west of Albuquerque. The main reservation, is located in the McKinley and Cibola counties in the western part of New Mexico. The estimated number of acres encompasses about 450,000 acres. The tribe has land holdings in Catron County, New Mexico and Apache County, Arizona, which are not adjoining to the main reservation. With elevations that range from nearly 8,000 feet on the western slope of the Continental Divide to about 6,000 feet in other areas, Zuni lands encompass a great variety of habitats and natural resources.

Zuni Tribe has a variety of departments that suit different areas of expertise, with different programs to help the public.

Indigenous community members conducting ceremony
Apache-StrongholdApache Stronghold, San Carlos, Arizona, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community organization of individuals who come together in unity to battle continued colonization, defend Holy sites and freedom of religion, and are dedicated to building a better community through neighborhood programs and civic engagement. We work from San Carlos, Arizona connecting Apaches and other Native and non-Native allies from all over the world. Chi’chil Biłdagoteel (also known as Oak Flat) is a sacred site for our Apache people and many other Native Americans. This is a place that has special significance— a place where we pray, collect water and medicinal plants for ceremonies, gather acorns and other foods, and honor those that are buried here. We have never lost our relationship to Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, though the U.S. Government, at times in our history, has imprisoned us on our Reservations and not allowed us to come here. We have established an encampment to protect the Holy Ground at Chi’chil Biłdagoteel with its four crosses, representing the entire surrounding sacred area, including its water, animals, oak trees, and other plants central to our tribal identity. The four crosses are now part of the body of Chi’chil Biłdagoteel.
Indigenous Artists
image of Loren (Acoma Pueblo)
ACONAV 

The name ACONAV represents the cohesion of cultures between its founders Loren (Acoma Pueblo) and Valentina (Navajo) Aragon. ACONAV is a Native American owned & operated couture fashion brand, based in Phoenix, AZ. The brand celebrates the strength and empowerment of women through positive expressions in designs that tie culture to modern style. The brand’s purpose is to properly and respectfully represent a part of Native America in fashion. ACONAV is a representation of a people, their story, and its culture.

No More Stolen Sisters art by La Morena
La Morena

Lucinda, affectionately known as “La Morena,” is an internationally renowned muralist and painter, whose roots trace back to Glendale, AZ, where she was born and raised. A proud Xicana of Apache, Pima, and Yaqui descent, Lucinda’s journey into the art world began in 2012 when she started curating underground art shows in Phoenix, AZ.Lucinda’s artistry is deeply rooted in Chicano and Indigenous aesthetics and spirituality, reflecting her heritage and commitment to social issues. She seamlessly blends traditional themes with contemporary contexts, sparking meaningful dialogues between art and society.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Lucinda is a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice. She has collaborated with organizations such as Promise AZ, ACLU, Poder in Action, and LUCHA, using her art as a platform for change. Lucinda’s dedication to her community has earned her recognition from notable figures, including a commendation from Arizona State Senator Catherine Miranda and a meeting with Congressman Greg Stanton to discuss her impactful #MMIW mural addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Oak Creek Overlook Native American Artisan Market
Oak Creek Overlook Native American Artisan Market

NACA’s Oak Creek Overlook Native American Artisan Market is open every day 8 AM – 4 PM, as weather permits. We have vendors also located every day at the Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center, Grand Canyon Tusayan Museum, and by AJ’s in Sedona!

Visit the NACA website, or find us on Google and Yelp for more information!

Background art by: Dannae Mahape
Created For You
Siggis Yogurt recipe card
Siggis Yogurt recipes from NACA’s Health Promotion team!
Find more recipes like this one on the NACA website!
Decolonize your social media by following
Indigenous influencers
Tylor Arthur Tylor Arthur
Filmer (Yoimasa) Kewanyama Filmer (Yoimasa) Kewanyama
Abby Aceves Abby Aceves
Selina A. Scott posing in front of her art
Selina A. Scott

Selina Andréa Scott is a Diné (Navajo) and Hispanic artist from Tempe, Arizona. Selina is inspired by her Indigenous and Hispanic heritage, and the focus of her work is to progress their representation in contemporary art and share the beauty of these communities. The main themes in her art include the exploration of identity, matriarchal ideas, connecting to nature, and pride in her culture.

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