Native American / American Indian Blog by Partnership With Native Americans | Native American, Amer

Time 2020-07-26 17:05:07

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Native American / American Indian Blog by Partnership With Native Americans | Native American, American Indian, Native American charities, Indian reservations, humanitarian and social justice, NRC programs Despite Classroom Uncertainties, School Supplies are CriticalBy Joshua Arce | Published: July 23, 2020 It’s the question on everyparent’s mind – when and how is my child going back to school? Theanswer varies across states, communities and districts as school officials areworking to navigate the safest course of action for their students. And whilethe immediate plan is unclear, one thing is certain: education for every childis critical. The average cost of school supplies per child in the U.S. is $789 this year, and part of the increase is factoring in PPE for students, such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Many parents are also investing in laptops and tablets to support distance learning. Unfortunately, almost two-thirds of Native American children on the reservations are living in impoverished or low-income households and needs like these present barriers to education.PWNA’s American Indian Education Fund (AIEF) program has provided school supplies to Pre-K through grade 12 students across the Southwest and Northern Plains for decades – as part of its annual Backpack Drive. This year is no exception and PWNA is hoping to deliver supplies to at least 15,000 Native American students.While unemploymentcontinues to rise across the U.S., it’s still nowhere near the unemploymentrates within the communities PWNA serves (35-85%, depending on thereservation). Incomes are often restricted for Native American families and,for many, even basic school supplies are a luxury that can’t always beafforded. Not to mention the challenges to physically access school suppliesgiven the remoteness of some reservation communities and the current travelrestrictions in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19. One PWNA partner and teacher, Deborah from the Northern Plains, recalls a grandmother who called a week before school started last year. She was concerned her five grandchildren could not start school on time as she could not afford their school supplies. When Deborah assured her that the children would not have to wait, thanks to the AIEF school supplies, she was so relieved.  With support from caring donors, PWNA hopes to bring much-needed relief to families like these who so often must choose between feeding their families and shopping for back to school. To learn more and contribute to our Backpack Drive, visit www.PWNA4hope.org. Facebook CommentsWe joined a virtual panel of experts from across the globe, including representatives from Bread for the City, International Fund for Agricultural Development and the UN Development Programme. We had the honor of bringing a Native American voice to the issue, offering perspective on the historical impact of colonization and the resulting cycle of poverty within Indian Country today. Each panelist spoke to how COVID-19 has impacted their respective work. I shared that Native American communities are disproportionately affected by national disasters, and this global health pandemic is no exception. Many tribal communities have shut down their businesses and restricted their borders even as they continue facing unique challenges in fighting the spread of the virus, including high rates of poverty and food insecurity, and limited access to education and healthcare.Nearly 1 in 4 Native American households experience low food security, compared to 1 in 9 Americans overall.Native peoples were stripped of their resources, natural food systems and lifestyles centuries ago and continue to struggle with food access today. In discussing how to address food insecurity, we shared how PWNA is focused on supporting both immediate relief and long-term solutions.Our partnerships with major food organizations, such as Feeding America, Feed The Children and in-kind and retail suppliers, help us ensure we have an adequate supply of food and clean water to support tribes in need. Nutrition education is also vital, and while our in-person training sessions are currently on hold, I shared how we’ve transitioned our curriculum online, launching a Train-the-Trainer (T3) video series that features recipes from Native American chefs and healthy eating habits with traditional foods that are locally available. I also shared some of our partners’ upcoming initiatives around sustainable food sourcing, such as community gardens, canning and dehydration. Access to education (or lack thereof) is directly linked to poverty in America, and the systems that create barriers to prosperity need to change so that everyone can succeed, not just specific racial groups. We discussed some of the severe challenges for Native Americans, rooted in a history defined by active colonization and control, and how PWNA has worked to combat this with programs that increase access to quality education for all ages.I also shared a personal story of when I first entered grade school. I remember thinking school was meant for upsetting the viewpoints of students like me because the history we were taught was inaccurate at best and directly contradicted the reality I was living. The educational system should be built on equality and trust among tribal nations, states and the federal government, not from a position of oppression. And while increased access to education at all levels will not solely address the conditions that perpetuate poverty, it is a critical factor. The response from my fellow panelists and the audience was overwhelmingly positive and they appreciated the perspective we were able to bring. Many were unaware of how U.S. history has impacted poverty, food insecurity and education for Native Americans today. We hope to continue participating in these important conversations and serving as a voice for Native communities to help create change for a brighter future. Facebook Comments Global-PPE Donates Critical Personal Protective Equipment for Native CommunitiesBy Rafael Tapia, Jr. | Published: July 14, 2020 Personal protectiveequipment (PPE) is critical in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and PartnershipWith Native Americans is working with organizations to ensure they’re providingthese supplies to Native American communities in the Northern Plains andSouthwest.Global PPE is providing PPE,medical supplies, equipment, and technology to underserved communities in theU.S. and is working to bring innovative solutions to industries most impactedby COVID-19. The company is committed to creating rapid and sustainablesupplies and recently donated 10,000 KN95 masks to PWNA.spoke with Sanjay Puri, chief executive officer of Global PPE, to discuss moreabout their mission to help at-risk communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Can you tell us about Global-PPE andhow you’re addressing shortages of personal protective equipment in NativeAmerican communities during the coronavirus pandemic? PPE was established to provide much needed medical supplies to underservedcommunities during COVID-19 and beyond. We work with quality, ethical suppliersand provide communities with reliable supplies in the face of broken productionand supply chains and the most underserved communities being overlooked in thepandemic.Ourmission is to help those who are underserved, and Native Americans have been disproportionatelyimpacted by COVID-19. Unfortunately, they were not getting the help they neededquickly enough, so we decided to step in and provide critical supplies.We wanted to make sure we worked withcredible organizations that are making an immediate impact and PWNA is doing alot of good work to help Native American communities year-round. PWNA felt likethe right organization for Global-PPE to work with as they can make sure thepeople who need our products the most receive them.Native Americans on reservations have limitedaccess to healthcare and lack the stores and resources to purchase these masks ontheir own. Yet, these masks can slow the spread of COVID-19 and provide the immediateprotection Native Elders need to stay safe.The U.S. is one of the wealthiest countries in theworld and it is unacceptable to see one of our most vulnerable communities so threatenedby COVID-19 because of a lack of medical supplies. We all need to do our partto make sure that this does continue to happen.Kate Farms, a plant-based, organic medical nutrition company recently provided 10,000 meal replacement shakes to PWNA for Elders of Navajo and other Southwest tribes impacted by COVID-19, as part of its 250,000-meal commitment to serving those most in need. We spoke with John Hommeyer, Chief Experience Officer at Kate Farms, to discuss more about their nutritional products and the positive impact they hope to make for communities in need. Kate Farms was founded on the value of bringing nutrition to those mostat risk, thanks to loving parents who were determined to save their daughterKate who was born with cerebral palsy. Kate was failing to thrive because shecould not tolerate the available tube-feeding formulas, so out of desperation, herparents developed a plant-based formula without any common allergens. Kate, whois a thriving 13-year old now, is the perfect example of how the power of food,and more importantly nutrition, leads to better health and in turn improvesquality of life. At Kate Farms, we believe good nutrition is medicine and our mealreplacement shakes help restore and support health, deliver necessary nutrientsand vitamins and boost overall immunity. In fact, Kate Farms is the no. 1recommended plant-based beverage prescribed to deliver vital medical nutritionto people with chronic diseases and the general population. Now, Kate Farms iscontinuing our mission to deliver nutrition to those most in need from coast tocoast. We feel compelled to act in these tough times – it’s who we are at KateFarms. With the advent of COVID-19, we know that those most-at risk are seniors,and even prior to this pandemic we understood the food insecurities facing theNative American communities. This is why we wanted to distribute our plant-basedmeal replacement shakes to Elders of the Navajo Nation and other Southwesttribes impacted by COVID-19, as part of our commitment to serve 250,000 mealsto those most in need.We are grateful for our relationship with Partnership With NativeAmericans and for the chance to continue our mission to deliver high quality,plant-based medical nutrition. We looked for partners who had theinfrastructure and experience to quickly and efficiently deliver food, so it madeperfect sense to work with PWNA and put our nutritional meals directly in thehands of those who can ensure they reach Native communities, and more specifically,Native Elders. It’s a privilege to work with an organization that has dedicatedits full force to improving the lives of Native Americans.Kate Farms produces plant-based, organic and clinically-provennutritional formulas with none of the major allergens – such as soy, dairy andcorn – that many traditional formulas contain. Kate Farms is made of easilydigestible yellow pea protein, prebiotics from organic agave inulin and aclinically effective phytonutrient blend that delivers antioxidants. Ourproducts taste great and are good for those with diabetes and a low glycemicindex. Kate Farms is on formulary with many of the leading adult hospitalsystems and provides delicious nutrients to our senior community across thecountry.We are fortunate to have the opportunity to make sure those most at-risk are getting the nutrition they need through Kate Farms. We are focused on three main populations during COVID-19: seniors, front-line healthcare workers, and those without access to quality healthcare and nutrition. And we are so inspired by the efforts of so many volunteers who are right there with us in helping those in need. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Kate Farms is donating more than 250,000 complete meals to those most at risk, which is equivalent to $1 million dollars in plant-based formulas. Our donation supports the pandemic relief efforts of PWNA, Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, Meals on Wheels and The Campaign Against Hunger in Brooklyn, with the goal of getting nutrition directly into the hands of those impacted, including the elderly. Facebook Comments“Federal and statehealth agencies are refusing to give Native American tribes and organizationsrepresenting them access to data showing how the coronavirus is spreadingaround their lands, potentially widening health disparities and frustratingtribal leaders already ill-equipped to contain the pandemic. The Centers forDisease Control and Prevention has turned down tribal epidemiologists’ requestsfor data that it’s making freely available to states. Authorities in Michiganand Massachusetts since early spring have also resisted handing overinformation on testing and confirmed cases, citing privacy concerns, andrefused to strike agreements with tribes on contact tracing or othersurveillance, eight tribal leaders and health experts told POLITICO. In someinstances, officials questioned tribes legal standing as sovereign entities.”“As the coronavirus has ravaged the country, killing 100,000 Americans and leaving 40 million without jobs, states are beginning to consider voting by mail as a safer alternative to in-person voting. However, while voting by mail may make it easier for some voters to cast their ballots, it isn t a universal solution. For Native Americans living on reservations, implementing vote-by-mail policies could actually create barriers to voting. Many Native Americans living on reservations have ‘nontraditional addresses,’ meaning that they do not receive mail to their houses but instead get it from a P.O. box. Natalie Landreth, senior staff attorney for the Native American Rights Fund, said that it was more likely for people living on tribal lands to have ‘descriptive addresses’ like ‘last house on the left,’ instead of a specific address like ‘123 Main Street.’ The U.S. is home to 574 federally recognized tribes with approximately 6.9 million Native Americans and Alaska Native citizens. But despite their population size and their vast and thriving communities, Natives often suffer problems silently, invisibly, without the benefit of public outcry or media attention. Their problems can no longer remain in the dark: American Indians and Alaska Natives are facing a crisis of their own going missing or being murdered. Our government is finally beginning to tackle the issue. The next step is for all Americans to join in on the efforts to end this ongoing tragedy.”“Native Americantribal nations are imposing stricter lockdown and social-distancing measuresthan their neighboring states, creating tensions with both governors and thefederal government. Many Native American leaders are worried that the recentsurge in cases could disproportionately impact tribal members, just as they didin April and May. In response, some tribal governments have exercised theirsovereignty to reinstate lockdowns and travel bans as neighboring states movein the opposite direction. ‘It’s a greater challenge for us to deal withknowing that just right across the borders, everyone else is doing thingsdifferent,’ Cheyenne River Sioux chairman Harold Frazier told The Hill.”“Nestlé is rebranding its Red Skins and Chicos sweets, saying that their controversial names — which feature offensive racial overtones — are ‘out of step’ with the company s values. The products, which are sold in Australia, have prompted complaints for several years. Allen s, the Nestlé (NSRGF) brand that produces the sweets, said in a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday that the decision to rename the products was made to avoid marginalizing its friends, neighbors and colleagues.” Facebook CommentsPow wows serve as a reminder of the beauty in ourtraditions and cultures. Dancing is a form of prayer and a way of life for manytribes. I was taught that dancing is the highest form of prayer. It’s alsoinspired by different sources, such as hunting and gathering, camping,tracking, respecting animals and their worth, and more. All these dances holddifferent meanings for those who dance and pow wows serve as a cultural celebrationthat brings levity to hard times and connects us with past and futuregenerations through tradition.Unfortunately, pow wows are currently a cause for concern as tribal communities continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and worry about the risk to Native American health. This year, we’ve had to ask ourselves a hard question: Are pow wows, sun dances and other traditional gatherings more important than the health of our communities? Many tribes are canceling pow wows, cultural ceremonies and other events to protect the very lives of those who celebrate them. And as tribes continue to be impacted by the spread of COVID-19, the lack of celebration and continued risk for Elders is taking a heavy toll on traditional customs and culture. The Navajo Nation, for example, has the highest per capita infection rate in the country (more than 7,800 as of June 20). With so few sources of cultural knowledge across the 574 federally recognized tribes in the U.S., any loss of Elders, spiritual leaders and practicing community members means a loss of culture for their tribes. The coronavirus certainly has impacted us all, but for these communities where fewer remember their oral history and traditions, every loss comes with a significant cost. While Native communities are taking steps to social distance, it’s hard not to miss partaking in our pow wows, sun dances and inipi ceremonies. However, we must sacrifice these traditions to protect our loved ones and our ancestral ways for the greater good of our people.I hope everyone is staying safe – and not complacent – as we become adjusted to the new normal. Too much is at risk and we must stay vigilant to protect ourselves and each other in these trying times. Facebook CommentsSurely, one ofthe most resonant questions for future fathers everywhere is, “Will I be a goodfather?” Children do not come with a reference manual, nor does fatherhood. However,that doesn’t mean there aren’t resources available to help guide new fathers inthe right direction. One such resource comes from Albert Pooley, a Hopi and Navajo father and grandfather who has helped many Native American fathers discover their strengths. Pooley realized social programs often fall short of the real help that is needed, and in 2002 he founded The Native American Fathers and Families Association (NAFFA) to help Native fathers who are struggling. When we look to our fathers for help, we often forget that many times they are alone with their own doubts –even those who are in the home. At the heart of the NAFFA philosophy is the wisdom that families are sacred, and that while many families often see the father as the problem, these fathers can also be the solution to the family’s problems (i.e, the white sheep of the family). Through their“Fathers are Sacred” program, NAFFA inspires self-motivation and encouragement andprovides culturally relevant support to give fathers the tools they need to helptheir children succeed in life. NAFFA facilitators and programs offer fathersample opportunities to grow and learn from the experiences of others. All fathers have great influence over their children andtherefore the world. This Father’s Day, we recognize fathers everywhere for thegifts you bring and sacrifices you make for our families. Our very connectionto you holds the promise of life. Facebook CommentsHowever, we consulted with several NativeAmerican chefs, nutritionists and practitioners on the best ways to reformatthe T3 training sessions so that tribal members could continue to learntraditional methods of meal preparation and food preservation, even in themidst of a global pandemic. The solution was to develop an online video seriesthat allows tribal members to stay connected while at home, learn new cooking skillsand attempt recipes as demonstrated in the videos. Facilitators are recording videos from their homes that we are publishing on YouTube. The first four videos focusing on “food as medicine” include lessons on no-waste cooking, cooking with wild onions, making Elderberry drops and practicing self-care while sheltering at home. More videos will be released this summer.In addition to the online training, PWNA is sending boxes of produce with recipes and nutritional information so that participants can practice their cooking and food preservation skills training. We’re also encouraging tribal members to submit their own videos, whether it’s cooking with methods learned from the online training courses or sharing their own healthy recipes with traditional ingredients. Several T3 participants have already submitted content, including videos on best use of spices, chili sauce recipes, salsa recipes and a cornbread recipe using blue corn meal.PWNA is also furthering its T3 service by investing in more capacity building projects to support gardening, small farming and food sovereignty initiatives. We’re providing funds for seeds and remote technical assistance for reservation community-based projects that include online training in gardening, farming and project management. We are thankful for our dedicated partners throughout Indian Country and the support of Newman’s Own Foundation and LDS Charities as their contributions allow us to continue providing critical food and nutrition education services, even amid the pandemic. Facebook Comments Standing in Solidarity: Black Lives MatterBy Joshua Arce | Published: June 3, 2020 PWNA respects and honors the diverse culture, history and concerns of all communities in America. As a Native American-serving organization, we know firsthand how U.S. systems and policies have created social injustice and disenfranchisement for those most vulnerable. Today, we stand in solidarity with the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others whose deaths inspire the Black Lives Matter movement. PWNA denounces all forms of racism against all populations who have long endured inequalities and commend all those who are championing hope for a brighter future. Facebook Comments Share on Facebook Share 0 A nonprofit organization, Baby2Baby provides diapers, clothing and other necessities for infants and children up to age 12 when faced with disaster or economic disparities. The Los Angeles-based organization is supported by many celebrities and has distributed more than 100 million items to children in homeless shelters, foster care, hospitals and underserved schools across the country. Baby2Baby’s mission aligns effortlessly with PWNA’s work in underserved tribal communities across the Southwest and Northern Plains and our partnership could not have come at a more crucial time.the COVID-19 outbreak, PWNA’s distribution centers in Phoenix and Rapid Citywere already running low on some of the basics needed to assist families. Diapersare particularly in demand and at the top of many of our reservation partners’lists, including Alan from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation who works withlocal families and says they always receive requests for diapers. Not to mention, shopping for essentialitems while on tribal lands is limited – even in “normal” times. It may takesomeone an hour to travel to and from a convenience store or gas station, giventhe remote location of some reservations. So, what does one do? Spend yourlimited money to gas up a vehicle that’s likely already in need of repair onlyto travel twice as far to a bigger store with discounted prices? Or do you staycloser to home and pay significantly more for the same item at a trading post?Lovena, a partner from the Sweetwater community on the Navajo Nation, also shared that increased shoppers from surrounding areas have created even more demand in local trading posts, making it difficult for locals to purchase the food and items they need as the supplies are gone within a few hours of restocking. The COVID-19 pandemic is further magnifying this problem and even big-box’ stores are experiencing empty shelves and price increases, so what are families in remote communities to do? Tribal governments are also asserting their sovereignty through stay-at-home orders, critical roadway checkpoints, curfews and even lockdowns to protect their citizens from the deadly virus. Fortunately, PWNA has continued regular deliveries and also distributed tons of supplies to impacted tribes through our COVID pandemic response. And with the supplies donated by Baby2Baby, we’ve already been able to assist families living on the Navajo, Hopi, Pine Ridge, Crow Agency, Northern Cheyenne, and Spirit Lake reservations and the San Felipe Pueblo. So, from all of us at PWNA, I’m sharing a heartfelt Lakota ‘thank you’ to Baby2Baby: Pilamaya yé. We appreciate your generosity and will leave you with a recent message from Marguerite, a resident of theChinle community of the Navajo Nation:“My heart is so full right now as I look at the food and baby supplies you delivered to our home today. You couldn’t have known that we were wondering where we would find the money to go to town and that we were down to our last [items]. Ahehee’ (thank you)!” Facebook Comments A blog about Native American culture, challenges and hope on remote and isolated reservations with the highest need in the U.S.

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