The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program exists to create a Bridge of Hope between Native Americans and other cultures. It allows us to reach out to one another, share our gifts, and mend the broken circle of our relationship with the Land and the Native Americans who hold it in sacred trust. The Adopt-A-Native Elder is charity code 1002.
The Program supports the traditional Elders who live in the cultural and spiritual traditions of The Dine' People. Most live in remote portions of the Dine' (Navajo) reservation. Many live in traditional hogans, and some raise sheep as a means of maintaining themselves.
The Program provides food, simple medicines, clothing, fabric, and yarns to help these Elders live on the Land in their traditional lifestyle. As they have become elderly, it has become more difficult for them to support themselves on the Land in their traditional ways.
Miracles From the Sky
The Program is organized in the Native American Spirit of the Giveaway Circle. The Giveaway Circle has a tradition of giving the best that we have. That may be a gift of time, talents or skills, or actual gifts of food and clothing. When asked what the boxes of food and clothing meant to her, Ruth Benally explained that they were like "miracles from the sky." The miracle is the letters and gifts that arrive from people that they don't know and may never meet.
The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program carries out virtually all of its activities with volunteers. The Program runs on the generous donations of time, energy, and money of people who choose to become involved. Many people choose to Adopt an Elder, but this is not necessary for you to be able to support our Elders. We have developed a variety of options you can choose that fit your ability to give and your specific interests. Please refer to the Elder Support section to better understand these options. If you do not have an adopted elder, you may make donations to specific programs, and we will insure that your donation is delivered to an Elder in need.
Annual Rug Show and Sale
One of the primary fund raisers for the activities of the Program is our Annual Rug Show and Sale. Volunteers begin working in January of each year for the Rug Show that takes place in Park City each November. This three day event, November 8 – 10, 2013, requires many volunteers to make it successful. Our rug show this year features the theme Weaving Winter Stories. The winter season is a time of cultural renewal for the Navajo people. With plants and many animals asleep, there isn't quite as much need to spend time with the agrarian necessities of life. Dine' families gather at this time of year, often in their hogans, to share stories and play games. These are times when much information about history and culture are passed along to the younger generations.
For more information about the background and scope of the Program please visit www.anelder.org.
This charity, and all the other hundreds of worthy charities, need your contributions. Please don’t forget to donate at www.usecf.state.ut.us.
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