We are partnering with Native-led organizations to bring awareness and clarity to the urgencies of Indian Country so we can possibly help meet the needs and requests of tribal nations during this pandemic.
Some of the partnerships are continuing relationships as we, DCAA, have already been leading food and health justice efforts in our communities before the COVID-19 pandemic. In this time, our relationships have been further strengthened and opportunities have blossomed for the growth of new connections made during this time.
We are also continuing our friendships in allyships created before the pandemic and now through this time, we still are advocating for and welcoming fresh, respectful, and healing connections that are possible at this time.
Dikos Ntsaaígíí-Náhást'éíts'áadah (COVID19) Grassroots Response By DCAA's Lead Community Health Advocate, Denisa Livingston
It will take collective action, allyship, and partnership for us to overcome this pandemic and face what is expected to come. Since we, the Diné Nation, are at the COVID19 epicenter of Indian Country, at DCAA, we are raising awareness of the public health crisis we face to help influence the reduction and elimination of risks and exposure of COVID-19, advocating for support for our Navajo Nation and surrounding areas and further assisting and serving our Diné communities at this very critical time.
Many of our Diné and Indigenous people are very vulnerable and are high-risk tribal citizens with pre-existing health conditions of heart diseases and diabetes. With the exponential spread, we are very concerned about the lack of infrastructure, care, and services that already exists and the uncertainty that continues to increase throughout Indian Country. We thank you and say, Ahéhee', for your continued support of our first residents and first communities of our tribal nations.
Monday, Aug. 3, 2020 - For the Navajo Nation, a Fight for Better Food Gains New Urgency, New York Times
Monday, June 15th, 2020 - Traditional farming on Navajo during COVID-19, The Washington Post
Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 - Diné Nation pandemic updates, Bay Area Native Circle radio
Monday, May 4th, 2020 - Navajo Nation is Being Hit Hard By COVID-19, The Takeaway podcast
Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 - Native Food Systems in the time of COVID-19, Garden Warriors to Good Seeds blog
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 - Structural Competency, Medically Marginalized Populations, Berkeley CSM, NYU, UCSF DAHSM, webinar
Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 - How Native Americans Are Fighting a Food Crisis, New York Times
Friday, April 10th, 2020 - COVID-19 overwhelms the Navajo Nation, Berkeley KPFA radio
Thursday, April 9th, 2020 - Lockdown and Curfew, Al-Jazeera
Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 - Rural Innovation and Lessons, World Skoll Forum and Ashoka webinar
We are advocating to be considerate of the health of our community members when donating or gifting food, please healthful foods and water is essential, no processed unhealthy foods or sugary foods or drinks. With COVID19, many of our people are very vulnerable and supporting the immune system and improving the immune system as well as protecting the health and well-being of our tribal citizens is critical. If we are not mindful of this reality and the consequences, the outcome could be detrimental and possibly fatal. Please participate in health solidarity with us. #FoodIsMedicine
We are radiating the urgency and the importance of growing our own food. It is part of our heritage, values, and identity that we have been given as Indigenous peoples to apply the ancestral practices of food traditionalism, food security, and survival. It is part of preparing for the next season of life in the midst of many unknowns to be self-sustaining and resilient. We can be a blessing to our families and neighbors, and be contributors of increasing food access at the local level. So we are sourcing organic, heirloom seeds, and will be distributing to families who have the capacity and strength to steward these activities.
In addition to providing healthful food boxes to our community members, we are partnering with Pioche Food Group and Juniper Coffee Eatery to provide family meals to First Responders and Essential Workers and their families in the Four Corners area. In this effort, we are also raising awareness to support our Diné chefs and Diné businesses at this critical time.
Despite the many challenges during this time, we are careful of the health vulnerabilities and community engagements. As we face sheltering-at-home and lockdown restrictions, we continue to expand and create solutions to scale impact in synergy. Our advocates are mobilizing, e-mobilizing, improving their abilities to work remotely, and are making a difference collectively in the best and safe ways possible.
We are partnering with the Notah Begay III Foundation during this time to help our people to stay informed and protected during this time, follow us on social media to check out the PSAs from our Native athletes inspiring all to be proactive.
To directly the support the efforts and relief aid led by the Navajo Nation Government regarding COVID19, click on the banner on top of this page and you will find the info with links and resources of the Navajo Nation Health Command Center.
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