NIYC News Albuquerque, NM December 2016/January 2017

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1 NIYC News Albuquerque, NM December 2016/January 2017 To improve the economic, educational and social welfare of American Indians. Our vision is to bring inspiration, empowerment and innovation to every American Indian to achieve excellence with confidence and honor. Our values are Integrity and Respect for People. December Brings Good Tidings of Joy... US Army Decision: No Easement for Dakota Access Pipeline Darcy said that the consideration of alternative routes would be best accomplished through an Environmental Impact Statement with full public input and analysis. The Department of the Army announced on December 4, 2016 that it would not approve an easement that would allow the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe in North Dakota. Jo-Ellen Darcy said she based her decision on a need to explore alternate routes for the Dakota Access Pipeline crossing. Her office had announced on November 14, 2016 that it was delaying the decision on the easement to allow for discussions with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, whose reservation lies 0.5 miles south of the proposed crossing. Tribal officials have expressed repeated concerns over the risk that a pipeline rupture or spill could pose to its water supply and treaty rights. "Although we have had continuing discussion and exchanges of new information with the Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access, it's clear that there's more work to do," Darcy said. "The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing." The Dakota Access Pipeline is an approximately 1,172 mile pipeline that would connect the Bakken and Three Forks oil production areas in North Da kota to an existing crude oil terminal near Pakota, Illinois. The pipeline is 30 inches in diameter and is projected to transport approximately 470,000 barrels of oil per day, with a capacity as high as 570,000 barrels. The current proposed pipeline route would have crossed Lake Oahe, an Army Corps of Engineers project on the Missouri River. The Full Statement can be read here: Inside this issue: NIYC Board President s Message 3 NIYC Executive Director s Message 4 Albuquerque Field Office News 5 Farmington Field Office News 6 Gallup Field Office News 7 1

2 GALLERY: December 2016/January

3 NIYC President Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn At the United Nations. During this month, we will see students from early childhood to college level finishing out their semesters and preparing for winter break. For many, there may be an added layer of stress with testing and completing final tasks before the break can be enjoyed. As NIYC, Inc. is an adamant supporter of education, we would like to encourage students at all levels of education to continue to pursue those educational goals and know we will continue to advocate for quality and culturally relevant education for students of all ages and grade levels. Our ancestors signed treaties and fought for our existence so that we are now able to navigate the current landscape, which requires us to have certifications, degrees and skills to ensure our community s survival and growth. We also understand that these next few months will bring winter weather and the survival of many of our homeless brothers and sisters will be at risk. We would like to encourage everyone to do what they can to provide a warm meal, warm blanket, and toiletries or look out for those you see on the street. If anything, sending your prayers and checking on relatives on the streets is vital. We all need to ensure our Indigenous brothers and sisters are treated humanely, fairly and not left out in the winter weather securing access to shelters and food. Their lives and stories are a part of our lives and stories. Let s all work together to ensure they are not forgotten. Finally, NIYC, Inc. would like to continue to remember the water protectors at Standing Rock. With recent news by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denial of easement under Lake Oahe has provided some hope and a small sense of victory. We know this is one small victory but the war is not over and we would like to ask for you to continue to advocate with your tribes, communities and respective organizations to stand in solidarity with Standing Rock and the fight for clean water and treaty rights. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with each of those who sacrificed their livelihood and time to be there in solidarity. Now, is the time to remember those in the classrooms, on the streets and on the frontlines; we are all connected as Indigenous communities. Ah-ho (thank you) Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn (Kiowa) President, NIYC Board of Directors 3

4 Happy Holiday Greetings! It s definitely feeling like the holiday season here at the National Indian Youth Council, Inc. The staff here have decorated the office to the max (they get a little excited) and everyone seems busy with the season. With Christmas and the-end-of-the-year comes the annual push by many groups and organizations seeking donations of cash, toys, food goods, clothing, etc. The giving rush is on! Mainly, this is because December is a season of giving in many communities across the country and world, and, also, because donations and gifts made to charities can have tax consequences and December 31st is the deadline for tax purposes for the year. So, for some, it s a good time to snag a write-off for all, or part, of your donation. (Yes, there are rules for what and how much can be written off. Check with your state tax bureau and the IRD to get more details.) Still, the best part of giving is knowing (or should I say, hoping) that your contribution can make life a little better for someone, somewhere. So, let s talk a little about giving, especially in Indian Country. When you give money or anything of value, it s good to know some facts. For one thing, all charities are NOT alike. It s important to know who they support, where they fund, and, how much of each dollar goes to the people/programs they profess to serve. This is true whether the organizations you give to are Native (just a hint, find out what Native means for such organizations is it Native-controlled, Native serving, or both?) or Non- Native in general. This kind of information can be found via a number of ways and places. For example, searching the name of the organization online along with the word complaint or scam is one way to learn about its reputation. Or, you can check them out online at the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) website, NASCO is an association of state offices charged with oversight of charitable organizations and charitable solicitation in the United States. Or, just ask for their annual report, as many reputable charities publish a report annually that details their revenues and giving, and more. Don t just assume your contribution will get to the folks you want it to. Do a little research. And give what you can to the organizations that you like best, Also, when giving to the big foundations and charities, keep in mind some interesting facts. In this country, less than 1% (yes, that s a one) of all foundation funding dollars goes to Native Americans, and for the top ten funders in Indian Country, the median percentage that gets to Native folks is just 4%. (That explains why grant funding, for Native nonprofits is so hard to get. There just isn t much targeting Native peoples.) Anyhow, you can learn more about private foundations and trends in funding Native folks/organizations by reading the Foundation Funding for Native American Issues and Peoples report put out by the Council of Foundations and Native Americans in Philanthropy here: nativephilanthropy.org//wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2011-foundation-funding-for-native-american- Issues-and-Peoples.pdf Last word to the wise: Never send cash donations. For security and tax purposes, it s best to pay by check made payable to the charity or by credit card. Woliwon, Tina M. Farrenkopf (Passamaquoddy) 4

5 Albuquerque Field Office News 318 Elm Street SE Albuquerque, NM (505) Partner Profile: Wings For Life WINGS for Life International is a non-profit organization who help families of incarcerated individuals with reaching out to the kids and educating, supporting and providing guidance to try and break at-risk behaviors within the inmate s family. The organization has volunteers plus Director, Ann Edenfield that travel to different prison facilities to assist with family visits. Holly Chee who recently completed her training at WINGS for Life, she assisted and shadowed the Director in organization, planning, grant writing and networking with director businesses to spark a program directly for Native Americans. Holly will continue to volunteer with WINGS for Life and will continue to seek information and funding for the idea of helping families of Native American inmates. Participant Profile: Gail Martinez Hello, my name is Gail Martinez from the Ramah Navajo Community which is located south of Grants. I ve been living in Albuquerque for over four years now with my husband, two boys (a midschooler and a high-schooler) and our family dog, Rooty. I ve been a participate of NIYC since May of I m part of the Classroom Training Program where I get help financially for attending my classes. Currently, I m in the CNM Nursing Program, completing my second trimester out of four. It has been quite a long journey but I m starting to see my most challenging goal come true to become a selfless advocate for many people who need help sometimes. I m very appreciative that NIYC has given me a chance to concentrate more on my studies then worry about gas money the utility bills. Thank you. Opportunity With the last bit of fall lingering, we are coming to a close on With the holidays coming into sight we tend to get caught up in family time and traveling, often putting off any major decision making. As for NIYC it starts to become quite and there is less traffic that comes through the door. Which would make a good opportunity for people to come in and apply for our services. This can be done during the days and hours that we are open. Things to consider when applying for our services is to make sure that you make time for the intake interview and make sure to read the checklist thoroughly. The checklist is a major key to what is needed to submit with the application. In order for an application to be processed the documents needed, need to be submitted along with the application. If there is any problems obtaining documents that are needed, NIYC could possibly help obtain these documents. As long as all necessary documents and the application are submitted, it will take only 2 to 3 weeks to process. With the New Year coming up it is an ideal time to submit an application for our programs. Whether you are looking for employment opportunities, or going to starting a new school semester our services could be utilized. Starting a new year for anyone could mean new opportunities and NIYC could be an answer for some people. This program is here for Native Americans that need extra help with looking for employment, or for those that need extra financial help with school. We welcome anyone that wants to come in apply for the programs we have. 5

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7 N.I.Y.C Gallup Field Office News 407 South Cliff Drive, Suite B, Gallup, New Mexico, Tel: (505) Fax: (505) Top Picture: NIYC GFO Staff and Volunteers: (L to R) Program Support Assistant, Sheryl Tom, GFO Manager, Josephine Jody Brown Volunteer, Bryant Brown, Volunteer, Don Martinez, & Job Developer, Jesica Adeky Picture to the Left: S.W.I.F.T, Executive Director, Joseph Esparza, Malena Begaye, Client Services Coordinator Picture to the Right: WEX Participant, Joabe Bill New Partner: Southwest Indian Foundation, (S.W.I.F.T) 218 E. Historic Hwy 66, Gallup NM (505) Southwest Indian Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that relies solely on private donations. Southwest Indian Foundation assistance is strictly limited to Native Americans - with priority given to the elderly, handicapped, and families with dependent children. Along with the Navajo people, they also serve the Zuni, Hopi, and other pueblo tribes of the area. S.W.I.F.T services include: Substantial school grants and individual tuition assistance, homes for battered women and children, home repair and wood stove installation, Christmas food baskets for needy families, alcohol counseling, and emergency assistance in the areas of food, clothing, heating fuel, and temporary shelter. In addition, S.W.I.F.T has also launched an Indian Craft Catalog to provide a national outlet for Native Americans to sell their precious handmade goods. The profits from this catalog go directly back to the Native Americans themselves in the form of our many philanthropic programs. Participant Profile: Joabe Bill, Gallup, New Mexico Joabe Bill is a 24 year old Navajo male who had applied for the Employment and Training program to gain more job training and work experience. His barriers kept him from being comfortable in a leadership position and job searching with a limited experience and skills. Since Joabe has been a part of the N.I.Y.C Work Experience Program, he has gained training in many different areas such as: Communications, Motivational, and Job Development training. Since then Joabe has been doing an outstanding job with customer service and office management duties. He continues to work as an Office Aide at Southwest Indian Foundation where he is learning all areas of Office Management. With all his dedication and initiative, Joabe will obtain employment with S.W.I.F.T. after he completed NIYC s WEX Program. Joabe s goal is to become successful in a goal oriented career and to be able to be self-sufficient in his career future career in Office Management. 7

8 SATURDAY Portland, Oregon: new-years-eve-sobrietypowwow/ FRIDAY Crystal City, VA American Indian Inaugural Celebration, Sponsored by the NCAI American Indian Inaugural Dinner and Ball, January 20, 2017 at 7:00pm. Where: Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, VA 31st Annual New Year's Eve Sobriety Powwow Join us for the 31st Annual New Year s Eve Sobriety Powwow! This is one of the largest sobriety new year celebrations in the country. NARA Honorings, Sobriety Count Down, Aztec Dance Performance, Art and Craft Vendors An alcohol, recreational drug and commercial-tobacco free event. NARA will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Master of Ceremonies: Philip Archambault Whipman: Ed Goodell Color Guard: NIVA Host Drum: NARA All Nation Location: Oregon Convention Center 777 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd. Portland, OR United States For more info: For more information: Contact Reggie Tupponcer at wtupponce@gmail.com Mobile: (804) FRIDAY TO SUNDAY Arizona 79th Annual Tohono O'odham Nation Rodeo & Fair It s that time again for Southern Arizona longest running AllIndian Rodeo and Fair Celebration scheduled for January 2729, 2017 at the Eugene P. Tashquinth Sr. Livestock Complex located three (3) miles west of Sells, Arizona along State Route 86. Bring the entire family and join us in sharing our culture by participating in our social round dancing, a variety of music en- 8 tertainment will hit the main stage daily including the ever so popular Waila Bands, traditional food sampling along the food court vendors alley, arts & crafts, and exhibit booths for the leisure visitor. The All Indian Pow-Wow contest is a crowd favorite, come watch as Pow-Wow contestants from all over the country compete for cash prizes in junior, adult and senior divisions. For more information, go to: rodeo_fair.aspx HAVE AN UPCOMING EVENT? If you have a local, regional, or national event happening in February, that you would like to post in February s NIYC News, please send an with all the details, by the last day of the month prior to the event, to tfarrenkopf@niyc-alb.org. We d like to share events from all over, not just New Mexico. If it s appropriate and if we have space, we ll post it.