This project is now in update mode. Check back regularly to see how things are progressing.
NAU In The Navajo Nation: Care For Nahádzáán
This is an experiential learning program that gives NAU students a hands-on, practical way to learn about Diné/Navajo and Hopi cultures from Diné/Navajo and Hopi hosts and connects mainstream, off-reservation western life with traditional Indigenous ways of life. Students look at the economic, political, and cultural problems that Indigenous people have faced over the past 500 years through lessons taught by Indigenous community partners as well as readings, films, and presentations by Indigenous people. By focusing on the Navajo and Hopi perspectives, students experience Native American life and culture in a unique and impactful way.
Students spend several weekends or a full week volunteering and camping on remote traditional farms in the Diné/Navajo, and Hopi nations. They help Indigenous farmers care for sheep, tend to fields, maintain fences, and install irrigation systems, all while learning how their hosts have lived off the land for hundreds of years. The program works closely with a Navajo language interpreter and several Indigenous cultural educators to teach students about Diné/Navajo and Hopi histories, ceremonies, beliefs, and ways of life.
This program travels to places like Moenave/Tuba City, Round Rock, Moenkopi (Hopi), and other places in Arizona and/or New Mexico.
$5
Tabasco
Your gift will help purchase a big bottle of Tabasco, the most requested seasoning by students.
$25
One Tent and Sleeping Bag
Your gift will provide one tent and sleeping bag rental for two comfy nights on the ground.
$50
Host Family Meal
Your gift will provide a delicious meal for our host family, for example a couple of stews to cater to dietary needs.
$100
Traditional Meal
Your donation will buy a traditional meal cooked with our hosts by the whole group.
$150
Honorarium
Your donation will provide an honorarium for an Indigenous teacher/community partner.
$200
Camping Gear Rental
Your donation will provide camping gear rental for one weekend for all students.
$300
Farming Tools
Your donation will cover tools for one weekend that we gift our community partners for their farms.
$400
Honoraria and Accommodations
Your gift will provide honoraria and accommodations which pays for a full weekend for the group at a community partner’s farm.
$700
Sponsor a Student
Your gift will fully sponsor one student’s participation in this program.
$1,000
Van Rentals
Your donation will provide van rentals for the group for one to two weekends.
