By Carrie Naughton | Director of Development
GLOBAL GIVING Spring 2022 (Jan, Feb, Mar)
20166 Native American Advancement Foundation Academic Summer Program
Dear Friends,
Our Summer Adventure Program (SAP) kicks off in July, and we’re already planning on a multitude of enriching activities for the students, as well as continuing education for our dedicated teachers. NAAF will be sending Program Coordinator Adriana to the Native Nutrition conference in Minneapolis in May! We know she’ll bring back new ideas for incorporating indigenous knowledge into our health and prevention programs, and we look forward to learning more about the successful nutrition classes and activities that other Native Nations share.
NAAF is thrilled to hold our first ever Language and Culture Summer Immersion Camp from June 20-24. Teaching the O’odham language to the youth of GuVo District is an integral component of NAAF’s I:mig project. Translated in English as “all is related,” I:mig provides a foundational connection between language, existence, environment, culture, humans and non-human species. The Immersion camp activities will center I:mig and O’odham himdag (lifeways), to include daily culture-centered lessons, garden classrooms, traditional songs and basketry, and guest teacher visits with fluent O’odham speakers from across the Nation. The NAAF campus in GuVo Community will host this day camp, and healthy meals and snacks will be provided daily.
Ruth’s Oidag (garden) continues to grow! Horticulture lessons for both ASP and SAP programs will include planting and maintaining colorful, nutritious crops like purple Graffiti cauliflower, strawberries, seed potatoes, okra, and chocolate bell peppers. Ruth’s Oidag is quickly becoming legendary in GuVo District; we are beginning to host field trips from neighboring schools and Districts, and plan on sharing lessons and information so that other groups can start their own community gardens. This is a great way for the SAP students to learn about sustainability and collaboration.
The chicken coop is now home to 8 baby and teenage chickens, and we are hoping for fresh eggs soon! Students are in a contest to name all the chicks as they continue to learn about the different varieties of chickens, such as Rhode Island Reds and Easter Eggers. Animal husbandry lessons are central to responsible stewardship of the Oidag, and Summer Adventure Program youth will learn how to properly feed, water, and care for this beloved chicken family.
This spring and summer, NAAF also plans to include planting activities along our handmade Ocotillo fence, where students will learn to grow blackberries, blueberries, peas, and beans - and begin to cultivate vining plants. The students will dive into lessons about food sovereignty and nutrition, and the fresh berries will one day be incorporated into the healthy snacks served at NAAF’s new Ce:ce:m A’al Early Education program.
With gratitude, and all our best Springtime wishes.
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