THE ADOPT-A-NATIVE-ELDER PROGRAM exists to create a bridge between Native
American and other cultures. It allows people to reach out to one another,
share their gifts, and mend the broken circle of our relationship with the
land and the native people who hold it in sacred trust.
Many Native American Elders are fighting to retain their rights to the land,
their spiritual heritage and to preserve one of the last sacred places on
earth. These Elders survive in conditions that have grown continually more
desperate as they, the CAREKEEPERS OF THE EARTH, are driven from their lands.
Their homes are remote and simple. Often their livelihood depends upon
their sheep from which they gather wool for weaving and meat for their
tables. Their sheep are being taken from them, their water is so polluted
that drinking water must be hauled in, and even their homes are under attack.
Yet in the midst of all this, they maintain their spiritual heritage and
speak their prayers on behalf of the People, and our earth. Their prayers
are for the children and the grandchildren and for all of us to know that
they fulfill their purpose as Carekeepers of our Mother Earth. These Elders
are the medicine people of the Dineh, the heads of their clans, and those who
know and fulfill their purpose along their path.
The ADOPT-A-NATIVE-ELDER PROGRAM encourages individuals to communicate
directly with the Elders. We encourage you to write a note or send a photo
and a self-addressed stamped envelope with your packages, which we ask that
you mail directly to the Elder whom you adopt. Please remember that many of
the Elders do not speak or read English, but some do and may answer your
letters or notes.
MAY FOOD RUN
If you send your donation now, grocery bags will be packed and delivered to
Elders during the annual Spring Food Run. A $25 Grocery Bag Donation will
buy assorted foodstuffs and a couple toiletry articles; $50 will mean
additional food as well as fabric, socks, batteries and tea.
ADOPTION SHEETS: For adoption sheets listing the Elders' needs and their
addresses, please send your self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address
below.
TEACHERS: Would you be willing to have your classes adopt an Elder for a
year? The Grandmothers especially enjoy receiving young people's letters.
MAILING LIST: For information on food runs, support group meeting activities
and special programs, please contact:
ADOPT-A-NATIVE-ELDER PROGRAM
P.O. Box 3401
Park City, UT 84060
Questions? Please call Linda Myers at (801) 649-0535.
THE GRANDMOTHERS THANK YOU!