Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Jan. – Feb. 2026 E-Newsletter

by  •  • Comments Off on Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Jan. – Feb. 2026 E-Newsletter

VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER

The mission of Native Americans for Community Action Inc. is to provide preventive wellness strategies and empower and advocate for Native peoples and others in need, in order to create a healthy community based on Harmony, Respect, and Indigenous Values.
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
NACA Website
The image shows a festive Christmas scene indoors. Santa Claus, dressed in traditional red and white attire with a long white beard, sits in the center holding a decorated staff. He is flanked by two Christmas trees. The tree on the left is adorned with blue and silver ribbons and white ornaments, while the tree on the right has red and gold decorations with candy cane-striped ribbons. Behind Santa is a backdrop depicting a cozy stone fireplace with stockings and a large red bow. A plush sheep figure wearing a garland collar stands beside Santa. Strings of warm white fairy lights hang from the ceiling, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Santa’s Stop at NACA
Family Health Center
1500 E. Cedar Suite 26,
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
fhwc@nacainc.org
(928) 773-1245
M-F | 8 AM – 5 PM

Wellness Center
1500 E. Cedar Ave., Suite 52
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
hpwc@nacainc.org
(928) 773-1245 ext. 221
M-Th | 8 AM – 7 PM
F | 8 AM – 5 PM

General Services Administration
1500 E. Cedar Ave., Suite 56
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
outreach@nacainc.org
(928) 526-2968
M-F | 8 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 5 PM

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Vol 5    Issue 1
January – February 2026
Native Americans for Community Action Inc., is a Flagstaff Community 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization and, as such, depends on the generous support of the community to offer services and programs that provide for critical needs around Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.

Help us by making a one-time contribution, and earn tax credit!
Donate to NACA
Leave us a review!
Yelp Yelp
Google Business Google Business
NACA Events
The image is a calendar for January titled "Yas Nilį́į́s | Paamuya," organized into a grid format with seven columns representing days of the week, starting with Sunday. Each cell contains scheduled activities, primarily at 4 PM and 5:30 PM. Various classes are listed, such as "Super Circuit," "TRX," "Beading Circle," "Drum Circle," "Strength Conditioning," "Yoga," and "Spin." Notably, some dates indicate closures, and special events are highlighted in red text. Along the bottom of the image is an address: "1500 E Cedar Ave Suite 52 | FLG, AZ 86004".
The image is a digital flyer with a gradient background transitioning from dark teal at the top to a lighter teal at the bottom, sprinkled with small, faint white dots resembling stars. At the top, the NACA logo is displayed, featuring a circular design with stylized lines next to the bold letters "NACA" accompanied by the text “Native Americans for Community Action.” Below, it states that the NACA Pathways Youth Program and Reach UR Life present the Diné Késhjéé (Navajo Shoe Game). Details about the event note it is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2025, from 4:30 to 8:30 PM (MST) at the Lowell Observatory, 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. The lower portion mentions that the location is sponsored by Lowell Observatory with a logo of a person looking through a telescope followed by the text “Native American Astronomy Outreach Program” in orange. At the bottom, white outlines of various animals such as a bear, deer, bat, and wolf are depicted over a dark mountain silhouette, alongside drawings of trees and plants.
The image is a promotional poster for an observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day by Native Americans for Community Action (NACA). The top half has a dark brown background with the NACA logo and the words "NACA is celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!" in bold, light yellow font. Below this, smaller white text states the closure of NACA on January 19, 2026, and the resumption on January 20, 2026. Contact details are provided in white. The bottom half features a grayscale photograph of Martin Luther King Jr. against a wooden backdrop. To the left of his image, a famous quote is displayed in white text.
A visually engaging infographic titled "What is a Medical Home approach?" with the NACA (Native Americans for Community Action) logo. The flyer explains the Medical Home approach, which provides comprehensive primary care by fostering partnerships between patients, clinicians, medical staff, and families. It extends beyond clinical walls to include specialty care, educational services, and family support. Key principles of the Medical Home approach include: An ongoing relationship with a personal physician for first-contact, continuous, and comprehensive care. A physician-directed team that collectively cares for the patient. A whole-person orientation, covering acute, chronic, preventive, and end-of-life care. The flyer emphasizes that the medical home recognizes the family as a constant in a child's life, promoting collaboration between healthcare professionals and families. A call-to-action at the bottom invites readers to learn more about NACA's Family and Behavioral Health Clinic by visiting www.nacainc.org.
An infographic showcasing NACA's (Native Americans for Community Action) services with a central image of two hands forming a heart shape around a QR code. The background has a gradient blue and red tone, with heartbeat line graphics in the corners. Surrounding the central image are circular icons representing various services, divided into two color categories: Teal circles (medical and essential services): Food Banks (icon of a donation box) Shelters (house with a keyhole) Urgent Care/Emergency Room (exclamation mark in a triangle) Dentists (tooth icon) Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray icon) Labs (test tube and microscope) Maroon circles (health and wellness programs): NACA Supportive Services (hands joined together) NACA Reach UR Life Program (hands holding a heart) NACA Substance Use and Prevention Services (medical cross) NACA Family Health Center (stethoscope) NACA Behavioral Health Services (profile of a head with a brain icon) NACA Health Promotions (healthy eating and wellness icon) The QR code in the center directs users to more information about these services. The infographic visually emphasizes NACA’s commitment to holistic healthcare, behavioral health, and community support.
The image is a promotional flyer for a community event set on a light teal background. At the top left is the NACA logo, featuring a stylized cross and geometric patterns. On the right, another logo is present, reading "Sacred Mountain Prayer Run" with scenic imagery. Large, bold maroon text across the top reads "Calling All PERFORMERS." Below this, three circular photos display vibrant scenes: a Native American dancer in full traditional regalia, hands playing drums, and another dancer adorned with feathers and traditional attire. A substantial block of white text within a rounded rectangle calls for local Native dancers, drum groups, and artists to volunteer for the 43rd Annual Sacred Mountain Prayer Run. Details include the event date, June 6, 2026, and location, Thorpe Park, Flagstaff, AZ. At the bottom, contact details are displayed in a larger, bold font over a maroon strip with a link to the website "www.nacainc.org."
The poster announces a beading circle event hosted by the L.I.F.E. organization. The background is light brown with colorful circular accents. At the top left, "Beading Circle" is written in bold, large font next to a circular emblem and the L.I.F.E. logo, featuring a tree and traditional Native American symbols. Below, a pink text box contains details about the event, stating all ages and skill levels are welcome, supplies are provided, and the first 15 spots are open. On the right side, three images show people working on beading projects. At the bottom, the event details specify the time and location, with a QR code for registration. A blue butterfly design is shown next to contact information.
The image is a promotional poster for ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County. The top portion features a diverse group of six young adults standing closely together, smiling, in front of a brick wall. The decorative text, "Engage • eXplore • Prepare • Launch • Opportunity," is displayed at the top on a dark blue background. Below the group image, the background continues with the dark blue color. Bold yellow and red text reads, "Got dreams? WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK!" To the right, a section introduces the EXPLO program, highlighting benefits such as exploring careers, developing skills, and participating in paid internships. A QR code and the ARIZONA@WORK logo are present. At the bottom, there is funding and contact information in small print.
The image is an announcement from NACA celebrating Presidents' Day. The background features bold, red and blue arc shapes containing white stars, reminiscent of the American flag. At the top left corner, there is the NACA logo, which includes a circular emblem with a cross design. Below the logo, "NACA" is written in red text. The central message is in black and red text, announcing the closure of offices on Monday, February 16, 2026, for the holiday, and resumption on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Contact information is provided at the bottom, with phone numbers and an email address in black text.
NACA News & Info
USA Today presents a special on Native American jewelry and crafts, inviting readers to discover unique items and their cultural significance.
Awareness Months
The image features an illustration of two hands reading a braille book. The book pages display tactile braille dots. The hands have a medium skin tone and are positioned as if feeling the text. Above the book, bold teal text reads, "CELEBRATING BRAILLE LITERACY MONTH." The background is a soft beige color with small decorative teal shapes, including circles and stars, surrounding the text and book.
January
Braille Literacy Month

“While there appear to be fewer braille readers today than there were prior to the digital age, braille will always play a key role for people who are blind – especially as the costs of creating new braille devices continue to go down. It is not so much a matter of braille becoming a less desirable solution for accessing information; it is more a matter of increased options for those who have print disabilities. And braille will always be a critical tool for people who are deaf-blind.” Source: National Industries for the Blind
The image features a simple, clean design with a light gray background. At the top are three circular turquoise icons. The first icon displays a stylized eye, the second shows a pair of eyeglasses, and the third features a simplified eye anatomy representation. Below the icons, there is a thin horizontal turquoise line. Underneath the line, the phrase "FEBRUARY IS LOW VISION AWARENESS MONTH" is written, with "LOW VISION" in larger, turquoise letters and the rest in gray.
February
Low Vision Awareness Month
“Visual impairment can make it difficult to engage in everyday activities like simply moving around, reading, or cooking. The condition cannot be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatments such as medicine or surgery. Currently, 4.2 million Americans ages 40 and older are visually impaired. Of these, 3 million have low vision.

By 2030, when the last baby boomers turn 65, the number of Americans who have visual impairments is projected to reach 7.2 million, with 5 million of those classified as low vision.

The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can help people with visual impairment make the most of the vision they have and continue doing the things they love.” Source: Blinded Veterans Association
Resources
The image shows an outdoor scene with two individuals sitting on a stone bench. On the left, a young child wearing an orange backpack, gray shirt, and black shorts is holding a white mobility cane. The child has a pair of black eye covers with the word "AMPLIFIED" printed on them. Beside him, on the right, sits an older individual with light brown and black braided hair, wearing a black t-shirt with "AMPLIFIED a cappella" printed on it, and denim jeans. They are both smiling at the camera. Behind them, a street with moving cars and a school bus is visible, along with a triangular architectural structure and green trees in the background.

Saavi Services for the Blind

Saavi Services for the Blind is a blindness rehabilitation training center providing skills training in nonvisual techniques to people of all ages.

Whether a student is new to blindness or has received training in the past and would like to learn new skills, our goal is to provide skills training so our students may lead productive, independent lives. Our programs serve individuals of all ages, from children to seniors, all with the goal of providing confidence and skill-building opportunities through training and education.

By participating in our programs, our students can gain the confidence and skills that allow them to return to the workforce, pursue secondary education, or begin the path towards a new career.
The image is the cover of a book titled "Instructional Strategies for Braille Literacy." The background color is teal, providing contrast to the text and Braille illustrations in bright orange. At the top, there are six orange Braille dots. Below them, the book title is prominently displayed in large, bold orange uppercase letters. Below the title, a sequence of Braille characters is arranged in three rows, also in orange. Near the bottom, the editors' names, Diane P. Wormsley and Frances Mary D'Andrea, are displayed in smaller, italicized orange text. Centered at the bottom is the logo for AFB Press in white, with the tagline "American Foundation for the Blind" in smaller white letters beneath it.
Instructional Strategies for Braille Literacy

This handbook provides instructors with specific creative strategies and methodologies for teaching braille. Intended to help pre-service and in-service teachers develop their instructional literacy and braille skills, this comprehensive manual provides a wealth of information on working with children who have congenital or adventitious visual impairments as well as students with additional disabilities or who are speakers of English as a second language. Resources for teachers and effective techniques suggested by experienced braille instructors are also included.
The image shows a student in a science lab setting, seated at a table in a wheelchair. The student is wearing a white lab coat and protective goggles on their head, leaning slightly forward while writing on a notepad. In the foreground, there are lab equipment items, including test tubes, containers, and a small blue box. The background features a brick wall and a green chalkboard, typical of a classroom or lab environment. Overlaid on the image is the word "Direct" in large purple letters with an orange circular arrow wrapping around the "D," leading to a chain link icon. Below it is the smaller word "Linkages" in black.
Founded in 1980 as the first of its kind in Arizona, Direct is a private, nonprofit organization operated by and for people with disabilities. Today, Direct is one of five Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Arizona and part of a national network that:

  • Advocates disability rights and justice
  • Supports individuals in achieving their self-identified independent living goals
  • Promotes the Independent Living philosophy and principles of consumer control, informed choice, community integration, and dignity of risk
Indigenous Voices
Dr. Rheanna Robinson
Dr. Rheanna Robinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of First Nations Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and a Co-Lead for the Indigenous Research Stream with the Canadian Institute of Inclusion and Citizenship at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Raised in Smithers, BC, Dr. Robinson is an Indigenous (Métis) scholar and a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation who began her academic studies at UNBC in 1995 before completing her PhD at UBC in 2016. She has expertise in Indigenous Disability Studies and Indigenous Education, where her research is guided by relationship and the Four R’s (Respect, Relevancy, Reciprocity, and Responsibility) and grounded in her lived experience. Dr. Robinson values the role of Indigenous scholarship in academia and how Indigenous knowledges continue to offer the world meaningful representations of equity and inclusion in diverse and varying ways.
The image shows Vesper Moore standing indoors in a well-decorated room, possibly a government or official setting. They are dressed in a dark gray suit with a maroon shirt. The background features large golden curtains, ornate crown molding, and a podium with the presidential seal, flanked by several American flags. The room has elaborate decorative elements, including wall portraits and an ornate ceiling. People are visible in the background, suggesting a formal gathering or event.
Vesper Moore

Vesper Moore serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Kiva Centers. As an Indigenous activist and leader, Vesper is deeply committed to promoting mental health and disability rights through activism, leadership, organizing, public speaking, and education. Their work focuses on cultivating social movements and raising public awareness to foster lasting social change.

Vesper has contributed to the establishment of mental health organizations worldwide and has been an advocate for civil rights in the United States. Through their advocacy, they have brought the perspectives of people with mental health challenges and disabilities to both national and international platforms.

Collaborating with the United States government and the United Nations, Vesper helps shape strategies around trauma, intersectionality, and disability rights. They have been featured on NBC News, PBS NewsHour, Politico, and at The White House. Vesper is at the forefront of legislative reform, striving to shift the societal paradigm surrounding mental health.
A display of handcrafted Indigenous jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, arranged in turquoise-lined trays. The jewelry features intricate silverwork, vibrant turquoise stones, colorful inlays, and detailed designs reflecting traditional Native American craftsmanship.

NACA’s Oak Creek Overlook Native American Artisan Market is open every day 8 AM – 4 PM, as weather permits.

Visit the NACA website, or find us on Google and Yelp for more information!
Created For You
The image shows a meal setup on a wooden table with a focus on a round baked dish, likely a frittata, in a dark frying pan with a wooden handle. A slice has been cut from the dish and rests on a white round plate accompanied by a fork. Another plate holds a second slice and a fork. The frittata is golden brown with visible pieces of potatoes and sprinkled with fresh parsley. To the right is a bowl of fresh mixed greens, consisting of various shades of green and purplish-red leaves, providing a contrast to the warm colors of the frittata. The scene is set on a wooden surface with a purple border surrounding the image. In the top right corner, there is a small logo for "Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey."
Find more recipes like this one on the NACA website!
Mix your eggs, and two tablespoons water, a little salt, etc. into a fry pan. Put all of the toppings in the eggs. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Top with cheese until it’s melted. Fold the omelet over. Voila! A no-flip omelet.
Indigenize your social media!
Shí 'Awéé Creations Shí ‘Awéé Creations
Earth Daughters Earth Daughters
N8iV Beauty N8iV Beauty
An Indigenous man crafting silver, featuring the text "new video" prominently on the display in a workshop.
Step inside the world of a master artisan! Meet Rick Worker, a talented Navajo silversmith, as he shares his personal story and passion for preserving a beautiful cultural tradition. Learn about the ancient technique of tufa casting [00:22] and how his pieces are inspired by Navajo rugs, stories, and the Four Sacred Mountains [03:06]. Every piece tells a generational story. Watch now to hear it in his own words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcNRkNWV17c
Copyright © 2026 Native Americans for Community Action, Inc., All rights reserved.