Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) May-June E-Newsletter

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.

VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER

A group of people stand together outdoors holding signs advocating for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The signs include messages such as “Find My Relatives,” “No More Stolen Sisters,” “MMIW You Are Not Forgotten,” and “Justice for MMIW.” Many participants have red handprints painted over their mouths and wear traditional clothing or red apparel, symbolizing solidarity and awareness. Trees and a cloudy sky form the background, with a banner on a streetlamp that reads "Tohono Street" visible.

May 5, 2025

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness

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 4 Issue 3
May – June 2025

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

Google Business

NACA Events

A monthly calendar for May 2025 from Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), featuring events related to health, fitness, community, and cultural awareness. The calendar includes a red handprint with floral designs labeled “Honoring MMIIP.” Events are color-coded by type: Group Fitness Classes (black text): TRX, Super Circuit, Spin, Strength Conditioning, Yoga. Free Health Education Classes (blue text): “Strong Spirit, Strong Heart,” “Living Well With Diabetes.” Announcements (red text): “NACA CLOSED” on May 26. L.I.F.E. Community Events (orange text): Garden Work, Run 4 Renewal, Beading Circle, Healing through Traditions. Highlighted events include: May 3: 7:30am Hike at McMillian Mesa, 10am Garden Blessing at Hal Jensen Rec Center. May 5: 8–10am MMIP Awareness Event. May 17: 8am–3:30pm Living Well with Diabetes. May 27: Healing through Traditions from 5:30–6:30pm. The address at the bottom reads: 1500 E Cedar Ave Suite 52 | FLG, AZ 86004.

A "Save the Date" flyer for the NACA 42nd Annual Sacred Mountain Prayer Run on June 7, 2025. The flyer features two photos: one of a runner in a purple shirt striking a playful pose in a forested area and another of a group of participants running on a dirt trail surrounded by trees. The flyer highlights: A Family 2K, 5K, and 10K are available. Participation prizes will be included for 5K & 10K registrants. A QR code linking to more event information. Encouragement to tag @NACAFlagstaff and use hashtags #NACARun #2025SMPR on social media. A question: "What does running mean to you?" The design includes earthy tones and Indigenous-inspired patterns, reinforcing the community and cultural significance of the event.

A flyer promoting a free film screening hosted by Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) in partnership with the Flagstaff International Film Festival. The featured film is Fancy Dance starring Lily Gladstone. The design includes a large vintage film projector illustration, a red handprint symbolizing MMIR (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives) awareness, and the movie poster showing Lily Gladstone and Isabel Deroy-Olson. Event details: Date: May 28, 2025 Location: Theatrikos, Flagstaff, AZ Time: 6 PM (MST) Note: “Wear red for MMIR awareness” Rating: This film is rated R. Parental supervision is required. Web link: www.nacainc.org/eventscalendar

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025 2PM TO 4PM (MST) UNITED WAY OF NORTHERN ARIZONA 1515 E. CEDAR AVE. STE. D-1 FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001 Participants will need to park in the Cedar shopping plaza & walk across the street to the United Way Building A free introductory suicide prevention training to learn how to: • Help a person at risk of suicide • Identify the warning signs of a suicide crisis • Respond by following three simple steps (Question, Persuade, & Refer) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline THIS 2 HOUR QPR TRAINING IS CUSTOMIZED FOR AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVE COMMUNITIES BY EXPERTS IN AI/AN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Register here! INSTRUCTOR: ANGELINA TSO For more information, contact sjames@nacainc.org

The image is a promotional poster with a purple and green color scheme. At the top, it reads "Network Support Roundtable" in bold white text against a light purple background. Below, it asks, "Are you trained or work in suicide prevention?" to invite those with relevant experience. An emblem with a purple ribbon and teal feather is situated at the top right. The middle section has a light green background with bold text stating the event is to be held "Virtually on Zoom" on "May 28, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM." It describes the event as a safe space to discuss challenges and successes in suicide prevention, aiming to build support networks. Just below, a QR code is available for registration. The bottom right corner displays the logos for the Urban Indian Coalition of Arizona and Phoenix Indian Center. Three young individuals stand casually, smiling at the camera, suggesting a welcoming environment.

The poster for "Native Youth Camp" features a two-tone design with a green top section and a yellow bottom section. The camp's name is displayed prominently at the top in large, stylized light blue letters with the subtitle "Fostering Agricultural Resilience and Modern Skills for Native Youth." Decorative indigenous motifs in green flank the title on both sides. The main body of the poster provides details about the event, such as dates, location, target age group, and logistical information in green and brown fonts. Specific details include a free event from July 14-18, 2025, for ages 12-15, aimed at residents of certain communities. The poster mentions daily lunch provision, lack of lodging, and a travel arrangement for participants. At the bottom, a QR code is provided for application, with a green sheep icon beside it. Partner logos in the lower section show associations with F.A.R.M.S., K.A.R.M.A., and Native American Agriculture Fund.

NACA News & Info

NACA is AAAHC Accredited!
Quality Improvement Plan – Here at NACA, Safety and Quality are top priorities. If you would like to participate in an open session on NACA Safety and Quality, please contact vquiroz@nacainc.org
NACA is hiring! Open positions include: Pathways Recreational Assistant, Grand Canyon Vending Site Ranger, and more!
Community Resources available on the NACA Website
NACA in the Navajo Hopi Observer

The image features a woman with long, dark hair and glasses, smiling and holding a trophy. She wears a light blue sweater and stands in front of a textured wooden background. The overall layout includes a maroon and teal color scheme with decorative arrows along the sides. The bottom of the image contains textual information, set against a solid maroon background.

Awareness Months

The image shows a person outdoors against a backdrop of blurred greenery and soft sunlight. They are wearing a vibrant floral headdress made from multicolored paper flowers, including hues of red, yellow, pink, blue, and orange. The colorful flowers cover the upper part of the person's face, casting soft shadows on their cheeks. Their hands are raised, adjusting the headdress, and they have a bracelet with beads on one wrist. The overall lighting is warm and bright, suggesting a sunny environment.

May
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.

Source: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The image features a black background with bold, white text reading "UNBREAKABLE PRIDE" and "UNSHAKEABLE POWER." Each word is aligned in two columns. Horizontal stripes in the colors of the Progress Pride Flag overlay the words. The flag's stripes include traditional rainbow colors, along with black, brown, light blue, pink, and white, symbolizing diversity and inclusion. A subtle shadow or reflection of these colors appears above and below the text, adding depth to the image.

June
2SLGBTQIA+ Pride MonthInterPod – The Global Voices of Pride Podcast

InterPod is the podcast powered by InterPride, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community. Hosted by Michelle Meow and featuring guests from all over the world, the podcast discusses queer, trans, and Pride culture and politics, sharing unique perspectives and inviting listeners into vibrant conversations about key topics at the heart of the global LGBTQIA+ movement. InterPod will resume in 2025 with a new series of episodes bringing you the latest on global Pride events, advocacy, and a range of guests you won’t want to miss!

Source: InterPod

Resources

International LGBTQ+Travel Association

On a global scale, LGBTQ+ travelers are using IGLTA as a resource to find businesses that welcome them into the world of travel. Make it easy for them to find you. Join us to be part of a global LGBTQ+ friendly tourism community that includes major corporations, as well as many local businesses and organizations.

The image features a circular design with a thin gold border. Inside the circle, the word "PRIDE" is in bold black letters at the top. Below "PRIDE" is the number "365" in a large, stylized font featuring a gradient of rainbow colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, symbolizing the colors of the Pride flag.

Pride 365Pride 365 was launched in 2019 at World Pride 50th anniversary in New York with the mission to make the world a more Inclusive place. They are the global partners of InterPride.

Pride 365 empower organisations to become catalysts for positive and inclusive change by putting a focus on real, actionable and incremental improvement. Their purpose is to make positive change not simply a moral imperative but something that makes financial and performance sense for organisations of all shapes and sizes.

Authenticity means supporting the LGBT+ community 365 days a year not just during Pride season. Pride 365 stands against pinkwashing, and with the help of our Champions, Partners and InterPride, shine a light on what true inclusion looks like all year round.
Pride 365 works internationally to break down barriers between people, helping to improve inclusion at a fundamental level.

The image shows an entrance gate partially open, leading to a view of the Smithsonian Institution Building. The gate's black, ornate metalwork contrasts with the red brick of the building and the surrounding wall. The Smithsonian Castle, with its distinctive towers and red brick architecture, stands against a bright blue sky dotted with white clouds. In the foreground, bold white text reads "COME THROUGH:" with a smaller orange rectangle beneath containing black text. Green foliage is visible around the base of the building.

Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryJoin us on an enlightening journey with our five-part video series, Come Through: Asian Pacific American Voices at the Smithsonian, where we explore the rich tapestry of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage through the lens of museum objects.

Hosted by the engaging Gillian Jackson Han, this series not only showcases the treasured artifacts in the APA Collection but also invites viewers behind the scenes to witness the museum’s inner workings. From the quiet corridors of artifact storage to the vibrant hustle of community engagement, Gillian accompanies museum staff, offering a unique glimpse into the collaborative process of bringing history to life.

Immerse yourself in the stories, the people, and the objects that shape the Asian American and Pacific Islander narrative, all while discovering the meticulous care and passion that fuel the world of museums.

Indigenous Artists

The image depicts a runway setting with a person modeling an outfit that incorporates traditional and modern design elements. The person stands confidently with one arm extended, wearing a black sleeveless dress with a high slit on one side. Over the dress is a woven garment adorned with long, fringed tassels in red, black, and white. Red tassels also adorn the shoulders, matching the dramatic red eye makeup and embellishments on the face and arms, which feature intricate patterns. The background is a vivid red-orange, enhancing the striking visual impact of the scene.

Urban Designer & Dancer
Sierra Tasi Baker

The image shows a person with pink curly hair and a beard, wearing a sheer black top adorned with large colorful heart-shaped patches. These patches are in blue, green, pink, purple, red, and yellow. They have earrings and are using expressive hand gestures. Standing outdoors, the background appears foggy and blurred, indicating a cloudy day. On the right side of the image, bold text appears in black and vibrant colors.

Comedian & Poet
Alok

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.

Oak Creek Overlook Native American Artisan Market

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!

Background art by: Marcos Chin on Instagram

Created For You

The image shows clusters of dark purple to black berries hanging from a plant. The berries are round and shiny, with a smooth surface. They are attached to thin, reddish-brown stems. Surrounding the berries are bright green leaves, some of which appear to have slight imperfections and discolorations typical of natural foliage. Sunlight filters through the leaves and creates dappled patterns of light and shadow, highlighting the vibrant colors of the berries and the greenery.

Berry Pudding (Northern Cheyennes make Chokecherry Pudding)

Find more recipes like this one on the NACA website!

There are no measurements in this berry pudding. The recipe depends on the amount of berries you have.

Ingredients:
Berries
Water
Flour
Sugar

Directions:
Before you begin: Wash your hands.

Boil berries in a large saucepan, the water should be a couple of inches above the berries. Boil approximately 10 minutes.
Strain berry juice and save.
Mash the berries to release the juice. Set aside the berries.
Mix enough flour and water to make a thick mixture but not a paste.
Using the same boiling pan, pour mashed berries and less than half of the saved berry juice back in the pan. Heat at medium-high, slowly pouring the flour mixture in the pan. Keep stirring. If liquid gets thick, pour more berry juice, but not too much.
Keep stirring the pudding until it comes to a boil; immediately remove from the stove, there should be some juice left. After the pudding cools, add sugar to taste. Do not leave the pudding cooking, it needs to be kept stirred.