Little Gift Big Smile: Navajo Youth Farm

I can’t explain my interest in the culture of the First Peoples of this land other then respect, I have also seen how their lands have been taken time and time again with out asking. I would like to bring light to this, I also have observed a sense of entitlement by those who are taking.
The Navajo Youth Farm is an organization preserving a way of life that is fundamental to being Navajo in this nation below is a brief outline of their commitment. These are simple ideals that are vital for growth which is something we all want for children and their land.

1.The Northern Diné Youth Committee (NDYC) is an organization created to support the positive development of Navajo youth;and
2.Farming is a fundamental practice of the Navajo Way of Life;and
3.The NDYC has demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteering in the community;and
4.The NDYC sought farming land in the Shiprock Chapter and, upon an agreement with the permit holder, brought the land back into an adequate state for planting;and
5.The NDYC Farm is now growing traditional Navajo crops, including corn, squash, melons, beans, and more;and
6.The contamination of the San Juan River by the Gold King Mine leak in Colorado will have detrimental effects on community farms;and
7.There exists alternative forms of irrigation; and
8.The youth membership of the NDYC wish to save our crops;and
9.The NDYC is committed to volunteering labor for the NDYC Farm Rescue Project;and
10.There is a need for material support for implementing an alternative irrigation system;and
11.There is a need for other forms of support, including Letters of Support, technical assistance, monetary support, and logistical support.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:The Northern Diné Youth Committee (NDYC) hereby affirms the effort to save the NDYC Farm and seeks donations and support for the NDYC Farm Rescue Project in response to the contamination of the San Juan River by the Gold King Mine disaster, and the closure of the ditch-irrigation system of Shiprock, New Mexico
http://www.gofundme.com/ShiprockYouthFarm

I am keeping a record of the updates made to the Animus River waste spill by the EPA, you don’t hear about it in the news anymore, but lets not forget and lets make sure things are put right for the people and the environment.
An update from the Navajo Youth Farm Emergency Fund
“We had a workday yesterday with the Northern Youth Project, another youth group from Abiquiu, NM. They showed us some drip-irrigation techniques and donated supplies. We also had a sheep donated, and we used fresh squash from the field to feed everyone! Ahéhee’ – thank you – for your support! We’ll continue giving you updates and putting our donations to work!”

The youth farm reached their goal to fund a farming project so to save Navajo crops from the waste spill

http://www.navajo-nsn.gov/News%20Releases/OPVP/2015/aug/President%20Begaye%20Announces%20U.S.%20EPA%20Will%20Be%20Responsible%20for%20Toxic%20Spill.pdf
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.— Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye announced that he intends to take legal action against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the massive release of mine waste into the Animas River near Silverton, Colorado.
President Begaye made this announcement Saturday evening at the Shiprock Chapter House, which was packed to capacity with concerned community members living along the San
Juan River.
Below is an account of what is currently being done after the contamination of the Animas River is Colorado
http://www.nmdhsem.org/uploads/PressRelease/e79116c4a639442ab9d1aea05ac23120/Governor_Susana_Martinez_Declares_State_of_Emergency_1.pdf

For Immediate Release August 10, 2015
State of New Mexico
Office of the Governor
?Governor Susana Martinez Declares State of Emergency, Announces Additional Steps in Coordinated Response to EPA- Caused Mining Waste Spill in Animas River
Santa Fe, NM – Today, Governor Susana Martinez declared a state of emergency in response to the massive 3 million gallon waste spill in the Animas River in Colorado that EPA officials have admitted to causing. The Governor toured the spill by helicopter and met with local officials in San Juan County on Saturday. The day before, Governor Martinez established a multi-agency response team that has been assisting affected communities, and New Mexico Environment Department Secretary Ryan Flynn issued emergency orders allowing for additional hazardous waste funding to be made available to assist with response efforts.
In addition to declaring a state of emergency today, the Governor is also directing the multi- agency team to remain in northwest New Mexico for an indefinite period of time to provide on- the-ground support as residents and community leaders respond to the realities of this spill in the coming days.
“I had the chance to see the spill with my own eyes. It is absolutely devastating, and I am heartbroken by this environmental catastrophe,” Governor Martinez said. “As I’ve said before, I am very concerned by EPA’s lack of communication and inability to provide accurate information. One day, the spill is 1 million gallons. The next, it’s 3 million. New Mexicans deserve answers we can rely on.”
Martinez continued, “I want New Mexicans to know that we are committed to working around the clock to keep local communities informed and protected, and providing whatever resources we can to assist communities in the affected area.”

All images come from goggle searches for Navajo Youth Farming Navajo Farm, Navajo Crops