One People, One Prayer
The One People, One Prayer fundraiser is on behalf of the Hopi/Tewa people that have been impacted by the Covid 19 Virus. The Hopi/Tewa reservation is located in Northeast , Arizona near the four corners region where Utah,Arizona,Colorado and New Mexico converge and join together.
The Hopi/Tewa tribe and reservation is located in the center of the greater affected Navajo Nation and both tribes have suffered great losses of their loved ones and people, especially the elderly and those with underlying health issues like many other people around the world. The Hopi Tribe does not have a very large population and the Tewa tribe has an even lesser number of members. So as well as you can see the virus has had a devastating impact amongst the tribes populations.
The Hopi/Tewa people are about a one hour drive from the Nearest grocery store and many have to travel to the closest town to acquire their essential goods meaning that they must also travel through the Navajo reservation to get to town. The Navajo Nation have a mandatory lockdown during the weekends when no one is allowed out unless they are essential workers or if they have essential related purposes to be out it’s alright but if not they are cited which carry’s a hefty fine. So many take a risk to go shopping for their essential needs most tribal members can only go on weekends because they work and a majority of people that work are essential workers. Also the working people are the ones who mainly own vehicles. So If you do not have a vehicle like many dont have they have to ask their relatives ,friends or family members in advance to give them a ride and wait until the person who owns a vehicle is not working or when they have time to take them to go get their monthly supplies. So getting to and from places ,getting supplies and groceries is a challenge within itself. With the lockdowns in place it makes it furth harder for those without vehicles. To find some one to take them because the people with vehicles don’t want to go anywhere unless they absolutely have to.
The Hopi/Tewa reservation is made up of small villages and they live in small tight nit community’s and remain on a strict lockdown so the people are only allowed to travel to shop for essentials or if they are essential workers their is a small local store but it cost twice as much as it would cost in town. Many of the things are overpriced and not as fresh as if you were to get them inn the grocery store also they do not carry a wide variety of items.
So it has made things harder for everyone all around especially thekids because their is not much to do on the reservation so during the summer they usually travel to the city or local town to catch a movie or go swimming just to do something fun. They have been cooped up inside which leaves most of them suffering from boredom. In some cases which has also caused many of the young people to have anxiety attacks which no child should experience at a young age! Others have turned to using drugs ,alcohol and meth use has been on the rise and meth related incident reports as far as from break inns to murder are now being reported. The younger ones are lashing out as wel, at the local authorities and security who are trying to enforce the lockdown conditions. Also many are out and in public without wearing any protective gloves ,mask using hand sanitizer or maintaining the recommended safe distances from each others then they go home and transfer the virus to their family which also most of the time consist of their elderly grandparents.
The tribal government is not doing anything to help the people and it is the communities responsibility to maintain the lockdown so the people have come together and some have taken it amongst themselves to protect their families and villages. Which In most cases are inadequately equipped to properly inforce the regulations and terms of the lockdown. So the money raised will also help the the communities to better do so and help with aid for the people who have children and dont have vehicles obtain some of the basic grocery items needed. As well as to help with items to keep the kids and young adults busy during the lockdown. Also to educate individuals and supply individuals with the proper protective gear and make sure the elderly and those who are less fortunate. The Hopi/Tewa tribal people are one of the few tribes that do not own their own casino so they are struggling with past debts and legal issues. The individuals that are willing to help are doing it on their own free will trying to help others and generate funds or receive non-perishable food items,hygiene supplies,animal products,clothing,blankets,toys,rice,flour,cooking oil,coffee,tea,fruits,vegetables, eggs,cereal, milk,snacks and bottled water!
So if you are able to help in any shape or form please do so , if we could only all come together as one people and have one prayer and help one another maybe then the creator will bless us and take away this potential devasting Covid 19 Corona virus that has taken so much of our people. So On behalf of the Hopi and Tewa people I would like to say thank you and may you receive blessings in return.
Thank you, Qwah Qwah,Kundah!
ForMore Info you can msg.” The Hopi Tribe The People’s Voice “
Facebook pg. or by email ([email redacted])
By phone @(9282975830)
