NACA has plans to expand its client services in 2003<br><br>

Ya’at’eeh’, Shi ei Dana Russell yinish yeeh, Mai dashgizhni nish leeh, To’dii ziihnii ei ba’shizhi sheen, doo, Kin ya’anii da shi chei, Tse’diz gizhni ei da shi nali, Whitecone, AZ diih na sha.

When I was invited to write a piece for the Christmas Day edition of the Navajo-Hopi Observer, I felt that here was an opportunity to come forth with a profound message. Well, ‘tis the season of celebration, giving and having a merry time with loved ones. And while that is simple enough to understand, its meaning is quite important and deep — sharing, enjoying our families, reflecting on our blessings and giving so others might too. That’s about as profound as this message gets.

However, I would like to share some thoughts concerning Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), highlights from the past year, where we are as an agency now and what to look forward to in 2003.

In Flagstaff, 2002 brought forth hope that the social and health issues of Native Americans living in urban settings were being recognized and acted upon. The leading federal agency in this trend is the Indian Health Service. Today, through official policy, the I/T/U concept, i.e. IHS/Tribes/Urban Indian Health Programs is slowly being recognized.

More and more, the urban Indian health perspective is sought and included in health legislation beneficial to all Native Americans. This is good, meaningful progress for the estimated 55 to 60 percent of all Native Americans who live off reservation and who need services.

Although IHS has been a progressive partner, only about one percent of the IHS multi-billion annual budget is targeted for the 34 Urban Indian Health Programs operating nationwide. This disproportionate allocation of funds glares like a neon sign and continues to be ignored. The Bureau of Indian Affairs does not have any policies recognizing Native Americans residing in urban settings, nor does it provide a mechanism to hear of our needs.

NACA is in such close proximity to several tribal reservations and is fortunate to have support from tribes — not so much monetarily, but support nevertheless, in our efforts as we seek assistance from federal agencies, state government and private foundations to fund our services. … .When I attend national meetings such as one regarding the Reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, some there take a dim view of urban opinions and recommendations. I cannot help but feel that they think we are competing for tribal funds. This could not be further from the truth. Urban Indian Health Programs have separate, specific provisions under the act and, as such, receive separate allocations of funding.

We are not in the business of meeting our needs at the expense of tribal programs. After all, who are we in the business of helping? Possibly your sons or daughters who attend school at the university or reside in the border town dormitory. Or maybe it is your nieces and nephews who have come to Flagstaff for employment opportunities. Or quite possibly, it is family members who need emergency assistance when a loved one ends up in intensive care at the regional medical center. No reservation or city boundary line can separate or create a barrier as to who we are and from where we come.

On the economic development front, NACA continues to manage the very popular Oak Creek Vista Overlook site within the Coconino National Forest. Thousands of visitors annually take in the views and purchase quality Native American arts and crafts from hundreds of vendors who participate in the NACA Vending Program. For this very successful program we are looking at new venues to help vendors in their pursuit of economic self-sufficiency.

With this in mind, NACA is exploring the feasibility of operating a cooperative in Flagstaff where, ideally, Native American artisans could provide the inventory and receive a fairer share of proceeds from sales of their work than what they might receive working through a non-Indian outlet.

Many of the recipients of our services are families and individuals who suffer from alcohol or drug dependency. What family do you know of that has not been affected by the outcome of these dangerous abuses? NACA has become a dependable and quality provider of substance abuse treatment and family counseling services.

For now the major focus of our efforts is on the adult population. Of great concern to us is the trend we are seeing related to adolescent drug and alcohol abuse. Because of already low funding, we are only able to offer prevention programs, which cannot adequately address the problem. For the new year, we will be doing everything possible to identify and capture the resources necessary to make an initial effort in addressing this critical area of need.

On another front, having lived and worked in this area for some time, it is clear that many Native Americans come to Flagstaff and have no idea about the cost of living, including housing. It can be a total shock when one has to deal with “hunting” for a place to live, coming up with mandatory deposits and first and last rents (which can total thousands of dollars), and the list goes on. The lack of affordable housing (rental) and the inability to even think of purchasing a home is evident in the many faces we see.

In 2003, NACA will be studying the feasibility of establishing itself as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). Attaining such status opens the door that will help us address affordable housing needs and be able to assist Native American families to attain homeownership through a homebuyer education and assistance program.

Adult education and job training (through the Workforce Investment Act) have been and continue to be successful components of the overall services we provide. Both are severely under funded by the state of Arizona and Department of Labor, respectively.

In 2003, we hope to convince the Navajo Nation that tribal members who use our services in these areas can benefit greatly with some added emphasis and support from the Navajo Nation Workforce Development programs. It makes good sense, when resources are available, to support tribal members in this way. We look forward to a new partnership and the opportunity to be of service in this way.

Last month, Flagstaff City Council made a significant gesture when it proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month. Times have surely changed from the negative images evoked when the phrase, “border town” was coined. What is good about this, at least in Flagstaff, is that the non-Indian community, through city government, is actively seeking to reach out, communicate and develop some constructive linkages with its urban Indian constituents and surrounding tribal governments.

All of this is meaningful progress and can make a difference to you, and your families and to our reservation-based brethren who help support the local economy through their purchase of goods and services. However, there is more to be done.

Did you know that Native Americans comprise approximately 10 percent of the Flagstaff population? This is higher, proportionately, than Phoenix or Tucson, and is significant.

Since we all have a stake in NACA, we need to let it be known that support from tribal, state, county and city government is needed and that these agencies need to take notice in helping us meet our needs. We need your support!

In closing, the staff and board of directors want to thank the community for it’s interest in NACA and extends a very Merry Keshmish!

(Dana Russell is Chief Executive Officer Native Americans for Community Action Inc. in Flagstaff.)

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