Adopt a Native Elder (ANE)
Each year we hold fundraisers, such as the Fun Run, in which our students participate, in order to earn money to go towards our Giving Projects. The funds are donated to Montessori Educational Foundation (M.E.F ), the non-profit arm of the school that currently is used exclusively for charitable purposes.
For many years we have sponsored two or three Navajo grandmothers. Currently our grandmothers are – Grandmother Elvira Horseherder and Grandmother Anita Jackson. Throughout the year we provide food (which is taken to the reservations during the twice yearly food runs), food certificates, yarn for weaving that are then sold at the Deer Valley Rug Show, Firewood or payments towards electrical bills, Walmart certificates for them to buy clothing, gardening tools and other basic needs.
The support of the sponsors make it possible for the elders to remain on the reservations where they are most happy, can continue to live their traditional lives and to enrich the lives of their families.
Prior to Covid when our grandmothers come to Deer Valley to sell their rugs we are able to take some of our students to meet them and attend the education programs. It was a wonderful opportunity. There were evening events also that families could attend. Over the last two years the Rug Sale has been virtual and this year it will be again. Perhaps next year there will be an in person event.
Best wishes,
Robyn Eriwata-Buchanan