Beauty Way Report 2024
I always look forward to journeying to the Dine’ Nation for the culmination of the Revive the Beauty Way Tour. Being on the land, visiting the elders and families, working with incredible activists, and feeling gratitude for the opportunity to connect with so many hearts in this special way is a balm for my soul. In times of widespread hardship or tragedy, unplugging and returning to the real world feels even more vital. I am reminded that the struggle for human dignity and justice is a shared experience worldwide. Indigenous people have led that fight on Turtle Island since the arrival of European colonizers, and it continues today. When we face crisis’ from the attacks of 9/11 to global economic meltdowns, deadly pandemics, and the election of a convicted felon with fascist fantasies, Indigenous people can look at the situation and say “We’ve been through much worse for over 500 years” and have endured and persevered. In our small way, we are part of that struggle, standing in solidarity with them.
Support Highlights This Year
- Food Deliveries: We delivered 65 food units, each containing two large boxes, and a reusable grocery bag filled with organic fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, rice, oats, canned goods, honey, coffee, herbs, cedar, toiletries, and household essentials. In total, we distributed approximately four tons of food and three tons of dog and cat food, along with clothing, blankets, jackets, and tools.
- Winter Preparedness: The wood and labor crew from New Mexico ensured families were ready for winter. We supported this effort by donating a chainsaw to the crew and another to one of our host families. Additionally, we helped repair a roof for a grandmother.
- Community Resilience: Although the region’s population continues to decline due to the challenges of raising a family there, we witnessed signs of hope. In Jeddito, a family with children returned to the land, and two more families did the same in Teesto.
- Infrastructure Improvements: In Sand Springs, we saw the benefits of the tractor we brought last year. The long road to the homestead was nicely graded and much easier to navigate.
- Youth Engagement: At Glenna Begay’s homestead, we witnessed a vibrant gathering of around 50 young activists from across the country. Glenna, one of the oldest grandmothers in the area, is an original resistor to forced relocation and an incredible weaver. Her homestead buzzed with activity—building, sheep herding, wood cutting, and more—thanks to this energetic crew. They also helped with wood delivery andother support to elders and families in the area.
Gratitude
Maintaining this connection and helping in our small way to be part of something larger and deeper is only possible through your support. To the venues, producers, sound engineers, promoters, artists, speakers, volunteers, donors, radio stations, show hosts, merchants, farmers, show attendees, blanket holders, and our hosts on the reservation—we see you, we remember you, and we thank you. May you walk in beauty.
A Song From Craig Yazzie
We have known Craig Yazzie, from Sand Springs, since he was a young boy. He has been facing health struggles recently and was even considering selling his drum and giving up singing. Bear and I have been asking him for a song, and a few days ago, he sent one. With his permission, I’d like to share it with you.
https://archive.org/details/att.NA_YIJ-vF2IzOZjFuSFIHer8ZROTH6Wc7V_x-KMOzQo
