MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

 

 

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all doing well as we approach the end of summer. August has been a eventful month for me as we have been busy with a variety of activities and planning for upcoming events.

Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan

Earlier this month, I was asked to facilitate two regional community meetings where public input was gathered to help shape the Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan. The first meeting took place on August 5, 2025, in Española at Northern Community College, and the second meeting was held on August 23, 2025, in San Felipe Pueblo at the Black Mesa Casino. While I assisted with these two meetings, several others were held throughout New Mexico. I am hopeful that we successfully gathered the voices and lived experiences of those most impacted.

The Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan is New Mexico’s formal response to a landmark court ruling that found the state failed to meet its constitutional obligation to provide a uniform and sufficient education for all students, particularly Native American students, English learners, students with disabilities, and students experiencing poverty.

 

Across the Americas-a youth-led cultural exchange for Indigenous (re)connections

On August 8, 2025, I attended the final gathering for the Across the Americas Youth Cultural Exchange group at Taos Pueblo. The Taos Pueblo hosts organized an “Indian Taco Night,” creating a fantastic evening filled with delicious food, laughter, and music! The Quechua students even had the chance to help make fry bread for the Indian tacos. As mentioned in previous newsletters, we are currently working on filming the Chamiza Foundation Legacy Film. This gathering provided the perfect opportunity for us to interview participants and capture footage of this incredible program that we have supported. (see photos below)

 

Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival 2025

On August 15th, 16th, and 17th, the Chamiza Foundation had a booth at the Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival held at Buffalo Thunder Resort. We met many people from the Pueblos as well as visitors from across the United States. This event provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with past and current grantees, as well as both former and current board members. Dalene and I, also got the opportunity to reconnect with our former Pueblo PhD Cohort member, Dr. Daphne Littlebear. (see photos below)

 

Taos Pueblo Oo-Oo-Nah Art & Cultural Center

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the end-of-summer celebration at the Taos Pueblo Oo-Oo-Nah Art & Cultural Center. The closing ceremony featured awards for the children, delicious food, and a showcase of the art that the kids created during the program. Additionally, both the staff and children presented an outdoor oven that they had worked on throughout the summer. (see photos below)

 

Lastly, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a grant writing and learning outcomes workshop at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This workshop is open to Pueblo people who are interested in learning how to complete the Chamiza Foundation application, implement projects, and report on project outcomes. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn a practical approach to writing learning outcomes.

This is a free workshop, but space is limited and attendance will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to attend, please contact me. The deadline to register is September 30, 2025.

Sincerely,

Dr. Amanda J. Montoya