MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Greetings, everyone!
I hope you are all enjoying the final weeks of summer and finding time to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the season. August has been an exciting and eventful month for the Chamiza Foundation! We have been actively participating in community events, strengthening relationships with fellow funders and partners, and continuing preparations for our upcoming 2026 Chamiza Foundation Pueblo Symposium.
There is much to look forward to, and I am excited to share a few highlights from this month.
Santa Fe Funder Gathering
From August 13–15, I had the privilege of participating in the Santa Fe Funder Gathering, hosted by the Better Way Foundation. This inspiring three-day gathering brought together a select group of funders to build meaningful connections, deepen their understanding of Indigenous communities, and explore what authentic, long-term philanthropic partnerships can look like.
The gathering was designed especially for foundations that are either new to supporting Indigenous communities or are interested in learning more about Indian Country. Through an immersive experience, participants had the opportunity to learn about the unique histories, cultural contexts, and challenges Indigenous communities have faced, while also hearing directly from Indigenous leaders, organizers, artists, and community members who are leading innovative and meaningful work.
It was an invigorating and inspiring experience, and I was tremendously honored to be invited to participate. The conversations throughout the gathering reinforced the importance of relationship-building, listening, and supporting Indigenous communities in ways that respect their knowledge, priorities, and self-determined visions for the future.
I look forward to continuing many of the conversations that began during the gathering and am excited to see what new partnerships and opportunities may grow from this meaningful experience.
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- Steph Poston, Sandia Pueblo
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- SWAIA Film Screening: “You’re No Indian” Producers
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- Learning Engagement with Regis Pecos and Dr. Sam Torres
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- Roots & renewal with Jim Enote
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- “Built by Native Hands” Session, Matte Wilson and Betsy Fore
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- “From Food deserts to food nations” learning session with Toni Stanger-McLaughlin and Bidii Baby Foods Owners
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- SFIS Superintendent, Christie Abeyta
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- SFIS Superintendent and Gary Lujan, SFIS Director of Trust and Land Management
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- Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Santa Fe Plaza
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- SFIS Superintendent, Christie Abeyta and Dr. Montoya, Chamiza Exec. Dir.
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- Santa Fe Botanical Garden, Opening Circle Location
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- Edgar Villanueva, Decolonizing Wealth Project
Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival 2026
The Chamiza Foundation was also proud to participate in the 2026 Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival, held August 14–16 at Buffalo Thunder Resort.
Chamiza Foundation staff member Dalene Coriz represented the Foundation at our booth throughout the festival, where she had the opportunity to meet Pueblo community members, artists, families, and visitors from across the United States.
The festival provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with past and current grantees, share information about the Chamiza Foundation’s work, and introduce our mission to individuals who may not yet be familiar with us. It was exciting to see the continued interest in the work being done throughout Pueblo communities and to connect with so many people who are passionate about Indigenous arts, culture, and community.
We are grateful to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared their stories, and took the time to learn more about the Chamiza Foundation. Events like Pathways provide an important opportunity to strengthen relationships and celebrate the creativity, talent, and cultural richness of Indigenous artists and communities.
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- Dalene Coriz, Chamiza Foundation Staff and Sherry Aragon, Chamiza Vendor
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- Dalene Coriz, Chamiza Foundation Staff
Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching
L-R: Dr. Montoya, Julie Lucero, Alan Mather, Deb Haaland, Richard Romero and Sue Griffith
On August 17, 2026, I also had the privilege of representing the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching during a meeting with Secretary Deb Haaland.
The purpose of the meeting was to introduce Secretary Haaland to the Golden Apple Foundation and share more about the important work the organization is doing to support aspiring and early-career teachers throughout New Mexico.
It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the Foundation’s commitment to investing in the next generation of educators and helping prepare talented individuals to serve students and communities across our state. Supporting and strengthening the teaching profession is critical to the future of New Mexico, and I was honored to represent Golden Apple and share information about the many ways the organization is helping to develop and encourage future educators.
As August comes to a close, I am grateful for the many opportunities this month has provided to learn, connect, and build new relationships. I am especially excited about what lies ahead as we continue preparing for the 2026 Chamiza Foundation Pueblo Symposium, taking place October 22–23.
We look forward to bringing together community members, leaders, and current/ past awardees together for meaningful conversations about the future of Pueblo communities. More information about the symposium will be shared soon, and we hope you will join us!
Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda Montoya