MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Greetings everyone, I hope this message finds you well. The Chamiza Foundation board met on June 9, 2025, for the second and final board meeting of the year. The board met to discuss applications and determine awards. We received 11 applications, 8 were awarded grants. The awarded grants were focused on language preservation, intergenerational exchange, youth education, agriculture, traditions & elements of ceremonial life, traditional arts & crafts and environmental stewardship. We look forward to witnessing the accomplishments of these programs and projects. These projects are listed below.
Chamiza Foundation Board
The month of June was very busy for me with a variety of activities. We had our second and final board meeting for the year on June 9th at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Our board was given a tour of the “Restoring our Heartplaces” after our board meeting, which is housed at IPCC. The tour was given to our board members by Dr. Ted Jojola. Dr. Jojola is a Chamiza Foundation board member.
On June 10th, I had the privilege of moderating an incredible panel at the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders Forum held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya. This panel served as the opening plenary of the forum, aimed at bringing together Native leaders from New Mexico to discuss Indigenous perspectives on resilience in the context of land, climate, and culture. The panelists included Dr. Joseph Suina from Cochiti Pueblo, Phoebe Suina from Cochiti Pueblo, and Jade Begay from Tesuque Pueblo and Dine. I felt deeply honored to serve as the moderator. The panel effectively opened the forum by providing a historical overview of the Pueblo Revolt, setting the cultural context in which Pueblo peoples live, and conveying a strong message of resilience.
2025 New Mexico Golden Apple Scholars
On June 11th, I attended a graduation reception hosted by the Golden Apple Foundation to celebrate the New Mexico Golden Apple Scholars. The experience was wonderful, allowing me to meet the students who recently earned their teaching certificates through the program. The Golden Apple Scholars Program in New Mexico is designed for high school seniors and college sophomores who are determined and motivated to become outstanding teachers in Pre-K through 12th grade schools across the state.
On June 24th and 25th, I attended a Golden Apple Foundation Board meeting in Chicago. This was my first time meeting the board members in person. The room was filled with exceptional individuals who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience. I was very impressed by the people I met.
The Golden Apple Foundation currently has programs in three states: New Mexico, Illinois, and Michigan. The foundation is committed to producing well-educated teachers, aiming to help resolve the teacher shortage that our nation is facing.
Also, this month we begin filming for the Chamiza Foundation Legacy Film (which will debut Fall 2026). Very exciting!
Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda J. Montoya
June 2025 Awardees
- Pueblo of Santa Clara- Santa Clara Pueblo Senior Citizen Well-Being and Identity Initiative
- Pueblo of Taos- Taos Pueblo Sewing Pride: Culture, Joy, and Togetherness
- Pueblo of Taos Warchiefs Office- Taos Pueblo Equine Health Clinics and Horse Wrangling Skills Training
- Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps-Acoma Traditional Farm Corps
- Gerard House- The Woe Beedi Warriors Grief Support Program at Ohkay Owingeh Community School
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center- Cultural Dance Program Creates Positive Experience for Community and Dancers
- Poeh Cultural Center- Poeh Youth Arts & Cultural Pathways Project
- Trees, Water & People- Restoring and Protecting Pueblo Lands in New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains