Raise the Roof for our Indigenous Elders

Raising the Roof for our Indigenous Elders

Hello Family☀️

Thank you for your presence here.

In collaboration with Poranguí, Reciprocity Music, Rising Man, and many other contributors, we are calling out for support in a community project to transform the home of our Native Diné Elders, Chief Danny John Sr. and First Lady Laurene John.

The Chief and First Lady are powerful wisdom keepers. Their outpouring of generosity and remembrance is an invaluable offering to all of us who are called to walk in a beautiful way, on Native Land. As medicine people, they are constantly doing the work, traveling, giving their time, energy and effort to be where they are needed for ceremonial healing purposes and to support the Indigenous ways.

They have been a part of stewarding Sundance Ceremonies on Diné land since the 1970s and are the owners/caretakers of the land on which the Little Big Medicine Sundance Ceremony has been held since 1997. This traditional Lakota Ceremony provides powerful healing and prayer for the Collective and is only one of many ways that the Chief and First Lady have been pillars for many generations in carrying forward the Sacred ways of connection with Great Spirit and Mother Earth.

As they are advancing in physical age, tending to health issues has become a primary concern. Chief Danny John has been the caretaker for their family, but recently suffered a stroke which leaves a need for support in sustaining their off-grid lifestyle, as there is no access to running water on the property and their home is heated by firewood, which requires an immense amount of physical labor to collect. At this time, their current living situation is no longer sustainable, as the home is in desperate need of repair in order to make it through the winter.

Despite all that they give, they have never asked for anything in return. Now is the time for us, the people, to rally and come forward, joining hands in reciprocity to offer support to them.

Listen to the first and final track of Poranguí's "Beauty Way" album which features the Chief & First Lady offering their prayers .

Song link - Opening Prayer ft Chief Danny John Sr

Song link - Closing Prayer ft First Lady Laurene John

Our project entails two phases. The first of which is to repair their leaking roof before the cold weather comes, as the current conditions do not provide a safe, warm shelter from the impending snowfall. Phase two of our project is to build a beautiful new home for them which reflects their desire to live simply and in close connection with the land~ A sanctuary in which they can enjoy the comfort of having their basic needs securely and efficiently met.

The Scope-

Phase 1- Repairing the Roof (COMPLETED)

Timeline: Repair new roof for them before the end of November 2023

Cost: $10,000 approx.

Phase 2 - Building the Future

Timeline: Replace the entire roof w/ new metal material, remove deteriorating structures, rebuild exterior perimeter of the home via hempcrete workshop and remodel bathroom with an ADA style walk-in shower.

Cost Estimate: $30k

*large sum donations ($250 or more) can go through 501C3 for tax credit - reach out to organizers for details*

Many collaborators have been conducting various sustainability projects over the years on this land including, but not limited to, large-scale composting toilets, solar energy, waste management, etc. These efforts have been in large part to support the annual Sun Dance Ceremony, and the next step is for the immediate needs of the stewards of this Sacred Land to be collectively addressed.

As we know, there is a systemic nature to the disparity in access to resources which has historically been experienced and is an ongoing issue within Native communities, in this case, specifically on the Navajo reservation. It is in our hands to come together and rewrite the narratives that have not supported the thriving of those who are Indigenous to this Continent. This project is an opportunity to support true reparations and plant seeds for a brighter future for the whole of our interconnected human family.

Thank you so much for your contribution. May the healing that takes place here ripple out and be of benefit to all of our relations!

✨ Aho’ Mitakuye Oyasin✨