Coat Drive 2024

Ānīn & Yá'át'ééh,

We are 3 sisters from Lehi, Utah. We are Diné-Navajo and Ojibwe-Saulteaux. Our mom is Diné from Two Grey Hills, New Mexico and our dad is from Cote First Nation near Kamsack, Saskatchewan in Canada.

This is our 2nd annual Coat Drive. We are seeking monetary donations for our coat drive, building on the success of our previous coat drive in Shiprock, New Mexico. Our goal is to ensure that people of all ages, from babies to elders, have access to warm winter clothing and other essential supplies. Recognizing that these items are not easily accessible for some, we're committed to personally delivering everything to Two Grey Hills, New Mexico. All proceeds are going towards the Coat Drive.

The Navajo Nation faced severe challenges during COVID, with lingering effects. Many isolated elders, living alone, require coats for livestock care and essentials like wood and coal to keep their homes warm. Limited income makes it difficult for them to afford these necessities, and transportation remains a challenge with stores being hours away.

The success of our initial coat drive underscores the importance of prioritizing assistance to our native communities, especially considering we are the next generation. Collaborative efforts are essential, as it takes support from others to make a meaningful impact. Ensuring the well-being of our elders and community is an ongoing commitment that requires continuous dedication and collective action.

We're focusing on helping Native communities, and we're immensely grateful for every donation. We hope to reach other native reservations, across the US and Canada in the future. As we work towards our goal, we're excited to gather more supplies and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support in our mission to assist those in need.

If you would like to follow us along the journey our Instagram: @ozaawigwane or on Facebook under ‘Ozaawigwane’

Miigwech/Ahéhéé

Thank You for supporting us!

-Kim, Britney, Rachel and Family

UTAH:

Utah's American Indian/Alaska Native population stands at 1.5%. The state is home to eight sovereign tribal nations, each contributing to its rich cultural tapestry: Confederated Tribes of Goshute, Navajo Nation, Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, San Juan Southern Paiute, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, White Mesa Community of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Ute Indian Tribe. These diverse communities play a vital role in shaping Utah's heritage.

NEW MEXICO:

New Mexico has approximately 228,400 Native American citizens, which represent nearly 10.9% of the state’s entire population. There are 23 tribes located in New Mexico – nineteen Pueblos, three Apache tribes (the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Mescalero Apache Tribe), and the Navajo Nation, and a considerable urban Indian population which is also served by the Indian Affairs Department. The nineteen Pueblos are comprised of the Pueblos of Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, Sandia, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Zuni and Zia.