​The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the Stove Exchange Program in the northeast part of the Navajo Nation, halting nearly every aspect of the program.   However, wherever possible, we have found innovative ways to continue helping, such as delivering N95 masks to families in need- dropping them off while staying safely in our vehicle.  We have also ramped up our efforts to address questions about the program via the phone, recognizing that this is not an ideal solution for elders and those who have unreliable phone service at their homes.    

Families are still grateful for the limited services we can provide.  Many still invite us into their homes, but we must sadly decline due to the risks.  Recently, an elder resident of Upper Fruitland, NM told me that she lost her daughter, who was a nurse, to the virus.   Despite this, she still wanted to thank me for bringing her masks to help stay safe.  She was humbled that someone she did not know had the kind heart to help.   She explained that even though it was a small amount of money, she just did not have the income to purchase any for herself.
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This sharing of kindness and care for one another reminds us that even our simplest acts of service are of great importance and have the power to impact lives. That is the gift that we keep with us, giving us strength as we help others, and ourselves, through times of fear, sadness and loss.

Ironically, we’re back to a starting point of sorts, when our founder, Robert Young, heard about tribal elders freezing to death on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, home of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.   So moved by the plight of Katherine Red Feather, he organized his friends to build her a new home, which planted the seed that would eventually grow into who we are today.   Fortunately, we have had several donors and grants over the past year that have helped us develop a new DIY Healthy Heating class, an alternative healthy heating community demonstration site, and the installation of new heating systems in a handful of homes.  As we look to the future, we will continue to solicit support as we expand these efforts, in hopes that all people in our partner communities have access to healthy heating options in their homes.   

Of course, it is not just our programs that evolve, but our staff as well, as you will read in the stories that follow.    In July of this year, I took the reins as Executive Director, after spending eight years in program development positions within the organization.  My own path to Red Feather involved a deep interest in humanity, and a belief that no matter our geography, religion, political views or economic status, we are all connected and should strive to support each other as we endeavor to survive in this chaotic world.

Having worked in the remote corners of West Africa (hand-in-hand with Muslim and Christian communities) and the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya, I purposefully found my way to the southwestern United States.   It was here that I connected with our native communities, who have so many beautiful attributes and whose teachings are of great benefit to our global community.  Sadly, they have also endured many injustices and traumatic hardships.   Despite this, they keep on thriving and evolving as people.  They are not the only native communities to have encountered such a reality. 

On a recent, much-needed vacation to Australia, I had the chance to learn more about the aboriginal communities there.   Facing much of a similar plight to Native Americans, such as genocide, forced assimilation and theft of their homelands, they remain resilient.  I was amazed to see outside the Sydney airport, next to the Australian National Flag, an equivalently sized Aboriginal Peoples Flag.  Let’s not pretend to think that having such a flag indicates all is well for Aboriginal Australians or that they live in a world free of prejudice or economic, social, and environmental injustice.    However, let their flag be a beacon, reminding us that all people are equally entitled to a healthy and harmonious life. 

As the year comes to a close and we soon begin yet another, let it be filled with visions of hope and excitement for stories untold.  Endeavor to continue spreading goodwill to all.   We recognize that many of our supporters have already donated all they can during the year, but for those who are able we ask that you consider Red Feather in your year-end giving.  
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If you would rather contribute in other ways, one of the simplest things you can do is share our work more broadly with your family, friends and colleagues- for as our family grows, so does our impact.   And, while our volunteer programs are not as robust as in years past, you can still let us know of your interests by giving us a call or visiting our volunteer page here.  

Wishing all of you a peaceful and prosperous holiday season.
​Sincerely,   ​

My name is Roy Lee Hosteen, and I am Red Feather’s Four Corners Area Project Coordinator.  I am also a member of the Navajo Tribe and reside in Upper Fruitland, New Mexico. Upper Fruitland is one the communities that is participating in our current Wood and Coal Burning Appliance Replacement and Home Weatherization Project (WCBAR). 
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I began working on WCBAR in April of this year.  The project is jointly funded and administered by Arizona Public Service and Southern California Edison. It’s a stove replacement and home weatherization program for low-income families who use wood and coal stoves as the main heating source in their homes.

Weatherizing a home might be simply replacing missing or cracked window glass that lets cold drafts into the home. It can also include things like applying weather stripping, replacing insulation, and patching drywall--all done to close the air leaks that make a home uncomfortable and less energy efficient.  One of my primary responsibilities is to visit families in their home and provide education on how to properly use and maintain their new heating system.  I do this because  any of the stoves that families have been using are a simple “pot belly” design.   Newer EPA-certified stoves, such as the one pictured on the next page, have advanced technologies and operate much differently.    

​I have seen many stoves during my visits that have deteriorated due to their age, but continue to provide service in keeping a family warm during the cold winter months. Some of the stoves are homemade and have sentimental value to the families. Nonetheless, these stoves often have defects, such as holes, that emit smoke and fly-ash into the home, causing health and safety hazards.

The experience of entering a home to install a new stove for a family is priceless.  Families open their doors with a welcoming spirit and expression of gratitude.  They say their good-byes to their old, faithful stove as it leaves their home.  I’ve seen family members touch their old stove for one last time, as if it were another Being that helped them through the years.  The contractor personnel are also moved by the family’s gratitude as they install the new stove.  Once the stove is installed, a fire is built to show them how to use their new heating source. 

Here are some comments from families that have had a new stove installed and their home weatherized:

“Who else would do this?  I am sure thankful for the new stove and sealing where all the cold draft was coming in.  Thank you so much.”
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“I have noticed that I don’t burn as much wood or coal with this new stove.  Thank you, thank you!”

“The new natural gas stove is a true blessing.  The contractors were so polite, professional, and respectful.  Now, I don’t have to bring in wood and coal, which darken my ceiling.  Oh, Thank you.”

“It was certainly a privilege to be selected for a new woodstove and weatherization project.  This was our Thanksgiving holiday blessing and beyond words.  Our struggles and economic difficulties were considered.  Zohnnie Construction personnel were professional in providing their services. Ahe’hee’, Our heartfelt appreciation!”

“The new stove is good.  I like it!  When I first started using it, I would get smoked out of my house.  Until I learned how to use it properly… Ha ha ha.  I was taught how to use the stove levers, but I was too excited to listen.  It’s not like my old stove, it would get red hot and then if I didn’t attend to it the fire would burn out and my house would get cold again.  Now I have a constant steady heat warming my home and the cold draft doesn’t go through my door also.  Thank you to all the people involved.”

Being a community member, I have seen the need for these types of services, and really appreciate the positive health impacts the program is having in our communities. Services were delivered to forty-nine families by the end of November 2019, with many more yet to be qualified for the program. The goal is to replace 300 stoves by the end of 2021.

Any help is greatly appreciated in keeping your home safe and warm through the winter season.  I applaud how professionally this program operates, serving the Native sacredness of safe home around a fire.  My gratitude and appreciation for those who have a heart of giving.  Ahe’hee', Thank you.