"We have witnessed the emergence of the human spirit and collective action that said we would not stand idly by and allow hardship to tear us down.  At Red Feather, we have witnessed the emergence of our programs, which now reach more people than in any years past."​

COVID has brought death, division, and disruption across the entire world.  It has left a deep and lasting wound that will not quickly go away, especially for those who have lost loved ones, struggled with long-lasting physical ailments, or suffered economically. 

If you have followed our work and national media coverage, you know how deeply the pandemic has affected our partner communities. Sadly, this is another chapter in the centuries of hardships they have endured.  Without a lengthy narration about the impacts of colonialism and the vastitudes of continued oppression, one may ask when their suffering will be enough.

However, if we maintain such a perspective, we miss our chance to highlight the Hopi and Navajo people's incredible innovation, fortitude, and spirit.  Call it cliché, but without sadness, we cannot know happiness; without darkness, we cannot know light.  That is why we have chosen emergence as the theme for this year’s annual report.   Since the pandemic’s beginning, we have witnessed the emergence of governments, community groups, nonprofits, and individuals delivering millions of dollars in supplies and services to those in need across our partner communities. We have witnessed the emergence of the human spirit and collective action that said we would not stand idly by and allow hardship to tear us down. 

At Red Feather, we have witnessed the emergence of our programs, which now reach more people than in any years past.  Increased financial support has allowed us to invest in organizational systems to improve the effectiveness of our programs and ensure we are making sound investments in our work.  We are also leveraging our growing reputation of integrity and expertise to gather in solidarity with partners to collectively develop and deploy strategies for resolving locally identified housing needs.

​ As we look to the future, we remain optimistic and hopeful that our partner communities and organizations will continue to emerge from the challenges that weigh us down.  We continue to uphold Red Feather’s vision of a healthy world as an emerging model for others to follow--a world where affordable and safe housing is available to all and where we are all inspired to work collectively to create self-sustaining communities. We hope you enjoy reading about the success of our efforts and extend our sincerest appreciation for the continued trust and support in our work.  

From our house to yours,

​Joe Seidenberg
Executive Director 

'Since we’ve grown our Direct Solutions program, which provides a limited budget for home repair materials for families across both Hopi and Navajo, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of calls and applications. It’s been exciting but it’s also been a lot! Remembering the big picture is essential for me when I get overwhelmed with the amount of demand we are facing, or the amount of calls that come in during the day. People are facing a lot, and this is our way of doing something immediately, of meeting immediate need. The growing of the Direct Solutions program is intended to be that, and in so many ways it is succeeding.

​'Acknowledging and celebrating that re-centers me.
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'Despite the struggles, we are doing so much good work. I mean, we are really doing SO MUCH, reaching so many homes. And sometimes, in the constant drive to do more, we don’t always take the time to stop and spotlight and celebrate what we are doing, which is so important. Because we are reaching a lot of people. When you are as dedicated as we are to trying to help and to serve, it can be overwhelming to come in in the mornings and just see ‘Oh, I have 30 missed calls and 50 new emails’ but the power is in realizing that these are all people we are reaching and people that will be helped.

'I’m a big believer in stopping to recognize accomplishments and celebrate them. The truth is that Red Feather has grown a lot and is doing amazing work, so let’s acknowledge and get joy out of that too, while also recognizing that of course there will always be more work to do.

Red Feather Executive Director Joe Seidenberg
​July 2021

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,   ​