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Engage in a volunteer service trip to Navajo and Hopi reservations in Arizona. Assist with construction, wood hauling, and food distribution while learning about Native American history and contemporary challenges. Cultural exchanges, visits to historical sites, and discussions on systemic injustices provide deeper insight. Gain an understanding of indigenous traditions, resilience, and social issues, fostering a commitment to service and cross-cultural learning.
Day 1
Day 1
Today was our first day of Winterim. We stayed local and went up to the Tipi Raisers hub in Lafayette. We loaded up food, lumber and other gear to be driven down to Arizona by some other volunteers. We were also able to learn about and interact with some amazing horses.
Day 2
Day 2
Today we woke up bright and early and flew to Phoenix, Arizona. After some delays, we hit the road and made our way up to Flagstaff where we had a delish lunch. Then, we drove two more hours to our final destination. We were greeted with a pasta dinner and a welcoming community. Tomorrow we will begin our service projects!
Day 3
Day 3
Today was our first day of projects!
After breakfast, we split into two groups. Half of us worked on chopping firewood for local elders. One elder even wanted to keep a student because of how well he did! The other half worked on digging trenches to try and locate an issue with a propane line. We wrapped up in the early afternoon and enjoyed playing some games together before dinner and our evening circle.
Day 4
Day 4
PIVOT! Today we were supposed to go up to the Hopi First Mesa, but a high wind warning made the trip too perilous. We change our plans and drove to Canyon de Chelly, where two Navajo guides led us on a five-mile hike down to the bottom of the canyon and back.
Along the way we got to explore some caves (up close) and ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs (from a bit of a distance). The winds were wicked and freezing, but as soon as we dipped into the canyon, it was perfect.
We are hoping to go to the Hopi First Mesa tomorrow!
Day 5
Day 5
Today, for the second day in a row, we woke to a fabulous breakfast prepared by Jaxson and Tong. We then set out to the Hopi First Mesa to help with a massive trash cleanup.
After filling 100+ bags of trash and helping load large items into three giant trucks, we were treated to a lunch of table nachos with members of the Hopi community. Along the way we had conversations with elders, police officers and village members who were incredibly grateful for our work, but we were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to hear their stories and learn more about their culture.
Stella, Caddis and Emma made a fantastic dinner of chili and cornbread.
Day 6
Day 6
Today was our last day of service projects and we went non-stop! In the morning one group painted the old schoolhouse and learned how to make caramel, and the other group split firewood at the houses of two Navajo elders. After lunch we all traveled back to First Mesa where we helped a Hopi elder move some of her belongings into a storage shed.
We had the opportunity to visit a Navajo and Hopi art gallery as well as some roadside vendors to purchase a couple of crafts from local artists.
Stray dogs have been a big part of our journey. Today Jaxon fell in love with a chihuahua he named Geoffrey, and a husky mix climbed in our van and tried to hitch a ride to Boulder. Unfortunately Southwest Airlines does not accept dogs, or we would probably be bringing home some new family members.
We ended our day with a delicious taco bar dinner prepared by Hannah, Kale and Madeline, followed by a closing circle where we reflected on all of the people we’ve met and things we’ve learned on this trip. We are excited to come home tomorrow to see our families (and sleep in warm beds!), but we all agreed our trip has been life-changing.
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