October 2, 2025 • 20 mins
Resilience and Hope – Walking Together with the Navajo People
Episode 4, “Resilience and Hope,” examines the extensive outreach efforts of Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School, which extend far beyond education.
In the remote and often underserved Eastern Navajo Nation, the mission provides vital support to vulnerable populations—especially the elderly, veterans, and families living in a community rich in heritage but burdened by systemic hardship. Through home repairs, the thrift store, and affordable mobile housing, Saint Bonaventure offers immediate relief and long-term stability, powered by a dedicated staff and fueled by donations.
This episode also showcases the mission’s holistic approach, which fosters emotional well-being through funeral assistance, promotes community-building through teacher housing and a fitness center, and empowers individuals through job creation and mentorship.
www.stbonaventuremission.org
Episode 4, “Resilience and Hope,” examines the extensive outreach efforts of Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School, which extend far beyond education.
In the remote and often underserved Eastern Navajo Nation, the mission provides vital support to vulnerable populations—especially the elderly, veterans, and families living in a community rich in heritage but burdened by systemic hardship. Through home repairs, the thrift store, and affordable mobile housing, Saint Bonaventure offers immediate relief and long-term stability, powered by a dedicated staff and fueled by donations.
This episode also showcases the mission’s holistic approach, which fosters emotional well-being through funeral assistance, promotes community-building through teacher housing and a fitness center, and empowers individuals through job creation and mentorship.
www.stbonaventuremission.org
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
In this episode, we take you on a journey with
Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission in School, an unwavering pillar for
the Navajo people walking with them in faith, dignity, humanity,
and hope. This long road is not just a promise,
but a lifeline supporting vital needs such as housing, home repairs, fitness,
and overall welfare of the community in the heart of
(00:49):
through New Mexico. Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission in School stands
as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and community for now.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
And Grandma and Grandpa will be happy with you.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
You're already excited about it.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
This is a place where you can see hope in action.
Speaker 4 (01:12):
Saint Bonaventure's gave me a bathroom. I've never had a
bathroom in here, a tub. Now look what I got
from Saint Bonaventure's. Thanks to Saint Bonaventure's, I don't have
to run to my mom's house take a shower, or
(01:32):
you know, clean up over there, because I have everything here.
Speaker 5 (01:35):
And I'm just so grateful.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
With so many elderly population living in the reservations, including veterans,
mobility is a big problem.
Speaker 6 (01:43):
We're both in our sixties and so we're getting to
that point where we're really going to need help pretty soon.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
To solve it. Saint Bonaventure Mission is for many the
only solution we.
Speaker 7 (01:55):
Actually have home repairs for elderly Navajo A lot of
veteran Navajo's, veterans that were in the Iraqi War, Afghanistan,
even going back as far as Vietnam.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Christopher Halter at Saint Bonaventure Indian Missions Executive Director, they.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Were here at one of the sites for our ellerlies
improving the handicap ran accessibility for one of.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Our elderlies, Benjamin Harry, is one of the many hands
helping this aging population with very limited resources.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
Most of them are on fixed income. They can't afford
materials and whatnot. So that's where you know we're providing.
Saint Bonaventure is providing the labor, the expanse, and the materials.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
Repairing homes as a task and high demand, and that's
part of the United States being an We are on
the high desert, strong winds hammer fragile homes all throughout
the year, and the need for repairs is frequent.
Speaker 7 (03:11):
Windows get broken, doors deteriorate roofing, and so we try
to help fix those homes, primarily for the elderly, sometimes
for other individuals, but also veterans, Veteran Navajo veterans. Has
(03:32):
really been very important for us to reach out and.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Help hands on work floors, ceilings, bathrooms and even some
old fashioned heating systems.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
So if you put this one in here, like a
smaller one, it's sucking air. So actually what it's doing
this is blowing at a little raiders.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
This particular elderly couple was blessed with a brand new unit.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
This project has been pretty good, kind of challenging here
and there were able to do it.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
The homeowners are please for Benjamin and Saint Bonaventure. It
is one more undertaking brought to the finish line. Fans
to donors support.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
You don't have to furnish anything, you don't have to
buy purchase in the any of the materials. It's all
from Saint Bonaventure mentioned.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
All that crucial work has been alleviating significant burdens for
many Native Americans.
Speaker 6 (04:30):
I didn't have a portray with those from old school,
those still portraits which it was warped.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
In and for Benjamin, home repairents have become an opportunity
to pass on his experience and skills to other new employees.
Speaker 8 (04:47):
Joined this team up because I wanted to do something new,
learn something new, and always wanted to do a job
like this with helping others, so like right now, this
is my first project that.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
I did for Jeremy. The opportunity to train under Benjamin
is more than a job. It's a calling to give
back and invest in his community.
Speaker 8 (05:12):
Like working here, it's a great experience learning as I
go step by step and continue to be working here.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
I like it.
Speaker 8 (05:23):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
Over the years, the mission has become a place for
employment opportunities for many Native Americans, people like Jeremy, Benjamin
the repairman, Darlene the water lady, Cecil the bus driver,
and many others.
Speaker 5 (05:44):
No space of players.
Speaker 6 (05:47):
See.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
At the core of this mission are dedicated peoples, but hard.
Speaker 7 (05:57):
Working in.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
All working to uphold a vision of compassion, service and
support to the local Navajo nation.
Speaker 9 (06:07):
It's cozy to see here with people. Take them for
free if they need it, let them take whatever they need.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
Darlene van derver manages Saint Bonaventure thrift Shop. Everything here
is donated clothes, food, even books for the kids.
Speaker 10 (06:22):
I'm already everything organized by children, boys, girls, men who
women's lead in. Got blanket sheets, towels and everything's washed
and put out.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Located in the center of through, the shop represents a
beacon for families in immediate need of clothing and food.
Speaker 11 (06:41):
We give them everything that we have for the family, beans,
whatever each beach, vegetables or whatever we have. But for
the children they have children, we give them two bowls
of cereal and apple sauce, are soup and juice. Whatever
we have for the kids.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
Over there in the corner, mostly dried goods, she says.
Letitia Morgan does almost everything.
Speaker 6 (07:03):
I work as a register in the front and right
now I'm just trying to finish.
Speaker 5 (07:07):
Come upping back.
Speaker 9 (07:08):
There seriously watches the front while I'm in the back
done laundry, so I'm the laundry.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
Both embody the mission spirit of teamwork and dedication. DeMarco
Pierce is a local resident and an employee of the mission.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
Poltless Books, Legos part sets.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
He recalls one of many instances when the thrift shop
played an important role to support kids around the reservations.
Speaker 12 (07:39):
Yeah giveaway for the kids. He realized we had a
bunch of toys, so.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Over the years. Thousands of people around here are counting
on these good deeds.
Speaker 10 (07:50):
We all get all kinds of customers, not just one.
We get a whole lot of people coming in, and
they always tell us that our places clean is never
is never like another drift store.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
People like those who live near Saint Bonaventure's Mobile home
Community driver These homes, maintained by the Mission, offered dignified
and affordable housing, a welcoming place for many DNA people.
Inside it's a mobile home community. Cleanup crews are a
(08:25):
common sight keeping the area safe and organized. Every act,
big or small, reflects the Mission's commitment to dignity and care.
While this place represents a stepstone and bringing people closure together,
many Native Americans are holding on to their ways of life.
Speaker 7 (08:42):
There are pockets of communities and then there are wide
areas of open land where individuals live. And I'm often asked, well,
why don't they just all move into a community together. Well,
it's a little bit of a Difficut question because it's
reservation and the US government set up the reservation, and
(09:07):
on the reservation there's a certain amount of freedom as
to where families want a homestead or where they want
to set up their residents.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
But in these homes, people are witnessing real changes to
the lives of Native American families despite the historical challenges
they have faced. The next dream, if.
Speaker 7 (09:25):
You're stuck at home, there's nowhere for you to go.
That creates negative energy, and so we feel like this
coffee shop is a real opportunity for the community.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
A local coffee shop, a safe place for local youth,
a place for dialogue, warmth, and opportunity.
Speaker 7 (09:42):
It's very hard to get your first job, and if
you don't have experience, no one wants to hire you.
So this is really one of the primary goals is
to help young people get some job training and experience.
The other reason is the root of Mexico sits thirty
(10:07):
miles from the nearest towns and there's nothing for the
young people to do.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
For many isolated communities like this one, addressing poverty, alcoholism,
and mental health challenges is a moral obligation.
Speaker 7 (10:23):
We feel like if we can provide a safe space
for young people to go enjoy coffee or some kind
of a healthy fruit drink and to be able to
connect to the internet possibly do their homework in this space,
(10:43):
we feel like that that's going to be key to
really reaching young people and helping them have a better,
more positive experience.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
Each effort is a testament to the resilience of the
Navajo people and to the hope that together we can
build a better future. Another way the mission is connecting
lives and fostering growth is through shared living spaces. If
it's employees, new duplexes gleam in the sun, a teacher
gives us a tour inside.
Speaker 13 (11:11):
I don't have.
Speaker 14 (11:12):
Any furniture in yet, but you can get the lay
out of the house.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
So few homes have recently been built to house teachers.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
I've been super excited to actually have a dishwasher.
Speaker 14 (11:26):
The first time since moving out here to New Mexico.
Speaker 5 (11:29):
That I've had a dishwasher.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
So it's a pretty big deal.
Speaker 14 (11:34):
The little luxuries in life.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
A thoughtful step that brings educators closer to students and families.
Speaker 14 (11:41):
I know all of my neighbors, I know the people
that I live next to, and you know, we already
work together at the school, but just being able to
live together in a community, I mean again, it's all
about community and the relationships that you build, and so
being able to be in close proximity and care for
(12:02):
one another as neighbors.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
As Amara guides us through her cozy duplex, we are
left with a strong sense that these teacher residences will
foster deeper relationships, improve communication, and strengthen the school's role
in the lives of its students. Walking through the main
office of the mission, you'll find a dedicated team of professionals,
most of them members of the community victory, people who
(12:28):
are familiar with the plague of the Navajo nation and
offering to tackle the problems head on.
Speaker 7 (12:33):
We try to look.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
At the.
Speaker 7 (12:36):
Entire person in a very holistic manner to take care
of their physical needs, the spiritual needs, and we also
have various mental health programs to assist anybody that's struggling
with alcoholism, drug addiction, suicidal tendencies.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
Saint Bonaventure provides more than its school. It is a
lifeline that makes significant differences in the lives of Native
American families facing isolation, poverty, and laws.
Speaker 5 (13:09):
I'm thinking Saint Bonaventure for their big help, especially with
the funeral costs. They just didn't say no, They jumped
at it. They said yes, we'll help you. So they
do help people every word, all the communities.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
Through its funeral support services, Saint Bonaventure has helped many
families with burial costs, visitation arrangements, and emotional care.
Speaker 13 (13:38):
And as you all know, funeral arrangements are it's a
lot of work. It takes a toll and a lot
of financial burden against the you know, upon a family,
and Saint Bonaventure without you know, asking questions or without
(13:58):
you know, turning their heads, you know, they were open
arms to us. They helped us especially you know my mom,
you know that was her baby boy and that was
our little brother.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Justina's late brother, Lane Boyd was previously employed at Saint
Bonaventure Mission.
Speaker 5 (14:15):
He will always be showing pictures. Oh look this is
what we did for Saint bonam Look, look, look look.
He would just be proud of his work here. And
he took his job serious.
Speaker 13 (14:28):
Here and he when he would be given the chance
to haul the flat bed, he wouldn't think twice about it.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
In grief, these family members recall how the mission helped
him obtain his CDA license, among other opportunities afforded to
community members.
Speaker 10 (14:44):
But while he was.
Speaker 5 (14:45):
Employed here too, I like to thank Saint bon.
Speaker 13 (14:48):
Aventure for doing everything they could for Lane and Lane
giving back with open arms and a big heart to
the workers and the community.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
It means a lot in this spirit of helping each other.
Speaker 15 (15:01):
Hi, my name is Brittany Morales.
Speaker 12 (15:03):
I live here in th Rough.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
New Mexico.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
Just like Brittany Morales. The mission invest in the well
being of the community members native and non native alike.
Speaker 12 (15:13):
Yeah, we take card.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
Many residents and those from the reservations gather through its
fitness center, the only one in town and the surrounding areas.
Speaker 12 (15:24):
This gym, it's really valuable to this community. It's like
maybe the closest to this town. Some of these gym
members they live here probably say about five ten minutes away,
and they don't want to go travel on the highway
like in the snow or rain. Only closest gym they
(15:46):
have is this Saint Bonaventure Fitness Center. Other than that,
I would have blamed them traveling too far causing accidents.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Here, people of all ages and backgrounds come to work out,
find balance and connect.
Speaker 15 (16:01):
I got into fitness because I became a mom, and
moms need that me time, you know, to kind of
keep their sanity, just to get out of the house.
Not that I don't love my kids, all of us.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Mom will love her.
Speaker 15 (16:14):
Kids, but we still need to be able to have
that time for ourselves to get away. And that's kind
of what this is for me. It's it's my therapy,
my me time. It keeps me healthy, keeps me grounded.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
The center of pulses with life weights, clanking, treadmills, humming,
people just pushing themselves to their limits. The mission's fitness
center stands as a living tribute to a fallen US
soldier whose memory inspires resilience. Sergeant William C. Stacy was
twenty three years of age when he was killed in
Helmund Province, Afghanistan, during Operation and during Freedom. Before his death,
(16:50):
he wrote, if my life buys the safety of a
child who will one day change this world, then I
know that it was all worth it. Today, because of
Sergeant's stacy courage and dedication, people in these parts of
the Navajo Nation can come here with their gift of
freedom and pursue every opportunity their heart's desire. Sergeant's Stacy's
story is also a tribute to something very unique among
(17:12):
the Navajo people for generations.
Speaker 7 (17:15):
Interestingly, the Navajo are very famous for being code talkers,
and there are still a handful of code talkers from
World War Two that are still alive and so many
of those individuals and their families.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Since two thousand and six, Christopher Halter has been spearheading
the mission's efforts for a brighter and better tomorrow for
this eastern part of the Navajo Nation. In the heart
of th Roue, New Mexico, there was a dedicated group
of individuals powerfully working in front and behind the scenes
(17:53):
to uphold a vision of compassion and service.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
Some of the houses are worse than this. This one
is not really that bad. We're just gonna put insulation
on the ceiling and then we're gonna put dry wall
for them. So do you have a warm place during
the winter season and then kind of like a cool
uh during the summer?
Speaker 1 (18:13):
Repairing homes and properties, offering food and clothing, providing shelter,
supporting morning families, building places for healing, and promoting physical
and emotional well being. These and other mission outreach programs
have been made possible by tireless staff and generous donations
(18:33):
from people like you here in the United States and
across the world. Your donations fuel this mission of resilience
and hope.
Speaker 6 (18:46):
If it wasn't for Saint Bonaventure, we wouldn't have a
port here. I really needed you guys, and I own
somebody to help me, and that was good.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission in school or Hope's rooted in
deep brasilience. Please visit Saint Bottom Intermission dot org and
donate today. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Any young one way you uh? Any young? Yeah? Any
young he one way? Uh? Any young? Yeah? Any young
he o one way? Any ye yeah? Any yeah ye
(19:42):
any young yeh? Any young he o one way?
Speaker 13 (19:49):
Uh?
Speaker 2 (19:50):
Any young yeah? Any young he o one way yeah
yeah yeah
In this episode, we take you on a journey with
Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission in School, an unwavering pillar for
the Navajo people walking with them in faith, dignity, humanity,
and hope. This long road is not just a promise,
but a lifeline supporting vital needs such as housing, home repairs, fitness,
and overall welfare of the community in the heart of
(00:49):
through New Mexico. Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission in School stands
as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and community for now.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
And Grandma and Grandpa will be happy with you.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
You're already excited about it.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
This is a place where you can see hope in action.
Speaker 4 (01:12):
Saint Bonaventure's gave me a bathroom. I've never had a
bathroom in here, a tub. Now look what I got
from Saint Bonaventure's. Thanks to Saint Bonaventure's, I don't have
to run to my mom's house take a shower, or
(01:32):
you know, clean up over there, because I have everything here.
Speaker 5 (01:35):
And I'm just so grateful.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
With so many elderly population living in the reservations, including veterans,
mobility is a big problem.
Speaker 6 (01:43):
We're both in our sixties and so we're getting to
that point where we're really going to need help pretty soon.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
To solve it. Saint Bonaventure Mission is for many the
only solution we.
Speaker 7 (01:55):
Actually have home repairs for elderly Navajo A lot of
veteran Navajo's, veterans that were in the Iraqi War, Afghanistan,
even going back as far as Vietnam.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Christopher Halter at Saint Bonaventure Indian Missions Executive Director, they.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Were here at one of the sites for our ellerlies
improving the handicap ran accessibility for one of.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Our elderlies, Benjamin Harry, is one of the many hands
helping this aging population with very limited resources.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
Most of them are on fixed income. They can't afford
materials and whatnot. So that's where you know we're providing.
Saint Bonaventure is providing the labor, the expanse, and the materials.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
Repairing homes as a task and high demand, and that's
part of the United States being an We are on
the high desert, strong winds hammer fragile homes all throughout
the year, and the need for repairs is frequent.
Speaker 7 (03:11):
Windows get broken, doors deteriorate roofing, and so we try
to help fix those homes, primarily for the elderly, sometimes
for other individuals, but also veterans, Veteran Navajo veterans. Has
(03:32):
really been very important for us to reach out and.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Help hands on work floors, ceilings, bathrooms and even some
old fashioned heating systems.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
So if you put this one in here, like a
smaller one, it's sucking air. So actually what it's doing
this is blowing at a little raiders.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
This particular elderly couple was blessed with a brand new unit.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
This project has been pretty good, kind of challenging here
and there were able to do it.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
The homeowners are please for Benjamin and Saint Bonaventure. It
is one more undertaking brought to the finish line. Fans
to donors support.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
You don't have to furnish anything, you don't have to
buy purchase in the any of the materials. It's all
from Saint Bonaventure mentioned.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
All that crucial work has been alleviating significant burdens for
many Native Americans.
Speaker 6 (04:30):
I didn't have a portray with those from old school,
those still portraits which it was warped.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
In and for Benjamin, home repairents have become an opportunity
to pass on his experience and skills to other new employees.
Speaker 8 (04:47):
Joined this team up because I wanted to do something new,
learn something new, and always wanted to do a job
like this with helping others, so like right now, this
is my first project that.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
I did for Jeremy. The opportunity to train under Benjamin
is more than a job. It's a calling to give
back and invest in his community.
Speaker 8 (05:12):
Like working here, it's a great experience learning as I
go step by step and continue to be working here.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
I like it.
Speaker 8 (05:23):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
Over the years, the mission has become a place for
employment opportunities for many Native Americans, people like Jeremy, Benjamin
the repairman, Darlene the water lady, Cecil the bus driver,
and many others.
Speaker 5 (05:44):
No space of players.
Speaker 6 (05:47):
See.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
At the core of this mission are dedicated peoples, but hard.
Speaker 7 (05:57):
Working in.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
All working to uphold a vision of compassion, service and
support to the local Navajo nation.
Speaker 9 (06:07):
It's cozy to see here with people. Take them for
free if they need it, let them take whatever they need.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
Darlene van derver manages Saint Bonaventure thrift Shop. Everything here
is donated clothes, food, even books for the kids.
Speaker 10 (06:22):
I'm already everything organized by children, boys, girls, men who
women's lead in. Got blanket sheets, towels and everything's washed
and put out.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Located in the center of through, the shop represents a
beacon for families in immediate need of clothing and food.
Speaker 11 (06:41):
We give them everything that we have for the family, beans,
whatever each beach, vegetables or whatever we have. But for
the children they have children, we give them two bowls
of cereal and apple sauce, are soup and juice. Whatever
we have for the kids.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
Over there in the corner, mostly dried goods, she says.
Letitia Morgan does almost everything.
Speaker 6 (07:03):
I work as a register in the front and right
now I'm just trying to finish.
Speaker 5 (07:07):
Come upping back.
Speaker 9 (07:08):
There seriously watches the front while I'm in the back
done laundry, so I'm the laundry.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
Both embody the mission spirit of teamwork and dedication. DeMarco
Pierce is a local resident and an employee of the mission.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
Poltless Books, Legos part sets.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
He recalls one of many instances when the thrift shop
played an important role to support kids around the reservations.
Speaker 12 (07:39):
Yeah giveaway for the kids. He realized we had a
bunch of toys, so.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Over the years. Thousands of people around here are counting
on these good deeds.
Speaker 10 (07:50):
We all get all kinds of customers, not just one.
We get a whole lot of people coming in, and
they always tell us that our places clean is never
is never like another drift store.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
People like those who live near Saint Bonaventure's Mobile home
Community driver These homes, maintained by the Mission, offered dignified
and affordable housing, a welcoming place for many DNA people.
Inside it's a mobile home community. Cleanup crews are a
(08:25):
common sight keeping the area safe and organized. Every act,
big or small, reflects the Mission's commitment to dignity and care.
While this place represents a stepstone and bringing people closure together,
many Native Americans are holding on to their ways of life.
Speaker 7 (08:42):
There are pockets of communities and then there are wide
areas of open land where individuals live. And I'm often asked, well,
why don't they just all move into a community together. Well,
it's a little bit of a Difficut question because it's
reservation and the US government set up the reservation, and
(09:07):
on the reservation there's a certain amount of freedom as
to where families want a homestead or where they want
to set up their residents.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
But in these homes, people are witnessing real changes to
the lives of Native American families despite the historical challenges
they have faced. The next dream, if.
Speaker 7 (09:25):
You're stuck at home, there's nowhere for you to go.
That creates negative energy, and so we feel like this
coffee shop is a real opportunity for the community.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
A local coffee shop, a safe place for local youth,
a place for dialogue, warmth, and opportunity.
Speaker 7 (09:42):
It's very hard to get your first job, and if
you don't have experience, no one wants to hire you.
So this is really one of the primary goals is
to help young people get some job training and experience.
The other reason is the root of Mexico sits thirty
(10:07):
miles from the nearest towns and there's nothing for the
young people to do.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
For many isolated communities like this one, addressing poverty, alcoholism,
and mental health challenges is a moral obligation.
Speaker 7 (10:23):
We feel like if we can provide a safe space
for young people to go enjoy coffee or some kind
of a healthy fruit drink and to be able to
connect to the internet possibly do their homework in this space,
(10:43):
we feel like that that's going to be key to
really reaching young people and helping them have a better,
more positive experience.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
Each effort is a testament to the resilience of the
Navajo people and to the hope that together we can
build a better future. Another way the mission is connecting
lives and fostering growth is through shared living spaces. If
it's employees, new duplexes gleam in the sun, a teacher
gives us a tour inside.
Speaker 13 (11:11):
I don't have.
Speaker 14 (11:12):
Any furniture in yet, but you can get the lay
out of the house.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
So few homes have recently been built to house teachers.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
I've been super excited to actually have a dishwasher.
Speaker 14 (11:26):
The first time since moving out here to New Mexico.
Speaker 5 (11:29):
That I've had a dishwasher.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
So it's a pretty big deal.
Speaker 14 (11:34):
The little luxuries in life.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
A thoughtful step that brings educators closer to students and families.
Speaker 14 (11:41):
I know all of my neighbors, I know the people
that I live next to, and you know, we already
work together at the school, but just being able to
live together in a community, I mean again, it's all
about community and the relationships that you build, and so
being able to be in close proximity and care for
(12:02):
one another as neighbors.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
As Amara guides us through her cozy duplex, we are
left with a strong sense that these teacher residences will
foster deeper relationships, improve communication, and strengthen the school's role
in the lives of its students. Walking through the main
office of the mission, you'll find a dedicated team of professionals,
most of them members of the community victory, people who
(12:28):
are familiar with the plague of the Navajo nation and
offering to tackle the problems head on.
Speaker 7 (12:33):
We try to look.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
At the.
Speaker 7 (12:36):
Entire person in a very holistic manner to take care
of their physical needs, the spiritual needs, and we also
have various mental health programs to assist anybody that's struggling
with alcoholism, drug addiction, suicidal tendencies.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
Saint Bonaventure provides more than its school. It is a
lifeline that makes significant differences in the lives of Native
American families facing isolation, poverty, and laws.
Speaker 5 (13:09):
I'm thinking Saint Bonaventure for their big help, especially with
the funeral costs. They just didn't say no, They jumped
at it. They said yes, we'll help you. So they
do help people every word, all the communities.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
Through its funeral support services, Saint Bonaventure has helped many
families with burial costs, visitation arrangements, and emotional care.
Speaker 13 (13:38):
And as you all know, funeral arrangements are it's a
lot of work. It takes a toll and a lot
of financial burden against the you know, upon a family,
and Saint Bonaventure without you know, asking questions or without
(13:58):
you know, turning their heads, you know, they were open
arms to us. They helped us especially you know my mom,
you know that was her baby boy and that was
our little brother.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Justina's late brother, Lane Boyd was previously employed at Saint
Bonaventure Mission.
Speaker 5 (14:15):
He will always be showing pictures. Oh look this is
what we did for Saint bonam Look, look, look look.
He would just be proud of his work here. And
he took his job serious.
Speaker 13 (14:28):
Here and he when he would be given the chance
to haul the flat bed, he wouldn't think twice about it.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
In grief, these family members recall how the mission helped
him obtain his CDA license, among other opportunities afforded to
community members.
Speaker 10 (14:44):
But while he was.
Speaker 5 (14:45):
Employed here too, I like to thank Saint bon.
Speaker 13 (14:48):
Aventure for doing everything they could for Lane and Lane
giving back with open arms and a big heart to
the workers and the community.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
It means a lot in this spirit of helping each other.
Speaker 15 (15:01):
Hi, my name is Brittany Morales.
Speaker 12 (15:03):
I live here in th Rough.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
New Mexico.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
Just like Brittany Morales. The mission invest in the well
being of the community members native and non native alike.
Speaker 12 (15:13):
Yeah, we take card.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
Many residents and those from the reservations gather through its
fitness center, the only one in town and the surrounding areas.
Speaker 12 (15:24):
This gym, it's really valuable to this community. It's like
maybe the closest to this town. Some of these gym
members they live here probably say about five ten minutes away,
and they don't want to go travel on the highway
like in the snow or rain. Only closest gym they
(15:46):
have is this Saint Bonaventure Fitness Center. Other than that,
I would have blamed them traveling too far causing accidents.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Here, people of all ages and backgrounds come to work out,
find balance and connect.
Speaker 15 (16:01):
I got into fitness because I became a mom, and
moms need that me time, you know, to kind of
keep their sanity, just to get out of the house.
Not that I don't love my kids, all of us.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Mom will love her.
Speaker 15 (16:14):
Kids, but we still need to be able to have
that time for ourselves to get away. And that's kind
of what this is for me. It's it's my therapy,
my me time. It keeps me healthy, keeps me grounded.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
The center of pulses with life weights, clanking, treadmills, humming,
people just pushing themselves to their limits. The mission's fitness
center stands as a living tribute to a fallen US
soldier whose memory inspires resilience. Sergeant William C. Stacy was
twenty three years of age when he was killed in
Helmund Province, Afghanistan, during Operation and during Freedom. Before his death,
(16:50):
he wrote, if my life buys the safety of a
child who will one day change this world, then I
know that it was all worth it. Today, because of
Sergeant's stacy courage and dedication, people in these parts of
the Navajo Nation can come here with their gift of
freedom and pursue every opportunity their heart's desire. Sergeant's Stacy's
story is also a tribute to something very unique among
(17:12):
the Navajo people for generations.
Speaker 7 (17:15):
Interestingly, the Navajo are very famous for being code talkers,
and there are still a handful of code talkers from
World War Two that are still alive and so many
of those individuals and their families.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Since two thousand and six, Christopher Halter has been spearheading
the mission's efforts for a brighter and better tomorrow for
this eastern part of the Navajo Nation. In the heart
of th Roue, New Mexico, there was a dedicated group
of individuals powerfully working in front and behind the scenes
(17:53):
to uphold a vision of compassion and service.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
Some of the houses are worse than this. This one
is not really that bad. We're just gonna put insulation
on the ceiling and then we're gonna put dry wall
for them. So do you have a warm place during
the winter season and then kind of like a cool
uh during the summer?
Speaker 1 (18:13):
Repairing homes and properties, offering food and clothing, providing shelter,
supporting morning families, building places for healing, and promoting physical
and emotional well being. These and other mission outreach programs
have been made possible by tireless staff and generous donations
(18:33):
from people like you here in the United States and
across the world. Your donations fuel this mission of resilience
and hope.
Speaker 6 (18:46):
If it wasn't for Saint Bonaventure, we wouldn't have a
port here. I really needed you guys, and I own
somebody to help me, and that was good.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission in school or Hope's rooted in
deep brasilience. Please visit Saint Bottom Intermission dot org and
donate today. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Any young one way you uh? Any young? Yeah? Any
young he one way? Uh? Any young? Yeah? Any young
he o one way? Any ye yeah? Any yeah ye
(19:42):
any young yeh? Any young he o one way?
Speaker 13 (19:49):
Uh?
Speaker 2 (19:50):
Any young yeah? Any young he o one way yeah
yeah yeah
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