Recently, Diné Naazbaa Partnership (DNP) attended the 4th Annual Tribal Symposium. The event was centered around inviting, learning, communicating, and processing information for all those on the Navajo Nation. DNP utilized this event as an opportunity to reach out and share resources with local veterans. There were panel discussions, networking opportunities, vendor tables, and traditional ceremonial dances that were powerful and beautifully expressive of Native culture.
DNP Community Coordination Associate, Karen Shirley, had the opportunity to attend panel discussions that provided her with new information on health practices, caregiver support, burial assistance programs, and discharge upgrades. She was also able to obtain more information on VA assistance and network with local organizations looking to further support Native American veterans in the region and on the Navajo Nation. Karen visited the tabling vendors and spoke with those regarding shelter, jobs, and general resources that can apply to the Navajo veteran community, including those who recently served with DNP at the Tuba City food drive. She even found out that a few of the event attendees were her family by clan!
DNP was able to connect with 20 veterans and add 8 resources to the DNP database of services. Overall, the symposium was an incredibly beneficial experience to further the DNP network and partner with the local community to support Navajo veterans.
The Navajo Nation is stronger when our veterans are stronger. Connect with DNP to learn more about how you can give back to the Navajo veteran community by visiting our website and completing an online form: http://dinenaazbaapartnership.org/