News Release

NDN Collective 

Today, NDN Collective’s Climate Justice team and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women announced distribution of dozens of air filters to use for those impacted by the wildfires in New Mexico. The groups will provide supplies to local organizations and Tribal governments supporting Indigenous community members in the area.

The wildfires in New Mexico have been raging for over a month, spurred by unprecedented winds and drought which have consumed nearly 237,000 acres so far. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes, and more displacements are expected.

The wildfires are particularly impacting Indigenous communities in the area, including an “Indo-Hispano mountain culture far older than the United States,” as reported by Reuters.

“Indigenous communities will always mobilize to protect those most impacted. Right now, that looks like providing education and mitigation tools to protect our life force, our breath,” said Marquel Musgrave, Membership and Communications Director, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women. “Tewa people know that our breath is our life – and it is currently under attack.