St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School

10/06/2025

Dear Friends and Donors,

We’re excited to share that our video documentary has been transformed into a podcast series.

Join us on “A Legacy of Hope” — a powerful five-episode series on iHeartRadio that chronicles how Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School walks alongside the Navajo people, providing education, clean water, and essential community services.

We invite you to listen, share, and continue supporting the Mission’s unwavering commitment to the Navajo Nation.

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-a-legacy-of-hope-st-bonaven-297944236/episode/st-bonaventure-indian-mission-school-297944237

Thanks,
St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School

St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School: “A Legacy of Hope”Episode 1: “A Legacy of Hope” introduces Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School in Thoreau, New Mexico, as a vital source of support for the Navajo (Diné) community. Founded in the 1970s, th...

09/08/2025

Chapter 5: Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School “A Beacon of Hope” (Conclusion)

Chapter 5, “A Beacon of Hope,” concludes the story of Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School with a powerful reflection on its unwavering dedication to the Diné (Navajo) people. Rooted in faith and service since 1974, the mission provides more than just education—it offers food, clean water, safe housing, home repairs, funeral support, mental health outreach, and community building.
This concluding chapter celebrates stories of resilience, such as those of “The Water Lady” Darlene Arviso, repairman Benjamin Harry, and youth empowered through scholarships and athletics.

The mission impacts every aspect of life in Thoreau and the surrounding Navajo lands, grounded in compassion and faith, and continues to rely on the kindness of donors committed to helping the Navajo people take the next step toward a thriving future.

Please watch and share.
Thank you.

Chapter 5: Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School “A Beacon of Hope” Chapter 5, “A Beacon of Hope,” concludes the story of Saint Bonaventure Indian Miss...

09/04/2025

Dear friends, donors, and followers.
Greetings.
We're sharing many easy ways to find and follow us on the web and through other social media platforms.
Please share with your network of friends and family members.
Thank you.

St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School.

09/02/2025

Chapter 4: Building “Resilience and Hope” among the Navajo People

Chapter 4, “Resilience and Hope,” explores the extensive outreach efforts of Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School, which go 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 chapter also illustrates the mission’s holistic approach, which fosters emotional well-being through funeral assistance, promotes community-building through teacher housing, a fitness center, and empowers individuals through job creation and mentorship.

Please share, and thank you.

https://youtu.be/Zw_Ci1-37ic?si=r_xSw2xEuJVHLwa5

www.stbonaventuremission.org

Chapter 4: Building “Resilience and Hope” among the Navajo People Chapter 4, “Resilience and Hope,” explores the extensive outreach efforts of Saint Bonavent...

09/02/2025

Chapter 3: “Knowledge is Power” – Providing Education to the Navajo Nation and Children

Chapter 3, “Knowledge is Power,” highlights the educational mission of Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School, which serves Navajo children from all corners of the Eastern Navajo Nation.

The school’s curriculum is grounded in both academic excellence and Catholic faith, and teachers and staff go above and beyond to ensure students feel valued and supported in every aspect of their growth.

Led by Principal Tracie Lee, the mission is not just preparing students for the future — it is investing in leaders who will one day transform their communities.

Please watch and share.
Thank you.

www.stbonaventuremission.org

https://youtu.be/vit4W6vxUFY?si=pSrysnlYqKgMHGW1

Chapter 3: “Knowledge is Power” – Providing Education to the Navajo Nation and ChildrenChapter 3, “Knowledge is Power,” highlights the educational mission of...

08/18/2025

GALLUP: WORLD FAMOUS NIGHT PARADE – DANCE GROUPS (THURSDAY NIGHT)

Today, we’re sharing most of the dance groups from Thursday night's parade, dubbed the “World Famous Night Parade,” which took place in downtown Gallup, New Mexico.

The video features various groups and organizations, including the Zuni Olla Maidens, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, Diné, Pueblo Dance Group, Eastern Navajo Baby Princess 2024-2025, Akimel O’odham, Kiowa, Native Sky Hood Dancers, Traditional Zuni Dancers, White Cloud Dance Group, California Bird Singers, and Apache Group.

Please enjoy, share, and leave your comment.
Thanks,

St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School

GALLUP: WORLD FAMOUS NIGHT PARADE – DANCE GROUPS (THURSDAY NIGHT) St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School was thrilled to witness the 103rd Annual Inter-Trib...

08/18/2025

Chapter 2: “The Water Lady” – Delivering Clean Water to the Navajo community

Chapter 2: “The Water Lady” spotlights Darlene Arviso, a beloved figure known for delivering clean water across the Eastern Navajo Nation, where nearly 40% of residents live without running water. As part of Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School’s decades-long effort to meet critical basic needs, Darlene drives thousands of gallons of water daily to remote homes and communities, often navigating rough dirt roads alone.

Through Darlene’s story and the mission’s ongoing commitment, this chapter highlights how access to clean water is a foundational step toward improving health, stability, and opportunity for the Diné people, making Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School a true beacon of hope.

Please watch and share.

Chapter 2: “The Water Lady” – Delivering Clean Water to the Navajo communitySummary: Chapter 2: “The Water Lady” spotlights Darlene Arviso, a beloved figure ...

08/17/2025

GALLUP: WORLD FAMOUS NIGHT PARADE (THURSDAY NIGHT)

St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School was thrilled to witness the 103rd Annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, which took place from August 1 to 10, 2025.

Today, we’re sharing the Thursday night parade, dubbed the “World Famous Night Parade,” which took place in downtown Gallup, New Mexico.

The video features various images of pageant contestants, princes, princesses, a ceremonial queen, and a grand marshal, among other colorful moments.

https://youtu.be/SlLs3RMe9UU?si=u-KFNoniZP7jDx1X

Please enjoy, share, and leave your comment.

Thanks,
St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School

GALLUP: WORLD FAMOUS NIGHT PARADE (THURSDAY NIGHT) St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School was thrilled to witness the 103rd Annual Inter-Tribal Indian Cerem...

08/16/2025

GALLUP: SATURDAY MORNING PARADE

St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School was thrilled to witness the 103rd Annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, which took place from August 1 to 10, 2025.

Today, we’re sharing the Saturday morning parade, which took place in downtown Gallup, New Mexico.

Please enjoy, share, and leave your comment.

Thanks,
St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School

08/14/2025

They're known as the Chinle Valley Singers.

For decades, the group has honored, spread, and preserved the Navajo culture and tradition through singing and dancing.

At the 103rd Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup (New Mexico), we caught up with the Chinle Valley Singers' lead singer, Dee Deswood.

Dee Deswood shared with us their passion for singing and the ways the Chinle Valley Singers are honoring not only her mother, but also her late grandmother, one of the group's co-founders.

08/13/2025

Chapter 1: Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School, a Legacy of Hope

Over the past five months, St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School has embarked on a mission to showcase our work over the past 50 years visually and the impact your donations are making in the lives of thousands of people across the Navajo Nation.

This work of storytelling has resulted in five chapters, which we will share with you over the next four weeks.

This Monday, we posted our first introductory chapter on YouTube. “A Legacy of Hope” introduces Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School as a vital source of support for the Navajo (Diné) community. This report sets the tone for a mission deeply rooted in faith, education, and cultural respect. These efforts are spearheaded by dedicated staff, such as Chris Halter, the mission’s Executive Director, and symbolized by individuals like Darlene Arviso, the “water lady,” who deliver not only necessities but also dignity and hope across the Eastern Navajo Nation.

Please, watch and share.
Thanks.

Chapter 1, “A Legacy of Hope,” introduces the Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission and School in Thoreau, New Mexico, as a vital source of support for the Navajo...

08/13/2025

WAGON RIDE AT THE RODEO’S OPENING CEREMONY

St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School was thrilled to witness the 103rd Annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, which took place from August 1 to 10, 2025.

Today, we’re sharing the wagon ride during the Open Rodeo’s opening ceremony at the Red Rock State Park – a courtesy of LaMont’s Wild West Buffalo.

We rode with the event’s honorees, Grand Marshal Talibah Begay (Navajo Recording Artist) and the Board Vice-President, Cajun Cleveland.

Please, watch and share.
Thanks.