NAVAJO NATION REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL
The First Things First Navajo Nation Regional Partnership Council is working diligently to impact the future of the Navajo Nation. We do this by funding services to our youngest children, who reside within the Arizona portions of the Navajo Nation. The Regional Partnership Council strives to weave the Navajo Traditional Philosophy into the system building of early childhood development. The philosophy:
East: Navajo tradition is included into every dimension of ensuring families have a healthy start by sharing and celebrating strengths and values.
South: Providing each child with the skills and knowledge to lead a healthy lifestyle by creating partnerships with communities and schools to increase successful wellness programs and activities.
West: Empowering individuals to live in balance, harmony and beauty while being a part of strong, resilient families living with respect.
North: Facilitating opportunities for elders to enrich and sustain the beauty of Navajo heritage by sharing their wisdom and knowledge with families and communities. All the while, honoring the learning and being responsible for sustaining wellness.
The Navajo Nation covers approximately 27,000 square miles of land, occupying all of northeastern Arizona, and extending into Utah and New Mexico. The 2000 Census reported a total population of 12,132 children 5 years old and younger in the region. Fiscal Year 2012 allocation is $4,265,023 and distributed as follows:
• Quality, Access and Affordability of Regulated Early Care and Education Settings $2,140,048 (37%)
• Supports and Services for Families $1,490,942 (26%)
• Access to Quality Health Care and Services $1,190,725 (20%)
• Professional Development System $600,000 (10%)
• Public Awareness and Support $250,000 (4%)
• Other $175,794 (3%)
Serving each community’s distinct needs is a major goal of First Things First—reaching out to children and families in ways that will best offer support so that all Arizona children can start school ready to learn, be successful and reach their full potential.