
Española Valley Humane Society
Española Valley Humane Society
Española Valley Humane Society has provided safe shelter to over 55 pets displaced by or rescued from the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak inferno, the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history. We evacuated every cat and kitten from our sister shelter in Las Vegas, NM, and transferred in more from another shelter. We took in bottle-baby kittens whose foster home burned, dogs left homeless by the fire, seven puppies evacuated by hot shots from the smoldering ash, and a feral kitten who was found limp by firefighters, suffering an infection from smoke inhalation.
Every single animal we took in was spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Some required medical treatment or lengthy foster care. All of the animal who are of age have been adopted - including six adoptions by National Guard members on active duty in the fire. We waived all adoption fees in honor of their service. Thanks to the heroism and heart of first responders, our animal welfare community, and our supporters, we could help them all find their way out of the flames and into forever homes.
_____
The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its Community Resiliency Fund nonprofit grantees to submit stories related to their wildfire relief efforts.
Santa Fe Indigenous Center
The Santa Fe Indigenous Center is a Native-led nonprofit serving Indigenous families across Santa Fe County. Through biweekly food drives, cultural events, community programs, emergency financial assistance, and a robust network of referral resources, SFIC supports the diverse needs of the local Indigenous community. Each year, the organization hosts its signature event — the Honoring Native Nations Powwow on Indigenous Peoples’ Day — bringing dancers, drummers, Tribal Dignitaries, artists, and community members together to celebrate Indigenous culture, joy, and resilience. This year’s powwow was a vibrant success, and SFIC looks forward to continuing this tradition in 2026.
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Last year, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian opened Carved Stories by Hopi artist Mavasta Honyouti. Featuring all sixteen low-relief carvings from the Coming Home series — created in tandem with Honyouti’s children’s book Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story — the exhibit recounts his grandfather Clyde Honyouti’s experience at an off-reservation federal boarding school. This Indigenous-led project offers a powerful and visually compelling reflection on Hopi life, culture, and history. As Brian Vallo notes, “Carved Stories… is both powerful and beautiful.”
Kha'p'o Community School
With support from the Native American Advised Fund, sixth-grade students at Kha’p’o Community School embarked on Our Voice, Our Stories — a year-long documentary project blending traditional Tewa arts and modern digital storytelling. Through pottery, weaving, sewing, and film, students explored their cultural identity and celebrated their voices as young Tewa people.