Grand Canyon Trust Volunteers

by Deon Ben

What better way to celebrate the fall season, than to join in on a volunteer trip to the Navajo Nation with over twenty-five other passengers. With three vehicles, including one over size twelve passenger van, we made our way to Leupp, Arizona in route to North Leupp Family Farm. Upon are arrival we were greeted by the farmer board and farmers who were eager to take us into the fields to begin harvesting traditional corn. Three corn fields later and an hour of a mysterious cat call we about filled one truck load of white & blue corn.

As the sun began setting behind the distance peaks we began taking part in the practices of making steam corn, a practice that has been performed across Navajo country for centuries. We found ourselves embracing Mother Earth as we filled an earthen pit with corn and covered it with dirt, ash, and a rejuvenating fire. Once the potato, green chili stew was ready more than over forty attendees indulged in traditional Navajo food, but the dinner was stolen away by the handmade frybread.

That evening we enjoyed the warmth of our campfire and the musical talents of our fellow campers. The night set calm but dawn brought the sounds of howling coyotes and a breath taking sunrise. Once we had our morning coffee we headed to the farm to take on the Harvest Festival activities.

That morning our volunteers assisted the farmers with a morning activity walk, others took out the corn that streamed all night, while others helped two Navajo grandmothers prepare kneel down bread. The entire day was filled with activities and speeches, about the progress of the farm and the appreciation of the volunteers, which then led us into lunch. The table of food was about the length of the ramada, but all in all each individual got to taste the beauty and love of Mother Earth.