Christmas magic made its way into the Accelerated Learning Academy gymnasium on Dec. 11, as Salt River Schools and departments from around the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community partnered to host an event where everything was centered around literacy, books and reading. 

Staffers manned a little more than 20 booths, each decorated with a unique holiday twist, to share resources and offer fun holiday treats for those who stopped by. The Christmas-themed event brought in visitors dressed for holiday fun. Attendees also had the chance to win goodies with raffle tickets that were handed out at the entrance. Food was provided by Panda Express.

“Our main goals included providing a family literacy presentation where storytelling and culture were shared and providing an opportunity for families to meet with various [SRPMIC] departments, visit with Santa and pick up resources for their family,” said Trinidad Yazzie, Child Care Development Fund project coordinator.

Diné author Daniel Vandever and Diné illustrator Deon Mitchell hosted a special meet-and-greet, interacting with the kids and handing out copies of their book, “We Weave.” The book is about a Navajo boy and his grandmother who use their traditional art and creativity to purchase a computer for a school’s transition to digital learning.

Salt River Materials Group set up a fun area dedicated to rock painting and supplied the rocks. Right next to that, a photo opportunity with Santa Claus was available with photos taken by Taté Walker, communications and public relations director for Salt River Schools. 

“I love to see people happy and having a great time—taking photos, painting and learning something new. Meeting new students and their families is always fun, and at the same time highlighting Indigenous literacy, culture and arts is a bonus,” said Yazzie. 

The plan to bring in more families and continue providing resources in a fun, family-friendly way continues at Salt River Schools.