Planned Blessing Way Program:

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Oso Vista Ranch proposes to expand its services in a very fundamental way by creating and implementing The Blessing Way Teachings Curriculum. This traditional Navajo ceremony and life perspective, called The Blessing Way, supports people in gaining greater respect for themselves, others and Mother Earth. It is a comprehensive framework for living that guides the Navajo person from childhood to adulthood. It combines the history of the Navajo people with a knowledge of ceremony, storytelling, the Navajo language, the spirit world and herbs.

It is considered the best practice for supporting a Navajo in creating a healthy orientation to themselves, others and the world. It completely fills the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of a Navajo individual.

The intended outcome of this teaching is to strengthen the individual and family by increasing cultural and spiritual values so that every member of the community may develop greater self-discipline, be prepared for challenges and develop the ability to make healthy decisions. The teachings foster respect, protection, industrious living, patience, gentleness, kindness, being a careful listener, balance of mind and an understanding of our sacred nature.

This program will be implemented through demonstration, discussion and hands-on learning in classrooms, at school parent nights, community events, programs held in the Oso Vista Ranch Cultural Center and in Blessing Way Ceremonies conducted at the Oso Vista Ranch spiritual Hogan.

Community Need

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The Ramah Navajo Tribal enrollment is 10,000 strong in Cibola County in west-central New Mexico. Approximately 3, 000 people live permanently in the Ramah area. Many people have moved to other areas to seek employment. The unemployment rate in the Ramah Navajo area is more than 50% with the average hourly wage rate being approximately $7.00 per hour.  The average household income is well below the poverty level. Ramah Navajo School Board is by far the largest employer offering 375 jobs. Many of these jobs are more suited to women, being clerical, teacher aid, food service or cleaning positions. Unemployment for men is far higher than for women.

Health care is provided by the Indian Health Service using a “modern medicine” approach.

Current funding allows Oso Vista Ranch and Medicine Man, Howard Adeky to only address tobacco education and prevention issues. We would like to stress that these are not treatment programs but an effort to inform and promote a healthier lifestyle. Of great concern to Oso Vista Ranch, medicine man, Howard Adeky is the spiritual crisis that is prevalent in the Ramah Navajo community. This lack of spiritual and cultural connection leaves the majority of the community without a healthy foundation and extremely susceptible to abuse and addiction.

These needs, coupled with the severe economic crisis in the area, are the basis for Oso Vista Ranch’s projects.