Winter Wellness & Digital Pathways of Care: Supporting Elders Through Healing and Connection

As winter settles across the Southwest, many Indigenous communities face heightened challenges including limited mobility, isolation, and harsh weather conditions that can impact both physical and emotional well-being. In December, SBi Giving took meaningful steps to meet these challenges with compassion, cultural respect, and innovation.

Launching the Winter Wellness Indigenous Yoga Series

In December, SBi Giving launched the Winter Wellness Indigenous Yoga Series in Window Rock, an Indigenous-led, community-based initiative designed to support healing, resilience, and cultural connection during the winter months.

Developed in collaboration with Diné yoga instructor Haley Laughter and Hózhó Total Wellness, the inaugural workshop offered trauma-informed movement and breathwork in a safe, culturally grounded environment. Participant response was overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest expressed in continued wellness programming.

This series will travel to Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Apache communities, expanding access to Indigenous-rooted wellness practices that honor tradition while supporting whole-person health of body, mind, and spirit.

Project Chizh for Cheii: Building a Digital Home for Life-Saving Work

December also marked the beginning of an important digital initiative with the development of a new Chizh for Cheii website and online giving hub, led by Indigenous web developer Vanessa Bowen of Albuquerque.

Chizh for Cheii delivers firewood and essential aid to Elders living in remote areas of the Navajo Nation and Hopi, many of whom rely on wood as their primary heat source. Winter conditions, limited transportation, and long distances make gathering firewood dangerous or impossible for many Elders.

Founded by Navajo leader Loren Anthony, Chizh for Cheii has delivered thousands of loads of firewood to high-risk Elders. The new website will serve as a centralized platform for storytelling, volunteer coordination, secure donations, and year-round visibility to support this life-saving work.