The Santa Fe Indian Center (SFIC) proudly announces the opening of its new office at 1420 Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe and has appointed Caren Gala to serve as the new Acting Director. The SFIC was able to open a physical location due to donors from the Sufi Service Center, the Native American Advised Endowment Fund of the SFCF, and other major donors. The office, located in the Center for Progress and Justice, is now open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will serve the urban Native American community of Santa Fe.
Gala, a member of Nambe Pueblo, is the former Programs Director for the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market. She left the organization after 19+ years in 2011 to pursue independent contract work and continued producing events and programs including the Zia-Bernalillo Farmers Market and American Indian Community Day in Santa Fe. “Programs, education, health and social gatherings for the urban Native community are a high priority for the Santa Fe Indian Center. I encourage the Native community of Santa Fe to come in the office and learn about upcoming programs, services and resources we have to offer.”
The SFIC was established in 2008 as an all-volunteer nonprofit initiative dedicated to building a sense of community and providing support for Native Americans in Santa Fe. The SFIC sponsors and co-sponsors gatherings, serves as a resource center for those seeking special services, and helps families and individuals in crisis. Since 2011 the SFIC has assisted with educational, medical and funeral expenses, rent and food monies, auto repairs, clothing and shoes and more for those in extreme financial need and those who would otherwise do without.
With funding assistance from the New Mexico Health Equity Partnership, SFIC recently sponsored a Health Impact Assessment of the health needs of the urban Indian community and the ability of the Indian Health Service to meet those needs. The results of this study are now available to the public at the Santa Fe Indian Center’s office.
As part of its mission to support and enrich the Native Community in Santa Fe, the SFIC will continue to host community gatherings, book signings and workshops focused on health and wellness, arts and culture, education. The organization’s signature event called American Indian Community Day in Santa Fe takes place every year mid-September. This free public event features music, Native dances, food, art projects and many fun activities for the whole family.
The SFIC’s website is www.santafeindiancenter.org and can also be found on Facebook. For more information, call the Santa Fe Indian Center Office at 505-660-4210 or email at sfindiancenter@gmail.com
