Volunteers with the Reservation Creation Women's Circle Charitable Trust show some of the auction items — including photographs, posters and jewelry — that will be available at the group's fundraiser on Saturday.

A.e. araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Other articles by Loni Nannini:

It's an annual healthy shopping spree for families in need Business duo sees big returns in helping displaced kids 'Red Hot' summer fundraiser to benefit 2 causes for children Feeding children really satisfies Canines help kids connect Just volunteer, and you — yes, you — can be a superhero Volunteerism: Rx for self-absorption Mother's Day gifts brighten holiday for women in shelters Small school helps at-risk kids discover their potential 'Funraiser' supports San Xavier with a true Southwestern vibe

Health Care
FRONT OFFICE Trades/Construction
Lectra-Serv, Inc
Electricians & Helpers General
Prestige maintenance USA
Custodian Trades/Construction
Pioneer Landscaping
Yard Person/Loader Operator Administrative & Professional
Tucson Symphony
Teleservices Sales/Courtesy Rep Mechanical
Pioneer Landscaping
Diesel Fleet Mechanic Production and Manufacturing
Pioneer Landscaping
Crushing Crew

Carole J. Garcia and other members of the Reservation Creation Women's Circle Charitable Trust believe it's important to honor the past while looking to the future, and to learn from the old while inspiring the young.

They hope to do both by sharing the traditions that have carried American Indians through several millenniums.

"We are committed to helping preserve, protect and promote Native American traditions and culture, and at the same time inspiring the youth to continue and maintain their culture," said Garcia, a founding member of the nonprofit organization. "At the same time, we know we have to live in this society, and it is important for us to be able to be educated and learn about the Western ways of living too."

The Reservation Creation Women's Circle Charitable Trust has funded two scholarships annually since 2000: the Academic Excellence Award toward an Indian student's high school or college education, and the Traditional Teachings Award, for an Indian who has dedicated his or her life to passing traditions on to the next generation — traditions such as art, music, dance, language, storytelling and traditional medicine.

Last year's scholarship went to Louellyn White, a member of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and a doctoral candidate in American Indian studies at the University of Arizona. Students at Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and Desert View High School also have benefited from the scholarship. Past Traditional Teachings Award recipients include Anita Antone, a Tohono O'odham master basket weaver, and Patrick Franko, a Tohono O'odham elder and leader of the San Xavier District.

Garcia, also a member of the Tohono O'odham tribe, said she believes that sharing time-honored traditions to educate the community at large about American Indian culture is mutually beneficial.

"As we learn about each other, we learn to understand each other better. . . . Through that understanding, hopefully acceptance comes in, so we are able to work together and communicate with each other about our different needs and desires," she said.

Garcia said the Reservation Creation group is unique because it strives to unite people of diverse backgrounds in a spirit of volunteerism to help all Indians. The organization boasts a core group of 25 volunteers, with ranks tripling during special events. Among special volunteers are members of the Native American Images Club at Cholla High Magnet School and students from Marana Middle School.

"The desire to help the community is there in their hearts and minds," Garcia said. "I am always surprised and pleased at the people who come out and really support us because they want to help the Native American community."

Gina Stanfill felt the call to become involved several years ago. The 27-year resident and owner of two businesses — GS Bookkeeping and ChiWorks — said she has received an incredible education through volunteering.

"There are many things about Native American culture that I had no idea about: the process of how they cook and how they think, how they honor the land, the clothing they wear, even the terms they use," Stanfill said.

For example, I called the clothing a 'costume,' and it is not," Garcia said. "It is regalia. . . . A costume is something you wear at Halloween, and regalia is something you wear to a wedding. Just to have that different perspective and to learn something new every year has been an amazing journey for me."