About Us,

 

 The Native American Children's Association was founded by Eleanor J. Guerrero, J.D. , a former prosecutor and attorney of 27 years, who also serves as Executive Director.  She specialized in training many of the United States reservations.  She was surprised to discover that many of the children there had no resources we take for granted in urban areas and that the high school drop out rate and suicide rates were much higher there.  The isolated locations, high rates of unemployment, family violence and alcoholism offered little hope.  Judges, police and prosecutors that she taught asked her what more they could do to help their own people.  Many were struggling to help kids on their own with very little resources.  A law enforcement trainer for 15 years, she discovered that drugs, truancy, crime and teen suicides are dramatically reduced with mentoring and other assistance.  

         

   According to the U.S. Department of Justice statistics:

 

 

Guerrero and her sister, Mariann Guerrero Mahady co-founded the nonprofit after Mahady's only grandson committed suicide in 2015. He was 14, gifted, well-liked and excelled at school. Suicide is often impulsive but support can help and some conditions increase stress like being cold and hungry. Although she had the concept of NACA in mind for years; now, it was time. 

 

NACA works on meeting these needs, whether through innovative events or providing basic resources-food, shoes, gas for attending sports competitions, and more. 

 

Mentoring is one of the answers. Children who receive mentoring are up to 99% less likely to commit suicide, do drugs, commit crimes or be truant.  It makes sense when you consider 60-90% of child abuse is neglect.

 

In the past, Miss Guerrero created and ran art and other active programs for hard core probational youth after she served as a Tribal prosecutor.  The children came whether they were required to or not-she even had runaways attending, who craved the support and encouragement of adults in their own community. She often used police and tribal leaders as chaperones.  NACA creates or supports such programs on reservations, gradually striving to expand, nationwide.  In Montana alone, there are seven reservations.  None of these are the casino wealthy reservations.  Many children are hungry and need basic supplies.  NACA strives to meet these needs.  These are the descendants of noble people-like the Hunkpapa Sioux, the band of Crazy Horse, who followed the last buffalo herds, or the Blackfeet, known for their prowess in battle and fierceness throughout the region, or the masterful Crow, skillful acquirers of horses.  Many children are ignorant of their own history.

 

Programs NACA supports or is working to develop are elder talks, where children learn about their traditions, celebrate seasonal festivals, hear local legends about warriors and native plants, create community gardens, express themselves through art and music, learn about the outdoors through hiking, camping and horseback riding.  Art, nature and animals are major sources of healing for wounded children who cannot articulate their pain.  Children are always served healthy meals at each event or program.  Ms. Guerrero is a national speaker on domestic violence laws, at risk children and healthy families (www.premierespeakers.com) and augments the programs with circle talks with the children about contemporary social concerns as well.  Creating a safe, fun environment, where children can learn from the example of healthy Native mentors is integral to the events.  Each reservation contributes their own perspective and interest in learning.  

 

LOVE>>>SUPPORT>>>CREATIVITY>>>HOPE>>>LISTENING>>>GIVING

 

Contributions to NACA, a 501 (C) (3), can be made directly to:

 

Native American Children's Association (NACA)

24 East Palisade Basin Drive

Red Lodge, Montana 59068

Or Contact: 

NACA (406)446-9102 or artbyeleanor@aol.com