Annica Benning

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Arizona: Nations & Art

We did it Arizona!

Annica is thrilled to announce the gifting of 90,000 books to Arizona 4th grade students, school libraries and public libraries

ABOUT When I was in the 4th grade, I organized a used book drive and collected over 2000 books. Giving away that many books was an amazing experience which stayed with me for years to come. That same year, I also had to write a book report on Native American art and culture. I was captivated by the beauty of Native American art, but disappointed with the selection of childrens books written on the topic. I believe knowledge is key to the next generation playing an active part in the appreciation and preservation of Native American art and culture. I decided to write and photograph a book with the intention of gifting it to every 4th grade student in the state. I wanted to share the beauty of Native American art and culture with as many people as possible. My hope is to promote early literacy, dispel common stereotypes, while also inspiring students to volunteer and give back to their community. The Hopi Nation included my book in their testimony before the senate to recognize the contributions of the Hopi Code Talkers Bill SCR 1009. I received the Governors Volunteer Service Award as well as the Hon Kachina Award for my efforts to support the state of Arizona and the preservation and understanding of Arizona's Native American cultures. I currently attend Arizona State University, and am majoring in Global Studies. I intern for The O'Connor House and Mapendo New Horizons. I am also a member of Barrett, The Honors College and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. My lifetime goal is to continue givfting my book every year.

PRAISE

1

the first lady sends her best wishes and hopes that you continue to work with those close to you to strengthen your community and our country. she sends her congratulations to annica on this momentous occasion.

Office of Micelle Obama, The First Lady

2

annica is an inspiration for all young people. her creativity, compassion, and determination will certainly help produce greater understanding and bring honor to the native peoples of arizona. there is no better place to begin than with 4th graders and a dream to create healing between native and non-native peoples.

T. Lulani Arquette,President and CEO, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

3

governor rhodes and i found it very important to support this book. we are glad to see our tribal seal in the book.

Lt. Governor Manuel, Gila River Indian Community

4

by honoring this young woman, we honor her initiative to change the arizona school curriculum to include an accurate picture of native americans. this young woman brings understanding of native americans and their place in american history. through this book, the beauty of native american artists, lands and cultures will be shared with 80,000 families... potentially reaching approximately one million people in arizona.”

Representative A. Hale

5

please relay my personal appreciation for a book that demonstrates respect for the many aspects of the native life that is considered sacred. too many times i read ideals that are written openly that should only be passed through the lessons taught by the families. this type of carelessness and openness has fostered the slow demise of many cultures and this book shows that a little restraint is worth so much more.

Michelle Homan (Hopi), 4th grade teacher

6

i want to congratulate you on meeting your goal to distribute your book, arizona: nations and art to every fourth grader. your accomplishment of writing a book and sharing it with others shows a remarkable dedication to service.

Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security

MEDIA

The Bridge: Native and Non-native Youth for Understanding - 2010 FILM YOUR ISSUE SEMI-FINALIST

Annica Benning Hon Kachina Award 10-1-2011

Above is a short video about The: Bridge Youth Summit For Understanding. The Bridge is an anual youth summit which takes place on tribal land and is often in collaboration with Global Youth Service Day. I co-founded The Bridge because I saw a need for Native and Non-Native teens to build relationships, trust, and understanding.
This video was created when I recieved the Hon Kachina award. The Hon Kachina council recognizes ordinary people who have made giving back to their community a significant part of their lives. The Hon Kachina award is one of the highest honors in the state of Arizona and I was so touched to be a nominee especially at my young age.

CONTACT

for more information

about the book, the: bridge, speaking engagements, or questions

480.445.9028

walnutcanyonpress_gmail.com