The Watch Fire has devastated the San Carlos Apache Tribe community, destroying at least 13 homes and leaving 75 people homeless.

A day after the fire ignited, the San Carlos Apache Tribe declared a state of emergency on July 12. They requested disaster assistance and urged those affected by the fire to evacuate to donation centers at San Carlos High School and Apache Gold Casino and Resort.

The devastation of the fire extends far beyond the reservation. In Phoenix, efforts have been underway since early Friday morning to gather and ship supplies to San Carlos. Indigenous activists and other organizers from across the state quickly mobilized to deliver water, clothing, first aid kits, food, and other essential items to the reservation.

Lending a Helping Hand

Reva Stewart, a Navajo activist and owner of Shush Diné, a Native shop on North 16th Street, showcases jewelry, books, and other items highlighting Native culture in the front of her store. However, a look into the back room reveals stashes of water, clothing, and other supplies set aside to assist people living on the streets of Phoenix.

Friday morning provided another opportunity for Reva Stewart to help those in need and support her community. She has been collaborating with Stolen People, Stolen Benefits, and other organizations to gather supplies, along with accepting individual donations. Stewart noted that the community has been eager to contribute, with some visitors to her shop on Friday having family members on the reservation.

She emphasized the importance of coming together, noting that the reservation already faces a lack of resources. The dryness of the area causes brush fires to spread quickly, and due to the remote location—about two hours from Phoenix—some people do not have vehicles to evacuate.

Reva said her own tribe is only just starting to gain access to a 911 emergency system, and many other reservations face the same problem.

“I think if the state and tribal governments stood up and made it work, it would work,” she said.

Stewart sent out a truckload of donations Friday morning, and will continue taking donations until at least Monday, depending on what more is needed, she said.

As the sun set on Friday evening, trucks from the San Carlos Apache Veteran’s Association arrived to load more boxes of supplies and pallets of water. By the end of the day, approximately 150 cases of water, along with tents and portable air conditioning units, had been shipped out.

Rebuilding the damage caused by the fire will require a collective effort from the Native community, Stewart said. She pointed out that it can be difficult for people to grasp the extent of the need for assistance due to the misconception that tribes receive ample government funding. In reality, much of the revenue from Native casinos goes towards paying off interest rather than directly benefiting Native people.

“It makes it harder for people because nobody wants to help,” said Stewart. “They think ‘oh, well, you’ve got the casino, so that should help you. But that’s never the case.”

As volunteers finished loading the last round of shipments Friday, hugs and laughs were shared as Stewart and other volunteers reflected on the importance of teamwork. It had been a long day, but their commitment to helping their communities was steadfast.

Before the Veteran’s Association left for the final trip of the day, the group came together and joined hands, saying a prayer for those who had lost everything.

How you can help: Places to donate across the Valley

The supplies most needed include cookware, non-perishable food, hygiene items, baby care supplies such as diapers and formula, portable fans, cell phone chargers and pet items. Dozens of locations in Phoenix and across the Valley are accepting donations over the weekend and into next week.

While most donation centers are accepting any items people can spare, the Office of the Chairman for the San Carlos Apache Tribe is specifically seeking campdresses, traditional garb worn by Apache women. These dresses are bright, colorful, and intricately embroidered, holding significant cultural value. Those with gently used or new campdresses can send them to the following address: Office of the Chairman San Carlos Apache Tribe PO Box 0 San Carlos, AZ 85550

Places to donate food and other items include:

• Apache Gold Casino Bingo Hall: 777 Geronimo Springs Blvd., San Carlos, AZ 85550. Food and beverage donations are being directed to the bingo hall, while clothing and hygiene supplies are being taken at the hotel. Animal care items can go to the pavilion.
• San Carlos High School: 860 US-70, Peridot, AZ 85542.
• Burdette Hall: San Carlos Ave. & Yavapai St., San Carlos, AZ 85550.
• Superstition Harley-Davidson dealer: 2910 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120.
• Shush Diné: 3449 N. 16th St. Phoenix, AZ. Taking donations 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Until at least Monday, July 15.
• San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission: Taking donations until further notice. Contact 928-475-2008; kevin.cassadore@scat-nsn.gov
• Kayenta Chapter House: Accepting donations 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 15. Contact 602-718-9132
• 2500 E. Cooley St., Show Low, AZ 85901. Accepting baby supplies July 15 and 16.
• 1107 S. Maverick Ave., Whiteriver, AZ 85941. Accepting baby supplies July 15 and 16.
• McNary Hondah Community Board: Accepting donations 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Tuesday, July 16. Contact 928-207-6434 for drop-off locations.
• Chinle Flea Market: BIA-102, Navajo Nation, AZ. Taking donations 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, July 15. Not accepting clothing donations.
• Dine College Tsaile Campus: 1 Circle Drive, Route 12, Tsaile, AZ 86556. Donations accepted 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Spruce Hall through July 18.
• San Carlos Healthcare Warehouse: 103 Medicine Way, Peridot, AZ 85542. Accepting donations 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through July 14.
• Hopes Frybread: 144 S. Mesa Drive, Mesa, AZ 85210. Accepting donations 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through July 14.
• Nurd Berger Cafe: 420 S. Hill St., Globe, AZ. Taking empty box donations to organize donated products.