Shine Smith's Christmas Party For the Navajos

Shine Smith's

For the

PHOTOGRAPHS BY

The Reverend Hugh Dickson Smith is and has been for 31 years a missionary of the Presbyterian faith to the Navajo Indians. From Dinnehotso to Tuba City, from Navajo Mountain to Tes Nos Pos, he is known and beloved by the Navajos as "Shine" Smith, a man who has devoted the major portion of his life aiding these Indians.

Gladwell Richardson, an old friend of Shine's, in ARIZONA HIGHWAYS for August, 1946, describes him in this manner: "His pulpit is wherever he happens to be when need arises. His church, nay, his cathedral is the grandest and most encompassing in all the world. It is 25,000 square miles of northern Arizona. In that vast region every man and woman, and especially the children, know him. Regardless of race, color or creed, Shine Smith is certain to be where storm clouds gather, where there is need of his kindness and his strength in the depths of human misery.

"Red man, and white. He has helped bring them into the world, fed and clothed them, and buried them finally in some lonely campo santo on a wind swept mesa. Or beside silent trails where long ago tired feet have gone to rest forever.

"Very early in his sojourn with the Navajos he set about bettering the lot of the children. It has been for them he has labored the hardest. Often he has been heard to say, 'To see them made well and happy again is my reward.' "For every year he has been with the Navajos, Shine has consistently fought injustices and violation of the Indians' personal rights. No matter the personal risk and expense, Shine always follows through."

Gifts for Shine Smith's Christmas party should be sent to this address: "Shine Smith's Christmas Party for the Navajos," Flagstaff, Arizona." Checks or money orders should be made out to Shine Smith, and sent to him at Flagstaff. Because Mr. Smith has no clerical help, contributions cannot be acknowledged, but all contributions will be

Christmas Farty Navajas

Ten years ago Shine held his first Christmas party for the Navajos. From friends in Flagstaff and northern Arizona, he begged and borrowed gifts of food stuffs and old clothing, went to a trading post in one of the more neglected parts of the reservation, distributed his gifts in the spirit of Yuletide. Last Christmas over 800 Indians gathered at the trading post at Shonto to be guests of Shine and the trader there, who himself donated a number of sheep for a tasty stew. Shine was aided last year by relief organizations and interested friends throughout the country. Because we know this is a worthy cause, and because we feel many readers of this publication would like to donate small gifts to this most unusual Christmas party, we are pleased to describe it here. Food and clothing are needed. A can of coffee, or peaches, would be a fine gift, or candy. Old clothing, even old shoes, are valuable contributions. We know of one little Navajo boy who received a heavy coat at Shine's party last Christmas. He has insisted on wearing it ever since, even during the summer when a heavy coat was much to warm for the temperature. Gifts need not be large or expensive. Small monetary gifts sent to Shine will be used for medicine and needed supplies. Fruit, sent before Christmas, would be very welcome. Navajo children like oranges, and they very seldom get any; so oranges would bring much pleasure at Shine's party. We assure you that every gift sent will bring great pleasure to many people. It has been, and will be, a fine party.-R. C. gratefully received, and will be used to the best advantage. Any monies contributed to this fund will be used by Mr. Smith in the purchase of medicines and in other beneficial ways, which in his opinion will do the greatest good for the greatest number. This is a worthy cause for many needy Navajo people.