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“There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.”

-John F. Kennedy

This particular quote is one of my favorites; it underscores my belief that we really cannot afford to turn our backs on society’s problems and simply ignore those among us who are truly in need.

Where The Water Cuts Through is a Native American-owned non-profit organization committed to preserving vital ancestral values that I believe can strengthen the foundations of families and communities in Northern New Mexico.

The name of our organization speaks to where our heritage began: a small Native American community on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Our name also serves as a metaphor for the vision and mission of our organization: like the great river, I believe that together we have the power to move through the many barriers that obstruct progress—in our case, human progress. Our mission is to help secure the social, economic, mental and physical welfare of all of the diverse socio-cultural communities in Northern New Mexico that comprise our constituency—Native Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Whites and African Americans.

I am the Executive Director of this newly formed non-profit. We are committed to addressing and remedying the most serious social and economic problems that threaten families, friends and communities. Poverty, lack of education, substance abuse, domestic violence, child and elderly abuse, crime, suicide… these have become the weapons of mass destruction in our time.

We are anxious to partner with other non-profit organizations, private industry and local governments. We will work with civic leaders and elected officials who share our vision. Where The Water Cuts Through will always strive to promote its programs and initiatives in a “neutral environment,” free from partisan politics and competitiveness.

I look forward to discussing how our organizations can work together to help the people of Northern New Mexico. Please feel free to contact me directly at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Vincent Kaniatobe
Executive Director, Where The Water Cuts Through