WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – Actor Johnny Depp has given the Navajo Nation a $25,000 monetary gift for scholarships for Navajo students.
The blockbuster actor is playing Tonto in "The Lone Ranger." Filming for the movie began this past February in New Mexico. The movie is due to be released in the summer of 2013.
He was made an honorary member of the Comanche Nation, based in Lawton, Oklahoma, earlier this year. Last month he served as the grand marshal of the 21st Annual Comanche Nation Fair parade.
As a formality after President Ben Shelly accepted the donation, the Navajo Nation's Health Education and Human Services Committee voted to accept the $25,000 gift so it can be appropriated for scholarships.
Council Delegate Walter Phelps, representing Cameron, Coalmine Canyon, Leupp, Tolani Lake, Tsidi Tó ii, requested for one amendment to the legislation which tacked on language specifying that Depp's gift be used for vocational scholarships. The amendment passed with a vote of 3-0.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to sponsor any legislation in receipt of scholarship funds, and certainly would like to recognize the actor Johnny Depp in making a contribution to the Navajo Nation,”
said Council Delegate Dwight Witherspoon, representing Black Mesa, Forest Lake, Hardrock, Pinon, Whippoorwill.
Via Native News Network.
In April, actor Johnny Depp posed for photos with Navajo Nation Vice President Rex Lee Jim (left) and President Ben Shelly (right).
Love Johnny Depp as an actor- love the scholarship to the Navajo Nation- love the shirt. All of these can bring attention to the needs of First Nations people. A.I.M. Still Strong. Let it be.
What an awesome gift. I applaude Johnny Depp for the opportunity he is giving to the future of the kids.
Can he possibly be anymore beautiful? ,I just love him anyway so whatever he does, it's great.
Brightest blessings to you Johnny Depp )0(
JD is beautiful inside and out......
I like Johnny Depp too and indeed, his gift is generous. I'm just wondering why a native actor was not chosen for the role. Jay Silverheels from Six Nations near Brantford, Ontario was the original "Tonto".
Johnny Depp is Native his grandmothers hertiage is from the Cherokee Nation.
Gracias Jhonny
Mi simper a kere den bo!!
That is his destiny, may the all mithy protect you.
Papa Joe
What a wonderful investment in the future. Because it matters.
a generous person, indeed..........
Very cool! I wish more high profile people would help American Indians!
Way to go!!!
Good to know johnny has a lot of depp to his heart
Thank you for investing in our future
As a mother and a native
I truly appreciate you honoring our Tribe
Good to know johnny has a lot of depp to his heart
Thank you for investing in our future
As a mother and a native
I truly appreciate you honoring our Tribe
While I applaud his donation I also wonder why he couldn't make it a larger amount, he can afford it and it is also a tax credit! Why not let a few kids go to school?
to my knowledge, Johnny Depp picks his own roles for his own reasons and does what he believes to be right...he fights for what he feels needs a voice whether it's Native issues, or the misuse of law in the west memphis 3.....I love him for that...he is a strong actor because he becomes the role he plays, and takes great pride in that role, and small or large as it is. He donated his time to a role for a fellow actor when that actor passed away...he donated his earnings to said actors daughter. who does that anymore....mr. Depp. I'm proud to be his fan. I'm excited to see any of his movies but more specifically this movie, for I too have Native blood, and am sure he'll do us proud.
Johnny is one nice guy!
I've always been drawn to JD and this just solidifies for me why!! He's just a gem,a genuine human and great example of what people should be like.
He's taking care of American Indians and that's something that has always bothered me,is the Indians have been taken for granted.
Afro Americans have their special days,the mexicans have em and scholarships out the rear. But, Indians are not taken into the realm of Americans. There is still a warped tension between everyone. I'm part Indian and it bothers me that Mexicans think I'm Mexican. Umm... Hello do they forget about who was on this Amercian soil first? Not them not the White but the Indian.
Better recongnize!!! I hate the misconception about how mexicans and Indians are the same. NOOO they are not.
Big difference. Upsets me to also know that no one respects the Indian Heritage. Thanks Giving is a slap in the face to Indians. Many were slaughtered and scalped over the soil that was theirs to begin with.
But, people bring God into the whole thing. Yeah I'm sure God wanted the Indians killed for u to disgrace the land with your deceases and $ grubbing war hands.
Btw when is there going to be a American Indian President????? Let the Indians rise again!!!!!
~Aurora Moon Goddess~
Heather White
Michigan Deputy Ranger Patrol
And
LaRoehms Rangers Inc
Bring back the earth. Clean it up and save the animals.
just another wanna be, but this time this one's got money.
Yeah, love JD and applaud his gesture, but let's be real, $25K is pocket change. Keep it coming, Johnny!
Thanks for your grateful informations, this blogs will be really help for students scholarship.
Thank you for the generous donation Johnny. :)
Creator must surely walk beside you Johnny!! I believe your gift comes straight from the heart. We need more like you, Johnny.
love you johnny what a GO heart you have many blessings to you
A.I.M. forever, good to have you with us johnny
Wannabe or not, JD has done a good thing for our people.
what a lovely thing to do more of the screen stars should do same
THIS IS WHAT THE GREEDY WEALTHY OF EARTH SHOULD DO, FOR THE WRONG DOING THE USA HAS DONE TO >>>THEIR COUNTRY & NATION<<<BROTHER TRIBE`S, YOUR PAYBACK IS AT HAND, THE GOD`S ARE WITH U, ALWAYS`S WAS, ALWAYS`S WILL BE, LOVED THAT COMMERCIAL YEAR`S BACK WHERE THE INDIAN SEE`S TRASH LYING ABOUT, & THEY SHOW A TEAR IN HIS EYE, THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF THE SOUL, LOVE THAT NEVER END`S<<<<<<
god bless him
savvy and cool XXxx
:)
I just love Johnny Depp and his gratitude for his people, his spirit is genuine and his compassion is priceless, he is simply an amazing guy!
I just love Johnny Depp and his gratitude for his people, his spirit is genuine and his compassion is priceless, he is simply an amazing guy!
a good ol' soul he is. May Creator watch over him & bless him.
Hi, new to FB> not sure you got my msg> it just disappeared.?! Johnny Depp Good Man on many levels. I did NOT know he also is Native. He is Greatest actor in long time and is so Natural. So good of JD to donate $$ to your cause.
Tim Whelan new FB friend
I have always had empathy and concern for the Native American. Love their spirit, artistic creations and pray constantly for their plight. Always pleased when anyone gives generously to them. MayThe Great Creator always bless them
Even before I found out Johnny had Indian blood in his heart and veins he look to me to have features of Indians. He is a very handsome man and is quite interesting. Talented for sure as an actor,good hearted, kind, mysterious, blessed with a good voice and band is great. I could go on and on. There has much press about JD and his X. I pray he gets things worked out and he can continue to be a great man and love his kids as they need. Johnny was blessed by God with many talents. People are saying why did he not give more as he is blessed with money. Let me ask everyone if you are not a millionaire or more have you even blessed the Indians or any other charity group given at least $25.00? God Bless to all!