Food, music and solidarity: Nataanii Means organizes ‘Food For The People’ event in Albuquerque

By Kyle Leslie
Navajo Times

GALLUP

When hip-hop artist and activist Nataanii Means saw growing uncertainty surrounding federal EBT and SNAP benefits, he knew he needed to act.

“With the threat of EBT and SNAP benefits being not dispersed because of the federal government shutdown, I just thought I had to do something,” Means said. “A lot of our people, our communities, Indigenous communities in the Southwest, rely on federal assistance and monies that help them survive.”

Means, who is Diné, Oglala Lakota and Omaha, grew up in Chinle. Known for his activism and music centered on Native empowerment, he is now using his platform to bring people together through an event called “Food For The People,” which blends art, community and action.

“I’m mainly a hip-hop artist,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of social justice and activist work around different Indigenous activities and environmental activism as well—fighting for clean water and against resource extraction.”

The community event, presented by Means, will take place Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1-6 p.m. at the Lobo Theater in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill. The afternoon will feature local speakers from various organizations and performers from across the region.

To read the full article, please see the Nov. 6, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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