Portugal. The Man is donating $20,000 to the Navajo Water Project in the American Southwest through the band’s organization, PTM foundation, according to Riff Magazine.
The donation is timed with a new single, which features Weird Al Yancovic and a limited release of T-shirts. The profit from the T-shirt sale will go toward the expansion of water access in Native American communities.
The Navajo Water Project is led by DigDeep. Its goal is to expand access to water for the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. According to DigDeep, 30% of native peoples are living without access to clean running water in their homes.
“This campaign is an opportunity for us to help raise awareness, highlight Indigenous artists and activists, and fundraise in support of water access for communities of Indigenous peoples, who are 19 times less likely to have running water than non-natives, said John Gourley of Portugal. The Man. “Over 2 million Americans have no access to running water. We’re taking action because the government won’t. We can’t just sit back and watch our friends get sick and die. It’s enough.
The PTM Foundation was launched earlier in 2020. The band previously contributed to efforts for Get Out the Native Vote and COVID-19 Relief Native Community Relief Grant Program, according to Riff Magazine.
“Lack of running water has been a historical problem and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Emma Robbins, director of the Navajo Water Project.
The new song, titled “Who’s Gonna Stop Me,” was released on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. An accompanying video will honor the histories, cultures, contributions and resilience of contemporary Native peoples, highlighting over a dozen Indigenous leaders.
The T-shirts are now available to purchase on Portugal. The Man’s website. Proceeds will be split between DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon, which is the band’s home state.
