Chinook Medical Gear Supports Backcountry Santa and the Navajo Nation

Each December, Chinook Medical Gear CEO Ben Crowder volunteers with BackcountrySanta.org, a nonprofit network of volunteer pilots dedicated to delivering winter relief supplies to remote Native American communities across the Mountain West. These missions support families living in isolated areas of the Navajo Nation in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona, where winter weather, distance, and limited infrastructure often restrict access to basic necessities.

Backcountry Santa pilots fly from states including Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado, donating their aircraft, fuel, and time to transport food, warm clothing, and cold-weather essentials. The focus is on reaching elders and children in rural Navajo Nation communities that are difficult to access by road, especially during winter months when snow and freezing temperatures create additional hardship. These supply flights provide direct, life-impacting support to families facing seasonal resource shortages.

The organization operates under a clear guiding principle: “People, Not Pounds.” Rather than measuring success by cargo totals, Backcountry Santa prioritizes meaningful human impact and direct community connection. Many areas within the Navajo Nation experience ongoing challenges such as food insecurity, water access limitations, and economic hardship. During winter, these challenges intensify, making timely delivery of essential supplies critical. For many Backcountry Santa volunteers, the mission is personal, driven by long-standing ties to the communities they serve and a shared commitment to supporting Native American families in remote regions.

“There’s a responsibility that comes with having the ability to help,” said Crowder. “Preparedness isn’t just about equipment, it’s about showing up for people.” Through continued support of Backcountry Santa, Chinook Medical Gear reinforces its commitment to service, preparedness, and community responsibility, helping deliver not only critical supplies, but dignity, connection, and hope to Navajo Nation families during the holiday season.