Johnny Depp Donates $25K to Navajo Nation for Scholarships

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – Actor Johnny Depp has given the Navajo Nation a $25,000 monetary gift for scholarships for Navajo students.

Johnny Depp at Comanche Nation Fair

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.

posted October 26, 2012 7:20 am edt