Actor Johnny Depp gives Navajo Nation scholarship funds

Johnny Depp as Tonto

Actor Johnny Depp filmed scenes in New Mexico for an upcoming movie and now has given the Navajo Nation $25,000 for scholarships. 

Tribal president Ben Shelly accepted the donation and the Navajo Nation's Health Education and Human Services Committee voted Monday to accept the money so it can be appropriated for vocational scholarships. 

Depp's spokesperson says the donation is supposed to be private and no further statement will be released on his behalf. 

Depp will play Tonto in the movie version of "The Lone Ranger," which is expected to be in theaters in June. 

The Shiprock monument in New Mexico can be seen in the movie's recently released trailer and Monument Valley near the Arizona-Utah border also is featured.

Actor Johnny Depp gives Navajo Nation scholarship funds