Nik Wallenda will attempt to cross the Little Colorado River near Cameron, Az. on Sunday JUNE 23, 2013

Location: Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park, Navajo Reservation.

(Nik Wallenda practicing his balance at Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park, May 2013. Photo by Geri Hongeva-Camarillo, Navajo Parks & Recreation)

“A Dream Come True”

 A prayer and a dream.

           That’s what builds a new path or will take you to new heights….literally. Case in point, Navajo Nation Park Manager Helen Webster and World Famous Tight Rope Legend Nik Wallenda each had a dream.

           It was a dream they had envisioned for many years….they just didn’t know their dreams would connect them.  Webster is a park manager for Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park, which oversees the Little Colorado River Gorge on the western outskirts of the Navajo reservation.  Located just off the beaten path, it is a haven of solace that has been uniquely sculpted by the hands of Mother Nature.  Wallenda on the other hand is a non-Navajo from Sarasota, Florida.

           Webster began working for the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department in February 2006.  It was never part of her goal in life to work for the Navajo Nation, but she believes everything happens for a reason.

           In the beginning, Webster said she had to start from scratch to get the park off the ground. Reflecting back, Webster said her first major project was to establish a fee booth, which she accomplished in a record time of four months.  Her vision then, which continues today, is to have state of the art infrastructure and facilities to create an accommodating atmosphere for visitors.

           Webster said, “Despite all the challenges and obstacles, I really enjoy my job. My goal is to provide quality customer service – I want our visitors to enjoy their visit here at Little Colorado River Gorge.”

           Over the years and one step at a time, Webster worked to help install an entrance fee station, improve fencing, install picnic tables, develop a hiking trail, install signage and waterless restrooms while never losing hope that one day she would see paved parking.

           Then one day there was an element of surprise when Location Scout PJ Connolly introduced Webster and Wallenda.  It seems the “King of High Wire” wanted to fulfill a life-long goal and walk across a towering canyon without a harness.  As fate would have it, Wallenda marveled the towering canyon walls at Little Colorado River Gorge as the perfect location to honor his great grandfather Karl Wallenda who died after falling from a tight rope in Puerto Rico in 1978.

           Wallenda was captivated by the rustic and mystic beauty of the Navajo Nation and viewed Little Colorado River Gorge as the ideal place to achieve his ambition.  It would be the highest walk he would attempt in his life yet. Webster saw this as an opportunity of a lifetime.

Although there was concern about the limited infrastructure and how an event of this magnitude could even happen, the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department rose to the occasion and agreed to work with Wallenda and make his dream come true.

Hence, many discussions and meetings have been held over the past several months to make this event become a reality.  It is not an easy task, but the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department is working diligently behind the scenes to produce a triumphant event for the world to see.

In fact, just the land clearances alone took more than 10 months to complete.  Some of these requirements included consent from local land users, and a biological, environmental and archaeological survey.

Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department Manager Martin L. Begaye, said “We are very honored and pleased that Nik Wallenda has selected the Navajo Nation as a location to help him achieve his life-long goal.  Hosting an event of this caliber requires a lot of pre-production planning and approval.  As stewards of our land, we are working cooperatively with many different individuals and entities to ensure that we also preserve and protect our natural resources so that future generations will continue to enjoy our native homeland.”

Echoing Begaye’s comment, Geri Hongeva-Camarillo, media representative at Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation, said “We began video production in April to promote the majestic beauty of the Navajo Nation.   During the two-hour long broadcast from the Discovery Channel, spectators will see and learn about the Navajo Nation.”

The video will feature interviews with various Navajo leaders, distinguished Navajo people and it will showcase our tribal parks.  Moreover, the Nik Wallenda Tight Rope Event is generating a lot of interest from worldwide media and the Navajo Nation is doing whatever it can do lay out the red carpet.  There will be a fashionable ensemble of local Navajo entertainers who will perform at a nearby location for the first 600 people who are fortunate enough to watch the event on a jumbotron.  Due to limited space, the public is encouraged to view the event on the Discovery Channel.

Considering the scope and distinction of this first-ever historic event, NBC and the Discovery Channel are collaborating to produce and air the June 23rd event live beginning at 6 p.m.  It is estimated that more than one billion people from throughout the world and more than 100 countries will be able to see the live telecast.

           As an act of goodwill and a spirit of camaraderie  to the Navajo Nation, NBC hired a contractor to pave a road to the Nik Wallenda Tight Rope site and a parking lot specifically for the media.  It was quite the challenge.  What normally takes years or months took only a matter of days to lay a new foundation and pathway….It was like an overnight transformation.

           Webster said, “I have been praying for improvements to Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park ever since I started.  I had no idea NBC would be able to pay for a new road and parking lot for us. This is what you call a miracle.”

           Begaye, added, “We have always wanted to make major improvements at Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park, but were unable to do so due to limited funding.  We are very grateful to NBC for helping the Navajo Nation.”

           Webster said after the event is over, she would like to see the new paved area as a new way to promote Little Colorado River Gorge, adding, “I want to thank my immediate staff , co-workers and other individuals who are assisting to make this event come to fruition.  It is amazing to know just how many people from throughout the world will be able to catch a glimpse of our beautiful Navajo culture. After they see the video, I hope they will want to visit the Navajo Nation.”

           And interestingly, it all started with a prayer and a dream from two individuals of two different worlds.

Roberta John, Senior Economic Development Specialist
Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation
(928) 871-7380
Email: bobbie@navajonationparks.org

           For more information about the event, please contact Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation at (928) 871-6647 or obtain information on their website at www.navajonationparks.org

Community Event will be at Shadow Mountain, viewpoint 1, near milepost 286 on Hwy 64, 18 miles west of Cameron, Az.

Event Schedule will be begin from 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Skywalk will be televised live on the Discovery Channel from 6:00pm – 8:20pm…. (5:00pm Pacific Time, 8:00pm Eastern Time)

The general public will not be allowed near skywalk site, credentials required.

The first 600 people will be allowed to watch on a JUMBOTRON screen located at Shadow Mountain, viewpoint 1- Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park area.

• Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, umbrellas, folding chairs and dress comfortably.

• June temperature in Cameron, Az is very warm, no Air Conditioners at this site.

• Public Parking lot will be 3 miles north of Cameron Bridge, no parking at Shadow Mountain, viewpoint 1.

• Public Shuttling will be begin at 1:00pm

We strongly advised watching the event from the comfort of your own home, Shadow Mountain Viewpoint -JUMBOTRON area will be very hot in the middle of June and there are no air conditioners at this site. Limit of 600 at Shadow Mountain Viewpoint.

DIRECTIONS TO CAMERON, AZ

Enter your location and get directions to Cameron, Az. by using Mapquest.com at :

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Cameron&state=AZ

MILEAGE to Cameron, Az (mileage varies depending on route)

• Tuba City, Az 26 mi
• Flagstaff, Az 52 mi
• Tusayan, Az 60 mi
• Winslow, Az 102 mi
• Window Rock, Az 179 mi
• Phoenix, Az 197 mi
• Cortez, Co 213 mi
• Albuquerque, Nm 368 mi

Source: 

Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation at (928) 871-6647 or obtain information on their website at www.navajonationparks.org

SHEEP IS LIFE PRE-CELEBRATION WORKSHOPS

SHEEP IS LIFE PRE-CELEBRATION WORKSHOPS PRESENTED

BY DINÉ BE’IINÁ,INC. ,THE NAVAJO LIFEWAY

Contact TahNibaa Naataanii, Executive Director, +1 505 406-7428

On-Line Registration at www.navajolifeway.org or e-mail info@navajolifeway.org.

All workshops are at Diné College in Tsailé, AZ. Times listed are Mountain Daylight Time.

Classes are open to all, including visitors from other parts of the US and abroad.

Registration closes June 15!

PRE-CELEBRATION WORKSHOPS

JUNE 17 – 21, 2013

1. BASIC NAVAJO WEAVING

Instructor: Sarah H. Natani Day/Time: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn how to weave the Navajo way on a traditional vertical loom and how to create patterns

using different colors. This class is designed for those new to Navajo Weaving. (5 days)

Tuition and materials and loom rental: $600.

2. BEGINNING NAVAJO SASH BELT

Instructor: Gilbert Begay Day/Time: Wednesday –Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Participants will learn how to weave a Navajo Sash Belt and create a design using the floating

warp method. (3 days) Tuition and materials: $395.

3. HORSE CINCH WEAVING

Instructor: Roy Kady Day/Time: Wednesday –Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn to weave a horse cinch and create designs or striped patterns. Some weaving experience is required. (2 days) Tuition and materials: $300.

4. NAVAJO DYEING WITH NATIVE PLANTS

Instructor: Edith Simonson Day/Time: Wednesday –Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn to recognize and collect native plant dyes in the field on Day One. On Day Two, select at

least three plants and learn to create dyes using different mordants and processes to obtain a

range of colors on Navajo-Churro wool. (2 days) Tuition and materials: $300.

5. NAVAJO BASIC HAND SPINNING AND CARDING

Instructor: Beverly Allen. Day/Time: Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Card Navajo-Churro raw wool with a hand carder and learn how to spin wool using the Navajo

Lap Spindle. Students will become familiar with the “z” twist, soft spinning, teasing the wool,

and spinning the final product. (1 day) Tuition and Materials: $175.00

6. FELTING ASHEEPHERDER HAT

Instructor: Alyssa Harrison Day/Time: Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn how to felt raw wool to make wall hangings, scarves, seamless hats, bags, clothing, and

whatever your imagination can create. Experiment with design application and learn about how

fibers bind together when agitated in water. (1 day) Tuition and materials: $145.

7. FELTING ASCARF

Instructor: TahNibaa Naataanii Day/Time: Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn how to felt a scarf using Navajo Churro fleece. Experiment with design application using

a variety of fibers, novelty wool and recycled fabric. $125.

Please inquire at info@navajolifeway.org with questions on class content.

Materials are included in the fee to ensure that each student has the proper items

to get the most out of the class.

Registration closes June 15!

Download the registration form:

http://www.navajolifeway.org/sites/all/documents/SIL2013_RegFormREV.pdf

Click here to register online OR click here to download the registration form. Learn more

Navajo Oral History Project

Marine Corps Veteran Kee Etsicitty is a native of the Navajo reservation. Kee served as a Navajo Code Talker during World War II where he used his language to communicate messages among soldiers and helped defeat the enemy.

He was stationed in Guadalcanal, Guam, Iwo Jima and other Pacific locations for just over two years. Despite the hardships of war, Kee feels proud to have “contributed something that brought the liberty back a little closer.”

Project completed by:
Kelsey Foss – WSU
Sammi Luhmann – WSU
Robin McGee – DC
Stefani Schmidt – WSU

This documentary film was researched, photographed, edited and produced by students of Winona State University (Winona, Minnesota) and Diné College (Tsaile, Arizona, Navajo Nation) during summer 2012.

It contains stories Kee Etsicitty of Chichiltah, New Mexico, told the students during several hours of interviews about his life.

This documentary film is archived at the Navajo Nation Museum, Navajo Nation Library, Winona State University Library, and Diné College Library, and will be archived at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

The film is part of the Navajo Oral History project, a multi-year collaboration between the Winona State UniversityMass Communication Department and Diné College– The official Tribal College of the Navajo Nation

Navajo Oral History Project

This documentary film was researched, photographed, edited and produced by students of Winona State University (Winona, Minnesota) and Diné College (Tsaile, Arizona, Navajo Nation) during summer 2012.

It contains stories Agatha Spencer of Chinle, Arizona, told the students during several hours of interviews about her life.

From a young age, Agatha Spencer had a passion for helping the youth of the Navajo Nation. When she was 23 years old, Agatha began her career with the brand new Navajo Community College which later became Dine College, the first tribal college in the United States.

Agatha shares her stories about being an academic advisor at the college and the importance of keeping Navajo culture alive in today’s Western society.

Project completed by:

Lionel Harvey – DC

Ashleigh Clyde – DC

Elisenda Xifra Reverter – WSU

Laura McCormick- WSU

This documentary film is archived at the Navajo Nation Museum, Navajo Nation Library, Winona State University Library, and Diné College Library, and will be archived at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

The film is part of the Navajo Oral History project, a multi-year collaboration between the Winona State UniversityMass Communication Department and Diné College– The official Tribal College of the Navajo Nation

Photo by Tom Grier/Navajo Oral History Project.

Despite being forbidden to speak the Navajo language at boarding schools, Samuel Holiday recognized the importance of his language and culture.

He shares stories of his service in the U.S. Marines during World War II as a testament to this power. As a Navajo Code Talker, he served in the South Pacific, transmitting and receiving messages that were never deciphered by the Japanese.

Photo by Tom Grier/Navajo Oral History Project.

Samuel´s legacy goes beyond his military duty. He is a role model and source of inspiration for Navajo youth.

This documentary film was researched, photographed, edited and produced by students of Winona State University (Winona, Minnesota) and Diné College (Tsaile, Arizona, Navajo Nation) during summer 2012.

It contains stories Samuel Tom Holiday of Kayenta, Arizona, told the students during several hours of interviews about his life.
Samuel Tom Holiday Winona

Project completed by:
Kelsey Curtis – DC
Liam Krause – WSU
Rachel Rivers – WSU
Christine Willie – DC

This documentary film is archived at the Navajo Nation Museum, Navajo Nation Library, Winona State University Library, and Diné College Library, and will be archived at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

The film is part of the Navajo Oral History project, a multi-year collaboration between the Winona State UniversityMass Communication Department and Diné College– The official Tribal College of the Navajo Nation

Hopi katsina dolls – pottery – carvings – fetishes – Navajo& Hopi baskets – Navajo rugs -
jewelry – concho belts – sash belts – paintings – cradle boards – and many more.

Preview is from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM and the auction will start at 12:00 noon and go until all items are offered to the bidders. Remember that the Navajo Reservation will be on daylight saving time.

Native American food vendors will have available many traditional foods and the tent and park grounds will be occupied with many local traders and Native American vendors offering all types of art and crafts and the Trading Post will be open throughout the day as well as tours of the J.L. Hubbell homestead.

Driving Directions to Ganado & Hubbell Trading Post
The National Historic Site is located within the Navajo Nation in Ganado, Arizona near the intersection of Highways 264 and 191.

Source: Friends of Hubbell Trading Post

 Living History

Photo by Tom Grier/Navajo Oral History Project.

Harold Morgan lives with his family in Sawmill, Arizona. He is a thoughtful and deeply spiritual man who has faithfully served the Navajo Nation for nearly three decades as Legislative Assistant to the Navajo Tribal Council.

Harold Morgan rang the bell 21 times to start the Navajo Council meetings.
Photo by Tom Grier/Navajo Oral History Project.

During this time, Harold has worked under seven Tribal Chairmen or Presidents and helped Navajo Nation governing leaders through periods of transition.

This documentary film was researched, photographed, edited and produced by students of Winona State University (Winona, Minnesota) and Diné College (Tsaile, Arizona, Navajo Nation) during summer 2011.

It contains stories Harold Morgan of Sawmill, Arizona, told the students during several hours of interviews about his life.

Project completed by:
Lionel Harvey – DC
Alyssa Reimers – WSU
Michael Ruka – WSU

This documentary film is archived at the Navajo Nation Museum, Navajo Nation Library, Winona State University Library, and Diné College Library, and will be archived at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

The film is part of the Navajo Oral History project, a multi-year collaboration between the Winona State UniversityMass Communication Department and Diné College– The official Tribal College of the Navajo Nation

It is very important for a person to know K’e – The Kinship System.
Below are the Diné (Navajo) terms for the extended family:

Graphic: Rough Rock  School Press  | © 2013 | All Rights Reserved

The main attributes of Navajo kinship are:

• The basic term k’é refers to affective action and solidarity, including such concepts as love, compassion, kindness, friendliness, generosity, and peacefulness.
• Matrilineal — descent is traced through one’s mother
• Matrilocal — husbands go to reside among the wife’s family. This means that older females will have substantial authority in the organizing and running of the household and control of the property.

The learning of kinship begins with the family which consists of a man, his wife , and his unmarried children.

Clanship is determined through the mother’s clan, and a child is “born for” the father’s clan.

Clanship also determines marriage, as one should marry into one’s own clan, into one’s father’s clan, or with someone whose father’s clan is the same as your father.

K’é is central to maintaining the Diné language and culture. Diné young people must know their clan relatives to avoid marriage within their own clans.

When the Diné greet each other, it is appropriate for them to introduce themselves by telling their clans.

It is critical that all Diné understand their ancestral history so that they can maintain and respect the clan traditions.

The knowledge of these traditions, passed down through many generations, must continue to be taught and respected. This is crucial for survival of the traditional ways of the Diné people.

Sources:

Dine Culture Awareness Handbook, Central Consolidated School District No.22, NM.

Navajo Clan Legends, compiled by Don Mose Jr., SJSD Media Center, Blanding UT. 2001

Navajo Nation 1997 Close Up Program, Darrell Watchman, ed. Navajo Nation Division of Education, 1997.

Franciscans, Saint Michaels, Ariz. An ethnologic dictionary of the Navaho language (Kindle Locations 9337-9341). Saint Michaels, Ariz., Franciscan Fathers.