Official Poster for the Northern Navajo Nation Fair

Created by Mr. David K. John from Kayenta, Arizona

Poster Northern Navajo Nation Fair

Copyright 2014 Northern Navajo Nation Fair

“This year’s poster of the Northern Navajo Nation Fair was created and painted by Mr. David K. John from Kayenta, Arizona. His image reflects the cultural event that many spectators from across the Navajo Reservation observe through the fair activities. This year’s fair theme, “Beginning our journey with the communities to enrich ideas and opportunities,” demonstrates our enrichment through tradition, culture and harvest. As we are blessed with our cultural teachings to observe our mother earth and the many blessings we as Dine follow the blessing way of life through our beliefs, teachings, sacred knowledge and our families.” -Robert Felson, Fair Director

Artist David K. John Website

For more information in the 2014 Northern Navajo Nation Fair In Shiprock, AZ

 

 

Samuel Tom Holiday – Navajo Code Talker

Living History Samuel Tom Holiday Navajo Code Talker

Samuel Tso Holiday-Silver Medallion

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.

Samuel Tom Holiday Navajo Code Talker

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 MuseumNavajo Nation LibraryWinona 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

Betatakin Cliff Dwelling Ruins – AZ

Betatakin, part of Navajo National Monument, occupies a large cave in the north wall of an unnamed south fork of Laguna Canyon,1 which latter empties into Tyende Creek at Marsh Pass.

Betatakin Cliff Dwelling Ruins

Betatakin means “House Built on a Ledge” in Navajo.

About 15 miles northeast of the Pass is Kayenta, founded by Wetherill and Colville as a trading post late in 1909 and since grown into an oasis of peculiar charm—the home of several white families, chiefly associated with the local Navajo Indian hospital and its related activities.

It was inhabited by a semisedentary people. Following the so-called Basket Makers, first known agriculturists of the Southwest, came three other equally. distinct stages of tribal and material development to culminate in those great, communal towns of the Pueblo period—Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House.

It was first seen by whites on August 5, 1909, when a Utah University exploring party led by Prof. Byron Cummings and guided by John Wetherill was directed to it by a Navajo Indian, casually met in Segi Canyon.

This Indian pointed the way and then sat down beside the trail to await the party’s return. Through inherent fear of all things associated with the dead, he steadfastly refused to advance within sight of the ruin.

Betatakin Cliff Dwelling Ruins -2

Betatakin has about 120 rooms at the time of abandonment, but today only about 80 rooms remain.

Kayenta Fourth of July Rodeo 2012

KAYENTA OF JULY CELEBRATION

& RODEO OF THE YEAR

June 29 – July 7, 2012

Rodeo performances, fireworks, country dances, golf tournament, free pancake breakfast

Kayenta Fourth of July Rodeo

Kayenta Fourth of July Rodeo

 

Schedule of Events

Event Schedule
June 29, 2012
5:00 PM – Kayenta Fourth of July Youth Bull Riding
7:00 PM – Kayenta Fourth of July Open Bull Riding
9:00 PM – Country Dance
June 30, 2012
8:30 AM – Kayenta Rodeo Task Force Golf Tournament (Page, Arizona)
4:00 PM – Cowgirls Night Out ( Break-Away, Team Roping, Barrel Racing)
8:00 PM – Concert Sponsored by Kayenta Township Commission
July 1, 2012
8:00 AM – Free Pancake Breakfast
8:00 AM – Indian Junior Rodeo
July 4, 2012
8:00 AM – Free Pancake Breakfast
8:00 AM – Rodeo Slack
7:30 PM – 1st Performance All Indian Rodeo
9:00 PM – Country Dance
10:00 PM – Fireworks Display
July 5, 2012
8:00 AM – Free Pancake Breakfast
8:00 AM – Team Roping Classic
7:30 PM – 2nd Performance All Indian Rodeo
9:00 PM – Country Dance
July 6, 2012
8:00 AM – Free Pancake Breakfast
8:00 AM – Team Roping Classic
7:30 PM – 3rd Performance All Indian Rodeo
9:00 PM – Country Dance
July 7, 2012
8:00 AM – Free Pancake Breakfast
10:00 AM – Kenneth H. Young Memorial Steer Wrestling Chute-Out
7:30 PM – Short Go All Indian Rodeo
9:00 PM – Country Dance
10:00 PM – Fireworks Display