Navajo Nation Outdoor Recreation

September 22, 2016 by

Navajo Nation Offers New Off-Season Outdoor Recreation

monument valley marathon

WINDOW ROCK, AZ. – Towering chestnut rock formations…crisp cool skies and soothing temperatures.
It’s a calming ambiance of Navajo that gives most visitors a sense of peace and a haven of solace. And there is certainly no shortage of stunning attractions and unparalleled scenery here in the heart of the great Southwest.
This is where traditional Navajo culture and echoes of history come to life. In fact, Navajo cultural treasures abound, which mystifies many a traveler.
Navajo tourism studies have revealed that a majority of Navajoland visitors come to the Navajo Nation to see its scenery and often return for a second visit. Visitors can enjoy an array of Navajo tribal parks, national parks, museums, tribal fairs, year-round Navajo cultural events, rodeos, hunting and fishing.
To add to the showcase of Navajo adventures, visitors can now add walking, hiking and running to their list. Within the past several months, the Navajo Nation has been working diligently with various partners to develop new venues and activities for outdoor recreation enthusiasts who specifically enjoy hiking and running.
The Navajo Nation has some of the finest and stellar outdoor hiking and running trails in the world for people who have a love for the outdoors.
Feel the warmth and feel the welcome. Marvel and embrace the timeless beauty of the Navajo people and relaxing atmosphere of Mother Nature.
So take serenity to a whole new level and mark your calendar to participate in two new outdoor events on the northern outskirts of the Navajo Nation. On Saturday, October 29th there will be an event called the Natisaan Trail Ultra, which is a 50-mile marathon that will begin from Navajo Mountain Chapter House to Rainbow Bridge and back.
On Saturday, November 19th, there will be a Monument Valley Marathon at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The half marathon and full marathon begins at 10 a.m.
On December 8-11th, also a first-time event, there will be a four-state marathon called the Four Corners Quad Keyah Marathon Challenge. On four separate days, runners will run in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado and end at Four Corners Monument. Thursday, December 8th will be Arizona, Friday is Utah, Saturday is Colorado and Sunday is New Mexico. For information about these hiking and running events, contact www.navajoyes.org
The Navajo Nation is also home to a new hiking and running trail called the Navajo Nation Museum Trail in Window Rock, Arizona. The trail begins from the Navajo Nation Museum and heads north and ends at the Window Rock Navajo Tribal Veterans Memorial Park.

Filed Under: Navajo Events Tagged With: , , ,

Baje Whitethorne Sr. – Navajo Artist

January 23, 2014 by

Navajo Oral History of Baje Whitethorne Sr.

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 2013.

It contains stories Baje Whitethorne Sr., told to 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 University Mass Communication Department and Diné College– The official Tribal College of the Navajo Nation

Baje Whitethorne Sr

Photo by Brett Gustafson of the Navajo Oral History project.

 

Baje grew up on the Navajo Nation and continues to include Navajo themes in his paintings and sculptures that have been exhibited in museums across the United States and around the world.

Baje Whitethorne Sr

Photo by Brett Gustafson of the Navajo Oral History project

His interests are  storytelling and art. He says his artwork reflects his homeland and rich culture. He does landscapes and other paintings showing harmony of the Navajo way of life. Currently Baje resides in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Baje Whitethorne Sr

Photo by Brett Gustafson of the Navajo Oral History project

Filed Under: Navajo Oral History Project Tagged With: , , ,

Nita Nez – Navajo Rug Weaver

October 30, 2013 by

Navajo Oral History Project – Nita Nez

Nita Nez Navajo Rugs

Photo courtesy of Tom Grier – 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 2013.

Nita Nez – Navajo Rug Weaver – Living History 14:50 min

It contains stories Nita Nez an Navajo Rug Weaver from Rock Point, Arizona, that told the students during several hours of interviews about her life

One team headed north to Rock Point, Arizona to meet with Nita Nez, a traditional Navajo rug weaver. There, they would interview Nita again, with the help of a translator, because Nita prefers to speak only in the Navajo language. They also got a demonstration of her creating another work of art at her loom.

Nita Nez - Navajo Rug Weaver - Living History

Skylar Ogren videotaping B-Roll footage of Nita setting up a loom.

Photo courtesy of Tom Grier – Navajo Oral History Project.

Fourteen students from the mass communication department collaborated with seven students from Diné College, the tribal college of the Navajo Nation, to conduct research, interview, photograph and video record Navajo elders over an 18-day period in May-June 2013.

These students, participating in the 2013 Navajo Oral History project, wrote, edited and produced documentary films that will be archived at the Navajo Nation Museum and Library, as well as at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

The documentaries are part of a collaborative project that has been led by mass communication professor Tom Grier and graduate student Robbie Christiano of Winona State and professor Miranda Haskie of Diné College for the past five years.

This year’s films focus on Jake Livingston, a Navajo-Zuni Silversmith from Sanders, Ariz.; Peter McDonald, a Navajo Code Talker during World War II, from Tuba City, Ariz.; Nita Nez, a traditional Navajo rug weaver from Round Rock, Ariz.; Della Toadlena, a retired Diné College English professor from Chinle, Ariz.; and Baje Whitethorne Sr., a world-renowned artist from Flagstaff, Ariz.

Nita-Nez_GroupPic_5-30-13

Winona State students involved in the 2013 Navajo Oral History Project are: Madison Duncan (Winona, Minn.); Shiloh Gulbranson (Lindstrom, Minn.); Brett Gustafson (Rochester, Minn.); Whitney Harlos (Rochester, Minn.); Tom Hays (Chaska, Minn.); Laura Humes (Mahtomedi, Minn.); Jolene Kuisle (Rochester, Minn.); Adam Maciejczak (Lake City, Minn.); Cara Mannino (Rochester, Minn.); Elise Nelson (Rushford, Minn.); Skylar Ogren (Winona, Minn.); Nik Strand (Blaine, Minn.); Darin Strohmenger (Cedarburg, Wis.); and Danielle Wieczorek (Andover, Minn.).

DVD copies of the student-produced films will be available for sale for $20 each with all proceeds going to a scholarship fund at Diné College

Filed Under: Navajo Oral History Project Tagged With: , , , ,

Nizhoni Arts Market – Navajo Nation Fair 2013

August 22, 2013 by

September 5-8, 2013

Nizhoni Arts Market - Navajo Nation Fair 2013

Our mission is to achieve Hózhó through contemporary and traditional exhibits, program, tours; to promote our Diné culture, language, history and sovereignty.

ARTIST VENDOR INFORMATION
Clarenda Begay, Coordinator
Cell # (928) 592-2813

Welcome to the 3nd Annual Nizhoni Arts Market at the Navajo Nation Fair. The Nizhoni Arts Market to Feature “World Class” Authentic Arts by Renowned and Up & Coming Navajo Artisans.

Gorman Hall: Indoor set-up on Thursday, September 5, 2012, from 8:00 am. to 10:00 am

Early Booth Registration: 10×10’ booth space with 1 – 6’ x 2’ ½” table and 2 chairs. Early Booth Registration fee $250.00 through August 28, 2013, thereafter the booth fee is $300.00 till the booths are filled. Vendors are responsible for reporting sales tax (4%) to the Navajo Nation Tax Commission for further information call (928) 871-6681.

Market Hours:
Thursday, September 5, 2013 – 10:00 to 8:00 pm
Friday, September 6, 2013 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, September 7, 2012 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 8, 2012 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sharing of Booth: Optional! You are allowed to share a booth with one other artist. Return the Sharing Artist’s Application with Your Application.
Payment: Artist Mail Application and Money Order to (ABSOLUTELY NO Personal Checks will be Accepted)

Navajo Nation Museum
ATTN: NAM/Clarenda Begay
P.O. Box 1840,
Window Rock, Arizona 86515

Ms. Begay may also be contacted by email at Clarenda@navajonationmuseum.org or by cell at (928) 592-2813.

A receipt will be issued when payment is received.

Media: The Navajo Nation Museum advertises the market In the Native Peoples magazine, as well as local newspapers and radio stations. The museum staff has distributed information at the Heard Market and will have a non-profit booth at the Santa Fe Indian Market in August to promote the market.

Cancellation Policy: There will be no refunds due to cancellations for any reason. The NAM Coordinator reserves the right to reassign artist booth for the best interest of the NNM Nizhoni Arts Market due to artist cancellations or no-shows.

Proof of Tribal Verification: All artists are required to provide proof of identification to include Certification of Indian Blood (CIB) and Drivers License for age division.

Security: Security to be available at Gorman Hall beginning August 30th through September 9th.

Filed Under: Navajo Events Tagged With: , , , , ,

Navajo Educator and Leader Lettie Nave (Video)

November 3, 2012 by

This documentary film contains stories Lettie Nave (Navajo) of Tsaile, Arizona, told the students during several hours of interviews about her life.

It was researched, photographed, edited and produced by students of Winona State University (Winona, Minnesota) and Diné College (Tsaile, Arizona, Navajo Nation) during summer 2010.

This 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 University Mass Communication Department and Diné College– The official Tribal College of the Navajo Nation.

 

Navajo People Website Links:
Navajo Culture – Navajo History – Navajo Art – Navajo Clothing Navajo Pictures – Navajo Rugs – Navajo Language – Navajo Jewelry – Navajo Code Talker – Navajo Pottery – Navajo Legends – Hogan’s – Sand Painting – Navajo Food – Navajo News – Navajo Nation

Filed Under: Navajo History Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nizhoni Arts Market 2012

August 8, 2012 by

Nizhoni Arts Market  

At the 66th Annual 
September 6 – 9, 2012

Nizhoni Arts Market 2012

Nizhoni Arts Market 2012
Photo by Harold Carey Jr

Hózhó Náhásdlíí’-Harmony in the Making
Our mission is to achieve Hózhó through contemporary and traditional exhibits, program, tours; to promote our Diné culture, language, history and sovereignty.

ARTIST VENDOR INFORMATION
Clarenda Begay, Coordinator
Cell # (928) 592-2813

Welcome to the 3nd Annual Nizhoni Arts Market at the Navajo Nation Fair. The Nizhoni Arts Market to Feature “World Class” Authentic Arts by Renowned and Up & Coming Navajo Artisans.

Gorman Hall: Indoor set-up on Thursday, September 6, 2012, from 8:00 am. to 10:00 am

Early Booth Registration: 10×10’ booth space with 1 – 6’ x 2’ ½” table and 2 chairs. Early Booth Registration fee $250.00 through August 17, 2012, thereafter the booth fee is $300.00 till the booths are filled. Vendors are responsible for reporting sales tax (4%) to the Navajo Nation Tax Commission for further information call (928) 871-6681.

Market Hours:
Thursday, September 6, 2012 – 10:00 to 5:00 pm
Friday, September 7, 2012 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, September 8, 2012 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 9, 2012 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sharing of Booth: Optional! You are allowed to share a booth with one other artist. Return the Sharing Artist’s Application with Your Application.

Payment: Artist Mail Application and Money Order to (ABSOLUTELY NO Personal Checks will be Accepted)

Navajo Nation Museum
ATTN: NAM/Clarenda Begay
P.O. Box 1840,
Window Rock, Arizona 86515

Ms. Begay may also be contacted by email at Clarenda@navajonationmuseum.org or by cell at (928) 592-2813.
A receipt will be issued when payment is received.

Media: The Navajo Nation Museum advertises the market In the Native Peoples magazine, as well as local newspapers and radio stations. The museum staff has distributed information at the Heard Market and will have a non-profit booth at the Santa Fe Indian Market in August to promote the market.

Cancellation Policy: There will be no refunds due to cancellations for any reason. The NAM Coordinator reserves the right to reassign artist booth for the best interest of the NNM Nizhoni Arts Market due to artist cancellations or no-shows.

Proof of Tribal Verification: All artists are required to provide proof of identification to include Certification of Indian Blood (CIB) and Drivers License for age division.

Security: Security to be available at Gorman Hall beginning August 30th through September 9th.

Artist Reception: Thursday, September 6, 2012 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Location will be disclosed to Artists at Check-In.

Artist Booth Demonstration: Welcomed & Appreciated.

Quality Control: The NAM Coordinator and Museum Staff will be roving the booths for unacceptable arts for sale. You will be asked to remove the items of concern and a second verbal notification you will be asked to leave the premises with your art.

Navajo Transit Services: A chartered bus will be transporting buyers, collectors and tourist from the Navajo Nation Museum parking lot to main entrance at the Navajo Nation Fair, Gate #4 and return to the Navajo Nation Museum.

Artist Parking Area: Artists are encouraged to use Gate #2. One parking pass will be issued to the invited artist for Gate#2, near the Song & Dance arena. Bring a dolly to transfer your arts into Gorman Hall. Your passengers will have to pay a General entrance fee of $5.00 at the gate. Do not park vehicle along the midway or around or behind Gorman Hall.

Photographs: Photographs of artist and booths may be taken throughout the Nizhoni Arts Market for publicity purposes to promote the Nizhoni Arts Market and Navajo Nation Fair.

Trash: Trash bags will be provided daily for the vendors, Please flatten all cardboard boxes and put in dumpster located behind Gorman Hall. Booth space must be maintained in a clean and tidy manner.

Altercations: Any artist who is involved in any verbal or physical altercations will be asked to leave with their art and not permitted to return. The market is a drug free environment and no pets or firearms are permitted.

NIZHONI ARTS MARKET
RULES & REGULATIONS

TRADE MARK: The artists mark to appear on his/her workmanship is required on all art. All original works displayed must be designed and created by the invited artist or by artist sharing the booth space.

General: No imported, manufactured or mass produced items such as T-Shirts, mouse pads, coasters and magnets. Also, not acceptable are work produced with commercial kits, molds, patterns or prefabricated forms.

Artifacts & Ceremonial Objects: No imported, manufactured or mass produced items and no display of culturally sensitive artifacts. The committee will not allow any use of materials, such as raptors feathers or endangered species. Display or sale of ceremonial objects is strictly prohibited. The NAM Coordinator will request the removal of items.

Pottery: Commercially produced pottery, slip molds, or green ware are strictly prohibited. Contemporary pottery forms are acceptable. Hand coiled or wheel thrown are acceptable. Kiln-fired pots and pots made or decorated with commercial materials must be properly identified.

Jewelry: Traditional, contemporary and evolving jewelry. No false representation of materials or origins will be tolerated.

Paintings & Drawings: No wet canvases will be available for sale.

Prints: Only professional prints of high quality may be sold.

Weaving: Rugs, blankets, belts and purses must be handmade. All natural yarns and dyes are acceptable. Synthetic or acrylic yarn must be properly labeled. No productions made from commercial kits or patterns.

Textiles: Sewing machine work is acceptable. No commercially made clothing, liquid embroidery or products made from kits are allowed.

Dolls & Carvings: Dolls in traditional categories must use materials historically associated with its native culture. Artists are not to display dolls of tribes other than their own tribal affiliation.

Bead, Quill & Leather: No plastic pony beads or “Bead Stringers”. Commercially tanned hide work must be labeled.

Filed Under: Navajo Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,