Navajo Nation

Explore the natural world and Navajo spirituality, connect Navajo history to landscape, and learn about culture from many who call the Navajo Nation home.

Tuba City, Arizona

AllPeopleBeHappy has partnered in the Navajo Nation since 1998. It is the largest of the Native American Reservations in the US extending over three states – Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo people share rich cultural traditions and are well known for their contributions to the world at large, including the role of the Navajo Code Talkers in WWII and their exquisite artistry. Current challenges include maintaining cultural identity, educating the younger generations, and economic development.

Experiences

Plan a community-based global learning experience with us! Travel and virtual opportunities are available.

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Projects

Find out more about our current and past community-based, collaborative projects.

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MEET OUR TEAM

Vanessa Brown

Site Director

Chanupa Brown

Site Director

Bibi Al-Ebrahim

Site Liaison

MEET OUR PARTNERS

Angel House

Angel House is a project of the Community Action for Children and Youth (CACY), a grassroots organization in Tuba City. Angel House collects donations of household items, clothes, and toys to distribute to community members in need including for families who have experienced house fires or who have left their homes due to domestic violence and other emergencies.

Local Community Members

Meeting local community members is an important part of experiences in Tuba City. Through this network of local community members, participants learn about local culture, agriculture, spirituality and more. Participants assist community members with home repairs or improvements to family-land and farms. Projects have included sheep shearing, cleaning and repairing animals corrals, building and repairing fences and painting homes. Service is often tied to community members who cook for visiting groups, provide demonstrations, and teach about traditional practices.

RESOURCES

Safety Record

AllPeopleBeHappy has an exceptional safety record and a proven ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging challenges. Read more about our commitment to health and safety here.

Things to Read about The Navajo Nation

Navajo Times

Crownpoint, Tuba City and Mariano Lake Chapter websites

Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Adkins, Adam (1997). Secret War: The Navajo Code Talkers in World War II. New Mexico Historical Review, October 1997

Begay, R. (2001). Doo dilzin da: Abuse of the natural world. American Indian Quarterly, 25(1), 21-27.

Johansen, B. E. (1994). The High Cost of Uranium in Navajoland. Excerpted from Ecocide of Native America: Environmental Destruction of Indiana Lands and Peoples, by Donald A. Grinde, Jr., and Bruce E. Johansen. Santa Fe: Clear Light Publishers, 1994.

Lee, Lloyd L. (2007). The future of Navajo nationalism. Wicazo Sa Review 22.1 (2007) 53-68

Lee, Lloyd L. (2008). Reclaiming indigenous intellectual, political, and geographic space. A path for Navajo nationhood. American Indian Quarterly, 32(1)

McCloskey, J. (1998). Three generations of Navajo women. American Indian Culture and Research Journal, 22(2).

Things to Read about The Navajo Nation, cont'd.

McPherson, R. (1998). Navajo livestock reduction in Southeastern Utah, 1933-1946: History repeats itself. American Indian Quarterly, 22(1-2), 1-18.

Schwartz, M. T. (1997). Unraveling the anchoring cord: Navajo relocation, 1974-1996. American Anthropologist, 99(1), 43-55.

Tohe, L. (2000). There is no word for feminism in my language. Wicazo Sa Review: A Journal of Native American Studies, 15(2), 103-110.

Tohe, L. (2007). Hwéeldi Bééhániih: Remembering the Long Walk. Wicazo Sa Review: A Journal of Native American Studies, 22(1), 77-82.

Yazzie, R. (1994). Life Comes From It: Navajo justice concepts. New Mexico Law Review: Indian Law Symposium, 24(2), 175-190.

Alexie, S. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Little, Brown.

Yazzie, R. (1994). Life comes from it: Navajo justice concepts. The Ecology of Justice (IC#38) pg. 29

Nielsen, O. Marianne and Zion, W James (2005). Navajo Nation Peacemaking. Living Traditional Justice The University of Arizona Press, Tucson.

Things to Watch about The Navajo Nation

Broken Rainbow (highly recommended for all participants to watch before visiting the Navajo Nation!)

How the West Was Lost: the Navajo

Morgan Spurlock: 30 Days: Life on an Indian Reservation (on Hulu)

Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World (film)