Thursday, March 28, 2024

Letters: Celebrating 91st birthday

Letters: Celebrating 91st birthday

The family and community of Torreon gathered May 2 to celebrate Navajo Code Talker Bill Toledo’s 91st birthday. Four generations of his family attended. In addition to Toledo’s recognition, two other Navajo Code Talkers, Preston Toledo and Frank Toledo, were remembered in memoriam. Toledo’s widow and grandson were in attendance.

Festivities began with the posting of the flags, American, New Mexican, Navajo Nation, and United States Marine Corps, by local veterans. The National Anthem was sung in Navajo by Brittany Begaye and veteran James Castillo Sr. sang a gaal sin. Will Clark followed by playing the flute. Thereafter, the public were invited to share memorable moments of Bill Toledo at which family and friends recalled their personal memories of him. His daughter, Sharon, spoke of discovering her father was a Navajo Code Talker and asking her mother what that meant. At that time, the Navajo code had recently been declassified and many, Navajos included, were just learning about the Navajo Code Talkers.

Ojo Encino Cmdr. Juan recognized Navajo Code Talker Bill Toledo as a “National Treasure.” In his travels, he refers to all Navajo Code Talkers as national treasures. Cmdr. Juan reminded those in attendance how valuable the Navajo language is and how it was an unbreakable code. He told the crowd that the Japanese could never break the Navajo code. Cmdr. Juan asked parents to continue to teach the Navajo language to their children and grandchildren.

Bill shared his experiences as a Navajo Code Talker. He recalled being recruited while attending Crownpoint School. When he enlisted, he was sent to Fort Wingate and shipped out to Camp Elliott where he learned the Navajo code. He said they had to rely only on memory in learning the code. The code was top secret and they couldn’t write it down. His grandchildren held maps while he showed the audience where they fought in the Pacific Theatre. He concluded by singing the Marine Corps hymn in English and Navajo. The event finished with food prepared by family.

Miranda J. Haskie
Sociology Faculty
Diné College
Tsaile, Ariz.

A need to maintain Navajo language

Please print this letter in your next paper so that it may have a bearing on candidates selected and recommended by the transition team to serve as decision directors and other top positions in the Begaye administration.

I call myself the “Sheep Camp Boss”, but I am neither a farmer nor rancher. I am a grassroots person living close to Mother Earth and am mainly concerned about the future of our people as unique Native Americans. That is why I spoke out about the need to maintain Navajo language speaking ability as a requirement for candidates vying to be elected as Navajo Nation president.

This issue of criteria for Navajo Nation president has been vaguely deterred to the masses by our council, but I am still hopeful that members of the Begaye transition realize that Navajo speaking ability is essential for most, if not, all of the professionals selected to successfully spearhead the Begaye administration. Our division directors should not need interpreters to do their jobs in the interest of our people.

I commend individual Navajos who have attached success as professionals, but are unable to speak Navajo. To me, they are truly the success of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and what the federal government wanted the American Indians to be years ago.

Maybe the federal government is right for us, but I think differently. We need our own culture and own language to give identity in what may become our sovereignty in the long run. The oriental Americans have us beat in our inability to be native.

I thank you for helping me to share my view with the Begaye transition team.

Johnson Benally Jr.
Crownpoint, N.M.

A deep, sincere commitment to promote Diné culture

Miss Navajo Council Incorporated is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, which comprises of former Miss Navajo Nation titleholders who have successfully completed their reign beginning 1952 to present. Among the numerous commitments by former titleholders is a deep and sincere commitment in promoting our Diné/Navajo language, culture, and tradition as primary mission and goal.

Since 2007, MNCI has hosted the annual Enduring Qualities of White Shell Woman workshop for young girls between 8-24 years of age. The workshops are designed to develop, motivate and encourage Navajo girls and young ladies to take pride in their Navajo heritage. In 2011, and with demonstrated success, the Hero Twins in Modern Navajo Society was added for Navajo boys and young men between 8-24 years old.

Youth participants and their parents and grandparents are unified in their supportive efforts for continuance of these workshops. Specifically, many young participants have brought siblings after attending their initial workshop, and whole families have attended as well. Today, MNCI receives requests to host these workshops more frequently, and to bring more youth events on the Navajo Nation and urban areas where Navajos reside.

In spite of encountering shortage of adequate training facilities, MNCI plans to continue its quest for Navajo cultural preservation and cultural knowledge. As we enter another phase of Navajo history with newly-elected leaders of the Navajo Nation government, MNCI would like to add an important action item to its to-do list. MNCI challenges the new leadership to establish a convention center on the Navajo Reservation, i.e., establishment of a convention/conference center is long overdue.

Previously, MNCI has experienced first-hand the challenges associated with locating training facilities on the reservation to host youth activities, and found inadequate or limited training space to accommodate large audiences. Additionally, whatever facilities that may be used are limited in other areas, including meeting rooms, kitchenette, restrooms, no computer rooms or high technology device usage areas; and other conducive training and learning environment, including a traditional hogan.

Conversely, numerous workshops are conducted off the reservation and, as such we support the economy of other towns and cities. Moreover, having a convention/conference center will serve the Navajo people in various capacities and organizations would benefit by having facilities to rent. Many jobs would be created to operate the facility, including creating career opportunities. Also, the convention/conference center would draw interest of all (reservation and non-reservation entities) so that it’s a win-win situation.

In summary, we hope that the new leadership will listen and take heed to what MNCI represents and to support its commitment and dedication to a long-lasting commitment and improvement for the Navajo way of life, including cultural preservation and cultural knowledge. Ahee’hee.

Sarah Johnson Luther
Sunny Dooley
Geraldine Gamble
Miss Navajo Council, Inc.
Window Rock, Ariz.


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