Friday, March 29, 2024

Just in time for the talent show

Just in time for the talent show

Last-minute preparation results in successful outing for kids

WINDOW ROCK

Navajo Times | Ravonelle Yazzie
Madison Tsosie, 8, brushes Abigail Youvella’s hair as they perform for a Traditional Talent Show sponsored by Navajo Nation Council June 13.

At 4:30 p.m. last Wednesday, Madison Tsosie told her mother, Dedra Tsosie, that she really wanted to participate in a traditional talent show that was happening at 6.

“My grandma told me about it,” Madison, 8, said. “I wanted to show off my talent I learned at school.” Her mother got off of work at 5 pm. Then had to rush to the Navajo Nation Council Chambers to fix all the girls’ hair in a traditional Navajo bun as well as dress them in traditional clothes.

The family made it just in time to participate in the Traditional Talent Show hosted by the Navajo Nation Council. Madison enlisted the help of her twin brother and two cousins to help her do a cultural reenactment she learned at her school, Tsehootsooi Diné Bi Olta’. “Ari, she was doing the weaving,” Madison said. “Abby, I was fixing her hair and Andy he was laying down because he was the cheii.”

Ariana Crank, 9, is Madison’s cousin and was demonstrating weaving. Abigail Youvella, 5, was getting her hair brushed and fixed by Madison during the demonstration. Her twin brother Andy Tsosie, 8, was playing the role of the cheii and medicine man. While brushing her little cousins hair Madison sang a traditional Navajo song. “I sing it at school,” Madison said.

Madison’s original plan was to demonstrate corn grinding. “I was going to do the corn grinding,” she said. “But we didn’t have the stuff. So, I fixed Abby’s hair.”


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About The Author

Pauly Denetclaw

Pauly Denetclaw is Meadow People born for Towering House People. She was raised in Manuelito and Naschitti, New Mexico. She was the co-recipient of the Native American Journalist Association's 2016 Richard LaCourse Award for Investigative Reporting. Denetclaw is currently finishing her degree in multimedia journalism from the University of New Mexico - Main. Denetclaw covers a range of topics including genetic research, education, health, social justice issues and small businesses. She loves coffee, writing and being with her family. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Her handle is @pdineclah

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