Rocking mocs in Rockville

Posted by Navajo Times | Nov 22, 2017 | People |

Diné are weekday warriors at IHS in Waashindoon!

Courtesy photo
Rocking their mocs in Rockville, Maryland, on Nov. 15 are Indian Health Service staffers, left to right, Rachel Tracy, Regena Dale, Regina Barnett, Selina T. Keryte and Reianna Chavez.

ROCKVILLE, Md.

On Nov. 15, while many American Indians and Alaska Natives across the nation were wearing their moccasins in the spirit of celebrating “Roc Your Mocs Day,” several Diné women participated in the Indian Health Service’s annual campaign.

These women, who live on the East Coast, are weekday warriors of the IHS headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Having a professional job, living in the big city, being full-time mothers or aunties, they embrace every opportunity to celebrate unity and their culture. Rachael Tracy is the IHS research director and chair of the IHS National IRB within the Office of Public Health Support.

“Rocking my mocs is a fun way to celebrate my culture as a Diné woman,” Tracy said. “It warms my heart to see all of the beautifully crafted and huge variety of moccasins that Native people wear. It’s a way to connect and celebrate with other Natives. “My clans are Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water) and born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge),” she said. “My cheii is Honágháahnii (One-Walks-Around) and my nail is Deeshchii’nii (Start-of-the-Red-Streaked People).” Tracy’s hometown is Oak Springs, Arizona.

Regena Dale is the national nurse consultant in the Office of Clinical Preventive Support. “Moccasins hold a special significance for all Native people,” Dale said. “When I wear mine, it connects me back to my family and community.