Guest Column; After 30 years, work and journey continue
By Vivian Arviso
Special to the Times
This year on April 11 marks the 30th year since the establishment of a Navajo Women’s Commission by the Advisory Council of the Navajo Council on April 11, 1985.
Navajo lawmakers are to be commended for recognizing the need for the participation of women and also that women do face diverse issues depending on their age grouping, socio-economic strata, educational backgrounds, and individual aspirations.
This unprecedented legislation created by the administration of then-chairman Peterson Zah empowered the commission to assist with establishing tribal policies that support and improve the status of women and their families.
Through the years, the Navajo Women’s Commission has had a working relationship with the Office of Women and Families. Over time, the scope of the commission has been modified to include Navajo men, youth, and children, in addition to women and families. Many outstanding Navajo women have brought their experiences and skills to serve as commissioners. They worked to enrich the skills and knowledge of Navajo women and their families to strengthen and promote self-reliance.
The current Navajo Women’s Commission continues this legacy through its mission and advocates for values that promote resiliency and self-worth to build positive family environments for Diné communities. The five members include Rev. Shirley Montoya, Lolita Paddock, Charlotte Begaye, Sharon Jackson, and myself.
Together, as sisters, we share a love for home and family and send out goodwill to all our relatives in Diné Bikéyah and those of our people who live in faraway places.
We recognize the work by many tireless Diné citizens who care about our communities and want to see mercy and justice for the numerous issues that seem at times insurmountable and overwhelming. We appreciate that our people are dedicated to improving the standard of living for others across this great nation.
Looking back from this 30th anniversary, can we say that the quality of life has improved for women, men and children in the last 30 years?
Many, particularly youth, continue to face changes and challenges. How can we work together to help give hope so that many can travel on the path of beauty and happiness?
Our commission has pledged to work together toward achieving our goals. We want to recognize the good that exists within our communities and to honor those individuals who believe and work towards positive change.
We are a small group and we recognize our responsibilities are huge. Our maternal hands need to move with courage so that others can receive hope. We encourage and ask all private and public organizations, chapters, our Diné leadership and Hatalthi, and all religious groups to help us to carry out the purposes of the commission.
We hope to build a network of people with strong civic responsibility who can uplift and empower healthy future Diné generations.
Our website, navajowomenscommission.org, is active and will inform the public as to our activities. We encourage the posting of community activities that are non-political on this website. Look for the upcoming Blue Jay Essay Contest for 8th graders and other youth activities in coming months.
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we intend to recognize the accomplishments of those men, women, youth, and LGBT who have dedicated themselves to the preservation of family harmony and to making better Diné communities.
We ask for you to join us on this journey as we carry out the purposes and powers that are our responsibility. Ahéé éé.
Vivian Arviso is the Chairperson for the Navajo Women’s Commission
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow