Inaugural attendees brave frigid temps
By Jan-Mikael Patterson
Navajo Times
WINDOW ROCK, Jan. 13, 2011
It was so cold, said clarinet player Valerie Harrison with the Navajo Nation Band, that "it was very hard to play our instruments with our fingers frozen, especially the brass instruments."
The band was the first of several acts to perform, and was scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff said the temperature in Window Rock was -1 at 9 a.m. By 11 a.m. it had risen to 17 degrees.
Their uniforms, while handsome, left little room for extra insulation, said her son Malcolm, who played the bass drum.
Still, the band had it easier than people in the stands. A tent equipped with heaters and refreshments was set up south of the arena for VIPs and performers.
"We got to warm up and we got some hot coffee at least," Harrison said.
Event planners also set up a heated reception area in nearby Nakai Hall where spectators driven off by the cold could warm up and watch the proceedings on a big-screen video monitor.
This year the list of entertainers included flutist Jakey Skye, Miss Navajo Nation Winifred Jumbo, Joe Tohonnie Jr. and his Apache Crown Dancers, Nonabah Sam, The Plateros, Ciarra Brook Shay, and the Davis Boys, who nearly stole the show.
The Davis brothers, Shawndean, 13, and Tydean, 12, performed song and dance style singing and with the voices these two carry, you couldn't help but think of them as seasoned performers. They didn't lack for confidence, at one point dedicating a song to incoming President Ben Shelly.
"We're going to sing this song for you and it's going to take you far," said Tydean.
The audience cheered and chuckled.
Originally from Many Farms, Ariz., the boys reside with their family in Kayenta, where they benefit from the mentoring of noted traditional singer Alger Greyeyes.
"This would be called social songs," Shawndean said, noting that Greyeyes, a Native American Music Award-winning artist, was the composer.
Miss Navajo got the most applause, however, with her remarks encouraging young Navajos to take pride in their heritage, language and elders.
"Don't be something you're not," she pleaded, alluding to the mainstream youth culture that many have adopted. "Be proud of who you are. Be proud of your elders and the long line of traditions."
Her speech got the audience hooting and hollering and they huddled for warmth under their Pendletons.
Franklin Begay, 60, was draped in a thick mechanic's jumpsuit, his name embroidered on a patch. Underneath it he wore a hooded pullover, the hood covering his ears.
"T'oo'la doo deezk'aazda, hey (Man, it's really cold)," he chuckled. "T'áá ako, gohwééh shii dahiniildoh doo (That's OK, maybe coffee will warm me up)."
The frigid air made many people restless, and probably helped account for the empty seats - the grandstands were nearly half empty and the VIP section also had many empty chairs - but most nevertheless stuck it out until the main event.