2024: a year in review

Here’s a look back on some of the events published in the Navajo Times’ Section C.

January

Skoden Coffee and Tea reopened in Phoenix after its closure in Window Rock. The Skoden Coffee and Tea is tucked between Camelback Road and Central Avenue. Natasha John became the company’s sole owner after her partner, Daniel Tullie, left the business at Ch’íhootso Indian Market Place.

In the Jan. 11 edition, we reported “The Navajo AI Flower,” in which an Al-generated Diné girl peeks into Al knowledge from non-Diné creators. We also reported Dr. Yvette Brown-Shirley, the first and only Native woman sports neurologist supporting and preventing neurological health inequities in tribal communities in Arizona. She is a lifelong resident of Flagstaff and a neurologist at the Barrow Neurological Institute’s Brain Injury and Sports Neurology Center in Phoenix.

February

Visitors are still vandalizing the Shiprock Pinnacle with trash, according to Northern Navajo residents, who say the desecration of the pinnacle must end.

In the Feb. 8 edition, award-winning Jennifer Garner and Mark K. Shriver, representatives for Save the Children Action Network, devoured traditional foods in Northern Navajo. After a roundtable talk with the Central Consolidated School District staff ended, Garner and Shriver enjoyed traditional Diné foods and stories.

We also reported that the Kayenta Township Commission selected Jarvis Williams as the new town manager.

In the Feb. 15 edition, we reported that Loren Anthony’s Chizh for Cheii is continuing to help Diné homes stay warm in the winter. Eve’s Fund awarded scholarships to 15 Navajo Prep students.

In the Feb. 22 edition, we reported that an agreement meant to address harmful effects related to the Arizona Snowbowl’s development does not mention one of the most damaging potential threats. If signed, the Snowbowl would be permitted to continue the development of the resort.

March

The Dennehotso Chapter secured a new truck – a 2024 550 Dodge Ram truck – with ARPA funds. But the process “was not easy.”

In the March 28 edition, we reported that Diné entrepreneur Albert Haskie uses technology to teach the Navajo clan system. He doesn’t have a computer science degree, but it didn’t stop him from starting his own business, “Nyzhon Studios, or creating his first mobile app, “Adoone’é.”

We also reported that 50 students took part in the Navajo Times/Office of Diné Youth final regional spelling bee.

April

The “Gomeo Bobelu” film premiered at the El Morro Theater in Gallup on March 30. The film is based around Gomeo Bobelu’s life until his death in November 2022. On the evening of Friday, March 1, the Northern Arizona University Council of Indigenous Ambassadors and the NAU Skate Club collaboratively hosted a free, open-community event to honor Indigenous culture and the growing skateboarding community.

We also reported the Ocean Exploration Trust selected Kim Etsitty from Navajo Pine High School as the 2024 Science Communication Fellow.

May

Diné flight instructor Caitlyn Begay said teaching her flight school students has been the proudest moment of her life. The young Diné woman is from Oak Springs, Arizona.

In the May 2 edition, we reported that Best Friends Animal Society launched its new mobile spay/neuter clinic in the Navajo Nation to provide low-cost veterinary services to pets and their owners.

In the May 16 edition, three Diné Northern Arizona University students were awarded prestigious Udall scholarships. Diné women Chiara Holgate, Mariessa Fowler, and Tracey Yazzie were among the 55 college students throughout the U.S. to whom the Udall Foundation awarded scholarships for their leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or the environment.

June

An inaugural coffee festival was held at Amigo Café in Kayenta on June 1. And Kirtland Central alumna Olivia Harris earned a medical degree to serve Northern Navajo.

In the June 13 edition, Naa Daa Bighan opened in Ganado. In the June 20 edition, we reported “All Rez,” a traveling photography exhibition, hit the road on Diné Bikéyah.

We also reported a coloring book filled with images from the local Navajo Nation Zoo is not something one sees often. The zoo brought its first coloring book, ‘Ałchiní’. Navajo Gaming also hired John James as its chief executive officer.

July

In the July 25 edition, we reported that Diné College partnered with Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law to launch the first tribally affiliated legal education. We also reported that every Tuesday and Wednesday, the Northern Navajo Medical Center’s Public Health Nursing and Sih Hasin Street Medicine aim to prevent syphilis cases.

August

One hundred nineteen high school graduates were awarded the prestigious Chief Manuelito Scholarship inside the Piñon Pit Gymnasium at Diné College on Friday, July 26.

The New Mexico Bass Nation sent three two-angler teams to Chickamauga Lake in Dayton, Tennessee, for the Bass Junior National Championships. Hannah Sage (Diné) from Los Lunas, New Mexico, and Tanner Ortega from Albuquerque placed 20th overall with a two-day total of 15 pounds, 2 ounces.

In the Aug. 15 edition, we reported that Makayla Jones of Blue Canyon, Arizona, was crowned the 1014-25 Little Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. We also reported three stories about new titleholders: Miss Central Navajo Rodeo Association Queen Shaa’tohi Henio, Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen Natiana King, and Miss Central Navajo Danielle Lewis, respectively.

In the Aug. 29 edition, we reported a new hospital in Ganado, “a symbol of progress.” Hospital staff, Navajo Nation leaders, and visitors celebrated the opening on Aug. 23.

September

In the Sept. 19 edition, a portable meal cart – a “Grab and Go” – was donated to Tséhootsooí Primary School. Bashas’ Family of Stores, Chelan Fresh, and GENYOUth also donated a cart to eight other schools in the Navajo Nation to keep fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks fresh for students.

We also reported the Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses final collection, “Denim Daydream.” Glasses launched her third and final drop, never thinking her dream of designing with Ralph Lauren would ever come true.

Kayenta opened its first Tesla superchargers on Aug. 29. Tesla owners now have confidence in their traveling capabilities to drive through the vast Navajo Nation because there are eight Tesla Superchargers in Diné Bikéyah.

In the Sept. 26 edition, we reported that Geri Hongeva from Dziłyíjiin was gearing up to launch Native Moto Tours in 2025, promising an adventure beyond mere sightseeing. We also reported a new Church’s Texas Chicken opening its doors in Chinle, signaling economic investment in small communities.

October

Monument Valley Native Davina Smith announced her candidacy for Utah House District 69. This was Smith’s second bid for Utah’s House District 69. She ran in 2022 against Utah Rep. Phil Lyman, who ran as a write-in candidate for Utah governor after Gov. Spencer Cox beat him in the primary. We also reported that the Pine Hill education program reached its highest-ever assessment scores.

In the Oct. 17 edition, we reported that the Bluff Arts Festival celebrated 20 years of cultural heritage and community growth. We also reported that after 20 years, the Bodaway-Gap region of the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation would finally have a health care center.

In the Oct. 24 edition, we reported that rapper Ice Cube performed during the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, lighting up the Tuba City Amphitheater, where 5,000 concert tickets were sold.

A Harris-Walz campaign rally took place in Window Rock on Oct. 26. And Ralph Lauren continued its “Artist in Residence” program with Double RL x Zefren-M collaboration.

November

The Navajo Times editorial team reported on Election Day in the Navajo Nation on Nov. 5. Diné artist Nevaeh Talkalai entered the first Navajo Times Pumpkin Carving Contest, which began on Oct. 8, and won after her ghost/sheep entry.

In the Nov. 7 edition, we reported that Diné and Native Donald Trump supporters attended a Trump rally in Albuquerque.

In the Nov. 21 edition, we reported that Celesta Littleman unveiled a photo of her proposed Sunbeam Tours and Railway “StarCar.” We also reported that Diné cook Thalia Roessel incorporates her Kayenta roots in recipes.

Dr. Kevin Foley departed Na’Nizhoozhi Center Inc. after 24 years. Dr. Naomi Young was selected as the CEO of the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board Inc.

December

The Navajo Agriculture Products Industry presented the Navajo Nation with an immediate $1 million dividend payment during a Resources and Development Committee regular meeting on Nov. 4.

In the Dec. 12 edition, we reported that Miss Indian World Kassie John is sharing the gift of dance. And Page Police celebrated its first class of Citizens Police Academy graduates. On Sept. 26, the nine area residents gathered in the community room at the Page Public Safety Facility.

We also reported that the Navajo Nation is facing a growing crisis as feral animal populations wreak havoc on ecosystems, critical resources, and traditional livelihoods.

Northland Pioneer College selected Von Lawson as its new president.

In the Dec. 19 edition, Arrangement, a new Sheephead film, premiered in Kayenta. Arrangement was directed by Shonie De La Rosa.

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