Chinle to honor the ‘best,’ ‘finest’ in community

By Tyson Hudson
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – Chinle Chapter will be recognizing members of its community on Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, with speakers, music, and refreshments.

The first-of-its-kind event for the Chinle Chapter Government will honor 12 individuals who have made positive contributions to their community. Honored members include a military veteran, an elder who represents the Warriors’ Home, a school superintendent, a housing manager, two school principals, a police officer, a judge, and a Navajo business owner.

Chinle Chapter President Rosanna Jumbo-Fitch hopes this tribute will highlight the excellence of these individuals and how they contributed to their community as positive role models to the youth.

“We want to honor Chinle’s finest, Chinle’s best,” Jumbo-Fitch told the Navajo Times on Wednesday.

Three young students from the community will also be recognized for their academic work, sports achievements, and being role models to their peers.

Chinle Chapter’s celebration works in conjunction with the Navajo Central Agency Fair’s 2024 theme of “Íiná Ba’ Hózhó,” or “Celebrating Life.” The theme for Chinle Chapter is named “Recognizating Chinle’s Best.”

Jumbo-Fitch said the event will show how important for younger Navajo kids to see the impact the older generation made as they navigated their way through grade school, and college, returning home to their families and establishing a career in the Navajo Nation.

“This is about going back to roots of our grandparents,” Jumbo-Fitch said.

Jumbo-Fitch returned to Diné Bikéyah herself. She is in her fourth year as chapter president of Chinle, after earning her doctorate in education in curriculum and instruction from Northern Arizona University in 2018. She is born into Yoo’ó Dine’é and born for Mą’ii Deeshgiizhinii. Her maternal grandfather is Tábąąhá, and her paternal grandfather is Táchii’nii.

Friday night festivities start at 5 p.m. at the Chinle Chapter Government Field. The recognition event will begin with a welcome address from Dr. Jumbo-Fitch, a posting of colors from the Chinle Veterans Organization, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation.

Keynote speakers on Friday evening will include former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, who will provide words of encouragement. Another speaker will be Michael Alex, a younger member of the community.

Following the ceremony, the Reminisce Band will entertain with a country music dance from 7-10 p.m. Chinle Chapter will provide refreshments for attendees, and concessions will be available during the entertainment portion of the event. The event is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, Aug. 17, the Chinle Chapter will host an extra country music concert and dance with Rhythm Wild and The Arizona Dreamers from 8-11 p.m. This event will feature a country line dance competition that includes a cash prize. This event is also free and open to the public.

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