Hope, a path to healing: Azee’ Bee Nahaghá continues to ‘take care’ of the medicine

By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times

CHINLE — Under the expansive night sky, illuminated by a canopy of stars, the voices of the elders and the youth intertwined in harmonious unity, resonating with the spirit of Azee’ Bee Nahaghá.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
A man adds firewood to a fire during the Azee’ Bee Nahaghá of the Diné Nation Convention in Chinle on Saturday.

In the heart of Chinle, Arizona, the 58th annual Azee’ Bee Nahaghá of the Diné Nation, or ABNDN unfolded with purpose and promise. The gathering sought to extend a hand of hope and healing to the Navajo people, offering prayers, support, and a sanctuary for mental well-being.

At the helm of this spiritual assembly stood ABNDN President Reuben Jim, a revered figure within the community, guiding attendees through traditional rituals, discussions, and ceremonies designed to foster unity and confront critical issues facing the Navajo Nation. Amid the sacred atmosphere of reverence and communal strength, Jim spoke of the two-day meeting’s value as a source of solace and spiritual sustenance for all in search of peace.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Azee’ Bee Nahaghá of the Diné Nation Convention participants sit outside a teepee as the ceremony begins beneath the Milky Way on Friday night.

“The main goal is that we continue to take care of the medicine, the azee’, we take care of that,” he said on Saturday. “And then at the same time, taking care of the family, the children, the wellness of everyone involved and our elders mainly.”
Jim said the Navajo Nation depends on prayer too.

“Our Navajo Nation, we depend on prayer in our everyday lives,” he added.

The annual gathering in Chinle is intended to spread hope and healing for Navajo people in need of prayer, support, and mental wellbeing. The meeting brought together community members to engage in spiritual practices, discussions, and ceremonies aimed at fostering unity and addressing important issues facing the Navajo Nation, Jim said.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
A woman sits against a post and waits for the ceremony to begin on Friday night in Chinle.

He expressed gratitude to all who had joined, recognizing their dedication to upholding the rich tapestry of Navajo traditions. He articulated the importance of finding strength in shared traditions and supporting one another through challenging times.

At the end of the discussions, the sound of the drumbeat echoed through the convention. Attendees quietly listened. Some sat near the singing while others sat on benches. With each beat of the drum and each note sung, the spirit of unity and resilience echoed through the land, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Navajo people and their unwavering commitment to faith, tradition, and community.