Protest underway in Gallup over video mocking Diné culture

CANYON POINT, Utah 

A protest is underway outside The Door Christian Fellowship Church in Gallup, following backlash over a TikTok video that appears to mock Diné ceremonial practices.

The video believed to depict a The Door church play, shows actors portraying traditional Diné healing rituals in a derogatory manner, sparking outrage among community members who view it as an act of religious and cultural disrespect.

“The protest is to denounce what appears to some as a practice of religious persecution with a video that went viral on (TikTok) which depicts a ‘play’ cutting down Navajo culture, more specifically ceremonial practices that utilize traditional healers to restore healing and harmony in Diné,” said Elaine Henderson, a Diné resident of Gallup, on Sunday morning.

Gallup is home to a mix of cultures and religions, but the incident has revived memories of past discrimination.

“These practices will illicit reactionary behaviors and responses that are deeply embedded in the culture of religious persecution. A practice we think is behind us rears its ugly head once more with this video.”

Protesters say the performance sends a harmful message – that one religion is better than another.

“This depiction will only foster fear, teach unacceptance as a norm, which if left unchecked will indicate certain religions have a superior sense of being,” Henderson said. “All religions teach that we are all equal in the eyes of our maker.

“The best we can do for ourselves is to ask for pity for ourselves – to have the ability to attain some sort of salvation and acceptance into the ‘hereafter.’ This is a simple human trait practiced since time immemorial.”

Henderson also urges compassion toward those responsible.

“I ask for the Holy People to have pity on these misguided individuals and their families and ask they are given tools to reintegrate into our community to contribute as healthy, well-minded beings,” she said. “In any Indigenous culture, we are mindful of casting such stones, as it will manifest its returns by testing and challenging those we love most and hold dear to our hearts.”

She emphasized that many non-Native people admire and seek to learn from Navajo culture.

“Many non-Native relatives have yearned to be a part of the rich Diné culture,” Henderson added. “They understand that our practices give individual reflections to know our identities and connections and where we come from.

“Let us all strive to be better than who we are presently – to be that productive human and continue to co-exist for a better and decent society.”

Violet White from Leupp, Arizona, said she emailed leadership at The Door church on June 2 to request an apology. But instead of an apology, she said she was met days later with scripture.

White said the church replied on June 6 by quoting John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

The responder added, “Life isn’t always easy. Jesus never promised a trouble-free journey, but He did promise His peace – peace found only in Him. Remember that He has already overcome them, no matter what trials or hardships you’re facing today.

“You are not walking through this life alone. Christ has gone before you, defeated the power of sin and death, and stands victorious. That means your struggles are not the end of your story. His victory is your hope, and His peace is your anchor.”

White said the scripture and the additional message felt dismissive and made matters worse.

“This was not simply a dramatic scene,” White told The Door leadership. “It was a harmful and offensive attack on Indigenous identity, culture, and spirituality. Let me be absolutely clear: our ceremonies are not demonic. They are sacred. They have sustained our people through genocide, boarding schools, and colonization.

“They are rooted in prayer, healing, and balance. Principles that reflect the same values you claim to uphold.”

White said portraying traditional spiritual leaders as evil is a form of cultural violence.

“It reinforces the same falsehoods that were used to strip Native children of their language, hair, families, and faith,” she said. “That kind of messaging has no place in any institution that preaches love, truth, or Christ.”

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