Diné Heritage

Keeping Our Culture
The Phoenix Indian Center has been the central hub for Diné (Navajo) Language instruction in the Phoenix metro area. A number of students and their parents joined the Navajo Singing class in August for the Fall 2008 class to learn traditional Diné songs from Jolyana Begay-Bitsuie, Navajo Language teacher and instructor, during the fall.


(left to right: Olivia Shorty, Monica Sekaquaptewa, Josiah Neswood, Zoey Hodges, Kahara Hodges, and Uriah Begay)

Our wonderful children at the Luke Air Force Base youth center during November. They demonstrated Diné song and dance to the youth center students. We are so proud of how fast they have learned Diné words and pronunciation since the class started.


Jolyana explained the meaning of the Navajo words and songs to the youth center students and led the Navajo class students in a round dance. The youth center students were very enthusiastic to be part of the song and dance.


Fall 2008 Navajo Singing Class Group
(left to right, back row: Laverna Wilson, Sharon Tom, Petra Reyes, Josiah Neswood, Kahara Hodges and, Judy Tapaha; left to right, front row: Monica Sekaquaptewa, Olivia Shorty, Zoey Hodges, Uriah Begay, and Jolyana Bitsuie. Not pictured: Sherry Neswood, Hoffman Shorty and Felicita Shorty.)

Freddie Johnson, Navajo Language Instructor/Storyteller/Cultural Consultant with the Phoenix Indian Center shared a coyote story and information about the Navajo Nation.

We thank both Freddie and Jolyana for doing such a great job with our community!

Some of the songs we have learned include: Kiizh, Dahdiniilghaazh (Fry Bread Song), Dahnaat’ai Biyiin (Navajo Flag Song), Dzilth Dadi Yinii (Four Sacred Mountains), Diné Bi Dahnaat’ai Sin (Navajo Nation Flag Song), Iina Baa Hozho.

Dahnaat’ai Biyiin (Navajo Navajo Flag Song)
This is a song commemorating the Navajo Nation Flag. It explains why the flag and the symbols on them are important to the Diné people. This is one of the many songs the Fall class learned. (Thanks to Judy Tapaha for providing the audio files.)

Navajo Flag Song - Navajo Lang Class

Dzilth Dadi Yinii (Four Sacred Mountains)
In this song Jolyana explains the mountains sacred to the Navajo people and the Diné people's unique relationship to the Four Sacred Mountains.

Dzil Dadi Yinii - Navajo Lang Class

Winter 2009 Classes and Events

Diné Language Program Spring Classes
Classes will be starting Monday, January 21, 2009 at the Phoenix Indian Center and the Mesa Public Schools Student Services office (see class listings below). Online registration should be available by December 29, 2009. The classes are continuing from Fall semester 2008, but new students are welcome to join.

PHOENIX INDIAN CENTER

GED Classroom

4520 N. Central Ave., Suite 250

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Diné Culture Classes: Start January 26^th, 2009

Instructor; Freddie Johnson

Monday nights; 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Learn about self identity using the Diné Clan Philosophy through Diné Oral Traditions.

**Intermediate Navajo: Starts January 24^th, 2009

Instructor; Jolyana Bitsuie

Every Saturday: 9:00am – 11:00am

This class requires a $25 materials fee. This is a continuing class to Beginning Navajo. It will be an introduction to speech and writing.

**Navajo Singing class: starts January 24^th, 2009

Instructor; Jolyana Bitsuie

Every Saturday: 11:30am – 1:30pm

Learners will explore various Navajo singing styles and songs sung for different purposes in Diné culture. Learn social songs, patriotic songs, corn grinding songs, and children songs.

MESA PUBLIC SCHOOL

Student Services Building

Grand Canyon Room South

1025 N. Country Club Drive

Mesa, AZ 85021

Intergenerational Diné Language and Culture Classes

Starts: January 21^st, 2009

Instructor: Freddie Johnson

Wednesday nights: 6:00 to 7:00pm

Learn about Diné language from a traditional perspective using the Diné way of teachings. Open to all ages, families welcomed.

**Classes will require a $25 materials fee.

Classes are not for credit.

Non Navajos wishing to take these classes may do so for a fee of $150. Classes are free to Navajo families in the greater Maricopa County. Non-Navajo inlaws to Diné families are welcomed.

Classes will run into the second week of May.

ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE – www.phxindcenter.org click on Events/classes tab

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT; FREDDIE JOHNSON AT (602)263-1017 EXT.2305 Fax (602)274-7486

Email fjohnson@phxindcenter.org website: www.phxindcenter.org

SHOE GAME/WINTER STORYTELLING 2009

HEARD Museum – Steele Auditorium
2301 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ

Shoe Game: Friday, January 16, 2009 6-9pm

Storytelling: Saturday, January 17, 2009 9am-1pm
“Winter Stories of Post Emergence”
Johnson Dennison
This will include the stories of the birth of White Shell Woman, the Birth of the Twins, and the Slaying of the Monsters and some Coyote stories

“Separation of Sexes-Ałnaashi’ Adeezdéél”
Bennie Silversmith
What was the cause of this movement and what were the consequences of this event in our oral history. What are we suppose to learn from this story?

“Lakota Legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman”
Kimberly Yellowrobe Irwin - Sicangu Lakota Oyate - Rosebud Sioux Tribe

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
Refreshments will be Available! Food concession sale on site: Mutton Stew, Frybread, Coffee and hot chocolate will be fore sale at both events!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT FREDDIE JOHNSON @ (602)264-6768 or fjohnson@phxindcenter.org