Venaya Yazzie and her Ke'staal - Women's Moccasins

Navajo style women's moccasins
Photo by Venaya Yazzie

Within the strong communities across Indian Country, the word has been out that all Indigenous people should, 'rock your mocs.' This was meant to be done within the month of November, which is designated as 'National Native American  Heritage Month.' So, across social media and within the campus of many universities a plethora of Generation X'ers and Millennials, and also manycollege students have been sporting their unique tribal moccasins as a way of showing pride in their identity as 21st century Indigenous peoples.

I truly believe We as Indigenous people should wear our tribal regalia and Our tribal footwear every chance we get! The moccasins pictured here are my own Navajo-style women's moccasins, which are called ke'tsaal, 'big shoes.' Most though refer to this style of moccasins as 'wraps.' These moccasins are made with cow and deer hides and are dyed a reddish-brown color. The shoes itself is permanently attached to a large piece of white deer hide, which when worn is wrapped around the ankle and calf of the woman.

Via Navajo oral tradition, it is said that the women wore this type of moccasin so in their nomadic treks their legs and feet would be protected from the flora and fauna as they walked.