A blessing to see my Navajo people

Navajo Traditional Song and Dance participants in Window Rock, Arizona
Photo by Venaya Yazzie 2017
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The season is nearing fall, or some call it autumn. For the Navajo people, this season concerns new beginnings, especially in the area of harvest season and family concerns.

I was able to be present in the "heart of the Navajo Nation" in Window Rock, Arizona for the annual Navajo Nation fair this weekend. My senses were open to new experiences both visually and spiritually.

My 'adornment' past is embedded in the the traditional Dine' Song and Dance dance arena when I first started dancing in 1997.  I was first gifted some regalia by a former Miss Navajo Nation contestant who is now an elder, who have me a Navajo-style sash belt and a Navajo hair bundle hair adornment. For me this was a "sign" from Creator telling me that was my call to begin dancing among my people.

The modern Navajo Song and Dance is a loose reflection of part of the Dine' ceremony called 'N'daa' which is a Blessing ceremony. This area of the larger ceremony is the social-time of the ritual, where Navajo people dress their best, and choose their dancing partners to dance with. In many ways its is a time when young, unmarried Navajo men and women have an opportunity to socialize with each other, with a hope of making a possible match. But, in the modern era it has become a way to win in competition.

I love attending the Navajo Song and Dance as it is a blessing to see the Navajo people in their full Indigenous Adornment. From infants to the elders, most every participant is dressed their best as they dance with their partners in the arena.

I share this image to give you a taste of the grandeur of the Navajo adornment by two participants this weekend.

Many Blessings!

Posted 9-11-17

by Venaya Yazzie

All Rights Reserved