Diné Bá Álchíní Yił Ádaaní–Navajo Family Voices–is a peer-led organization focused on special healthcare needs and whole family wellness in Shiprock, Ft. Defiance, and Eastern Navajo Agencies. We share these stories to help our leaders plan, give hope, and help families determine resources.
In April, 2026, Navajo Family Voices, began collecting stories of mostly young parents on the Navajo Nation expressing challenges and wishes for families and communities on our ancestral homeland. The storytellers hope their stories will enable Naatʼáanii to plan local services and systems that communities really need. The story boxes automatically update as stories come in. Thank you for reading and contributing to all our stories.
Ramah Chapter
I was raised in a traditional Navajo home by parents, grandparents, and relatives who taught me our way of life. Some of my best memories taught me responsibility, respect, and the importance of family. Those teachings always brought me back. Those values continue to guide me today.
Shiprock Chapter
That experience stayed with me. At such a young age, I developed a fear of hospitals, doctors, and nurses. I struggled to trust the healthcare system because my first experience made me feel like my health and my life had not been taken seriously. That fear followed me into adulthood.
Tse Dáá K’áán
My brother had been misdiagnosed. The doctors apologized, but by then our family had already lived through panic, grief, confusion, fear, and sleepless nights. Even though my brother was going to live, the emotional weight we carried didn’t disappear overnight. That experience changed the way I see healthcare.
Our program staff share stories about the resources and trainings we attend so that families can know what to expect, and choose the resources and trainings that best fits them.
Tara Lynn Tsosie
Another takeaway was the importance of self-determination and youth voice. Young people should be encouraged to make informed choices and explore careers that connect to their interests and strengths. They should also be given time to think about important decisions.
Tara Lynn Tsosie
Before attending this training, I had some knowledge of autism and gender diversity, but I realized there was still much more for me to learn. Working in social services, I believe it is important to continue educating myself so that I can better understand the people and families I serve.
Elvira Dennison
The presentation began with a scenario about a young person who was seventeen years old and attending a charter school. The presenters described her strengths first. She was creative, brave, loving, humorous, and eager to learn. It reminded me that every person has strengths, even when they are going through difficult challenges.