
Differences Don’t Have to Create Divisions
Ramah Chapter I grew up in the Ramah Navajo community in western New Mexico. Many people don’t realize there are three Navajo bands outside of
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, we 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 grew up in the Ramah Navajo community in western New Mexico. Many people don’t realize there are three Navajo bands outside of

Shiprock Chapter I was born and raised in Shiprock, New Mexico. Growing up on the Navajo Nation, I was surrounded by family, culture, and the

Tse Dáá K’áán I never imagined my family would go through something like this. It started with my brother not feeling well. At first, we
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
On July 31, 2026, I participated in a Back-to-School Community Event at the Tse Dáá K’áán Chapter through Navajo Family Voices (NFV). NFV partnered with the Tse Dáá K’áán Chapter to bring families and children together for a day of school supplies, food, community support, and access to local resources. More than 200 community members, including children and adults attended the event.

Tara Lynn Tsosie
On July 20, 2026, I attended Day 2 of the RAISE Summit virtually through Zoom. The theme of the day was “Empowering Youth Engagement: Innovation, Tools, and Youth Voice.” The sessions focused on the importance of listening to young people, supporting their goals, improving Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and transition services, using technology to expand opportunities, and making information more accessible.

Tara Lynn Tsosie
On July 13, 2026, I attended the NM START Clinical Education Training on Autism and Gender Diversity through the UNM Center for Development and Disability. The training provided an opportunity to learn more about autism, gender diversity, and the experiences that autistic and gender-diverse individuals may face in their families, schools, and communities.
