talk for us in the english way
As a single mother of children with extra needs in the Ft. Defiance Agency on the Navajo Nation, I have been searching for solutions for my family the past 15 years. For many of those years I have been finding solutions on my own.
I know firsthand how important it is to have knowledge and be connected with other families. My wish to serve and know my community led me to become a volunteer First Responder in Naschitti Chapter and to participate in school committees.
When I was younger, I used to travel with my grandfather to the Chuska Mountains to collect natural herbs. We gave offerings of corn pollen to Mother Earth for providing us with blessings. My grandparents would say to me, keep going to school, you will talk for us in the English way, to help our Diné people.
What my grandparents were saying to me is, that my family depends on me. I will be a family leader, I will have skills and knowledge to provide my whole family to find complete solutions for my children.
I know firsthand how important it is to have knowledge and be connected with other families. My wish to serve and know my community led me to become a volunteer First Responder in Naschitti Chapter and to participate in school committees.
When I was younger, I used to travel with my grandfather to the Chuska Mountains to collect natural herbs. We gave offerings of corn pollen to Mother Earth for providing us with blessings. My grandparents would say to me, keep going to school, you will talk for us in the English way, to help our Diné people.
What my grandparents were saying to me is, that my family depends on me. I will be a family leader, I will have skills and knowledge to provide my whole family to find complete solutions for my children.
-- Elvira Dennison, Family Mentor