Community Stories

Stories to Help Governance Planners understand Community Needs

This page conveys 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.

Our Navajo Family Voices team began gathering these stories, one family at a time, in April 2026, coordinated by Joey Tsosie of Tse Dáá K’áán chapter.

To assist Navajo Nation local governance planners, please share your own story of familial challenges and wishes by clicking the button below

“How Come You Never Taught Us?”

Nazlini Chapter At the Chinle Kids Day in August 2026, Marleita Begay, Apache County Treasurer, talks about why she became an educator, why special education

Portrait of Emily Ellison

Foundations of Who I Am

Manuelito Chapter My name is Emily Ellison, and I grew up in Manuelito, New Mexico. Some of my earliest memories are of being outside with

Portrait of Shawna Ann Claw

Coming Full Circle: Giving Back

Chinle Chapter My name is Shawna Ann Claw. Yá’át’ééh. Hooghan łaní nishłį́, Tódich’ii’nii bashishchiin, Táchii’nii dashicheii, Kinyaa’áanii dashinalí. I am the council delegate for Chinle,

Portrait of Christopher “Def-I” Mike Bidtah

The Power of Hip-Hop to Inspire Change

Shiprock Chapter Yá’át’ééh. Naakai Diné’é nishłį́, Tachii’nii bashishchiin, Hooghan Łáni dashicheii, áádóó Tábąąhá dashinalí. I am of the Mexican Clan, born for the Red Running

Young man refilling water tank

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

Baby's First Laugh ceremony

Savara’s Story

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

Navajo Nation ambulances receiving air ambulance run by Gallup Med Flight

When Words Change a Family

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

Downtown Gallup, New Mexico at sunset

Finding My Way Back

Thoreau Chapter I grew up in Gallup, New Mexico, but my childhood was filled with instability. My sister and I experienced poverty, domestic violence, addiction,

Two pictures showing demonstration sweat lodge at Toadlena Two Grey Hills

Survival, Addiction, and Finding Healing Through Culture

Shiprock Chapter, NM Growing up, my life was filled with instability, overcrowding, and emotional pain. I lived with my grandmother because both of my parents

Audience at Little Ms Navajo pageant

Raised by Strong Women

Toadlena/Two Grey Hills Chapter I grew up in a small community called Sand Springs in Red Valley, where my grandparents had their homestead. During the

Homesteads at Tsayatoh Chapter, New Mexico

Just Trying to Build a Home

Tsayatoh Chapter, NM I grew up in Pretty Rock, a small community near Gallup. Most of my childhood was spent living with my grandmother on

Community at Warrior Walk, a Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Program event

Connection Is Our Strength

Church Rock, NM I grew up in Church Rock surrounded by family, culture, and the teachings that continue to shape who I am today. Even

unpolluted view of the Milky Way

Our Language Is Medicine

Shiprock, NM Our language is who we are. It is powerful. It is medicine for our Diné people. For more than two years, I’ve been

Family with disabled family member at Biilashii homestead, Arizona

You Have to Be There to Help

Tuba City, AZ A few years ago, I had the opportunity to become a caregiver for my nephew, Brandon. Looking back now, I realize it

Two smiling elder Diné ladies

Their Laughter Is What Inspires Me

Chinle, AZ Every day I spend with our elders reminds me why I love what I do. What inspires me the most is hearing their

Diné grandma teaching little grandson how to prepare dough

Both My Parents Struggled with Alcohol

Tsé Daa’ Kaan, NM Growing up, both of my parents struggled with alcohol. My childhood wasn’t easy. I remember the drinking, the arguing, and the

Burros grazing near Sheep Spings chapter

Even the Animals Were Different

Tsé Daa’ Kaan, NM When I was growing up, we had to fend for ourselves. Our family had livestock sheep and cattle, and we took

Fencing in Lukachukai, Arizona

You Have to Fight For It

Pinon, AZ When I left the rez years ago, I had a plan. I was going to get my education, find a good job, and

Volunteers unloading food supplies for Northern Diné COVID Relief Effort in 2022

Keep Our Communities Safe

Twin Lakes, NM I grew up in Twin Lakes with my mom. We lived with her boyfriend and his family, and we did not have

Diné toddler gardening with a little spade

Just Needs to Be Nurtured Again

Fort Defiance, AZ My daughter used to go to school at DEAP Charter School, and I remember feeling proud watching her learn not just the

Family sheep camp in Chuska Mountains, rebuilt after 2014 Asaayii Lake fire

Livestock Return to the Valley

Naschitti, NM Our Navajo customs discourage speaking of the deceased to honor their spirit. In the culture, it is believed with deep respect that mentioning the

Snow-covered land and homesteads near Teec Nos Pos, Arizona

We Were Taking Care of Ourselves

Teec Nos Pos, AZ These younger people don’t always know how it used to be. Back then, winters were heavy. Snow would drift so deep

Sweetwater road after flash flooding in July 2021

I Grew Up on My Grandfather’s Land

Dilkon, AZ I grew up on my grandfather’s land after my family moved there. It was originally meant to be just a sheep camp, but

Tsosie summer camp, Tse Daa Kaan Chapter

When the Herd Went Silent

Tsé Daa’ Kaan, NM Being shaken awake before sunrise, I can still hear my cheii’s voice calling out, “Get up! The sheep are on their

Smoke coming out of Four Corners Power Plant

This Is Our Land to Protect

Window Rock AZ This isn’t just a story, it’s how I feel when I look at what’s happening around us. I see companies coming into

Harvest table in Shiprock, New Mexico

We Forgot What We Knew

Tsé Daa’ Kaan, NM The difference between how we lived before and how we live now, you can see it in something as simple as

School bus stuck in mud on Navajo Nation unpaved road

This Is How We Stayed Healthy

Sanostee NM When I was younger, winters were different. Snow would start in October and last into May. I remember in my junior year of

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(505) 226-3073

POB 3085, Kirtland, NM 87417

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