When the Water Rose
Tara Lynn Tsosie
When major flooding began affecting the Shiprock and Tsé Dáá K’áán areas, families living near the San Juan River were urged to stay alert as water levels continued to rise. Families on the north bank of the San Juan River, east of the Shiprock Bridge, were encouraged to be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if necessary.
During a time of uncertainty, one thing became clear: our communities were not going to face the situation alone.
As the flooding continued, community members began checking on their families, neighbors, and elders. People made sure those who might need extra help were not forgotten. Sandbags became an important part of protecting homes and property, and community members came together to help fill and distribute them.
At the Shiprock Chapter, loads of sand were brought to the chapter parking lot so that sandbags could be made available to families who needed them. Navajo Family Voices was also out in the community helping families and making sure people had access to sandbags and other resources.
The response was not only about preparing homes. It was also about taking care of people.
The Catholic Center opened its doors to displaced community members while other locations were being considered. Community members volunteered to cook and donate food and drinks for those who needed them. People gave what they could, whether it was their time, food, supplies, transportation, or simply checking in on someone.
These acts of kindness may seem small, but during an emergency, they can mean everything.
For many Diné people, helping one another is not something that begins during a disaster. It is part of how we have always lived. We check on our relatives. We help our elders. We share what we have. When one family is struggling, others step in. When our community is faced with a difficult situation, we come together.
The flooding reminded us of the strength that exists within our communities. Even when there is uncertainty, people continue to show up for one another.
From filling sandbags to preparing food, opening spaces for displaced families, checking on elders, and sharing information, community members played an important role in helping one another stay safe.
This is what it means to be Diné. We look after one another.
As our communities continue to recover and prepare for what comes next, the same spirit of helping one another will remain important. The water may change, roads may be damaged, and families may face difficult days ahead, but our responsibility to one another remains.
When one person needs help, we help.
When one family is affected, we come together.
And when our community is tested, we remember that we are stronger when we stand together.
Community Resources
Navajo Family Voices
Navajo Family Voices provides support and resources for Navajo families and children.
Phone: (505) 226-3073
Email:
Kirtland Office: P.O. Box 3085, Kirtland, NM 87417
Farmington Office: P.O. Box 744, Farmington, NM 87499
Website: https://navajofamilies.org/
Navajo Nation Division of Transportation (Navajo DOT)
Phone: (505) 481-2018
Fax: (505) 481-2948
Physical Address: #16 Old Coalmine Road, Mentmore, NM 87319
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4620, Window Rock, AZ 86515
Website: https://navajodot.org/
Shiprock Chapter
Phone: (505) 368-1081
Email:
P.O. Box 3810, Shiprock, NM 87420
Physical Address: Hwy 64 MP 23, Bldg. 5548
Website: https://shiprock.navajochapters.org/
Tsé Dáá K’áán (Hogback) Chapter
Phone: (505) 368-1599
Fax: (505) 368-1598
Email:
P.O. Box 1288, Shiprock, NM 87420
Website: https://tsedaakaan.navajochapters.org/
