Miss Navajo Nation 2000-2001 |
- Hometown: Black Mesa, Arizona
- Age during reign: 24
- Education: Graduate from Page High School in 1994, B.S and M.S. in Civil/Environmental Engineering (Stanford University), University of Arizona's PH.D. Program
- Clans:
- Mother: Bitter Water Clan (Todich’ii’nii)
- Father: Near The Water Clan (To'ahani)
- Grandfather: Many Goat Clan (Tlizilani)
- Nalii: Giant People Red Running into the Water Clan (Yei dine'e Tachiinii)
Introduction
Ya'at'eeh shi dine'e doo shi kei! I am Miss Navajo Nation 2000-2001. My name is Karletta Chief also known in Navajo as Daane' to my family. I am Bitter Water (Todich'iinii) and born for Near-the-Water (To'ahani). My maternal grandfather is Many Goats (Tlizilani) and my paternal grandfather is the Giant People-Red Running into the Water (Yei dine'e Tachiinii). This is how I identify myself as a young Navajo woman. I am originally from Black Mesa, Arizona but currently reside in Cedar Ridge, Arizona. My mother is Lillian Tallman Chief from Shonto, Arizona and my father is Paul Chief from Black Mesa, Arizona. My maternal grandparents are Ben and Hazel Delmar Tallman and my paternal grandparents are Nephi and Lillie Chief. Currently, I am 24 years old.
After graduating from Page High School in 1994, I attended school at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. I graduated in 1998 with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and was accepted into Stanford's Environmental Engineering and Science PhD program. In March 2000, I received my Master's degree. I had always thought of running for Miss Navajo Nation and after 6 years of going to college non-stop, I decided to take a break from my PhD program to compete in the pageant.
With the encouragement of my parents, I was able to pursue higher education despite challenging circumstances. I grew up in a home with no electricity, no running water, and little money but with Navajo as my first language. My parents' teaching taught me to pray daily, work hard, appreciate life, respect others, and take pride in my culture. Therefore, I believe in the potential of the Navajo youth to be the successful leaders of today and tomorrow. Your goals can be achieved through hard work and determination.
For many years, my family experienced the environmental degradation by local mining for the sake of energy needs of metropolitan areas. This background
created my passion to study environmental engineering, and in preserving and healing the environment. I want to use my education not only help my family but to contribute back to my people. Find your passion that will fuel your determination to excel in life.
As Miss Navajo Nation entering the 21st century, I will designed a web site to serve as an education and communication tool to the Navajo Nation at home and internationally. I also promote 8 "Teachings from the Hogan." These teachings reinforce family (Ke'), family values, culture and language, history, respecting elders, health, education, and being a role model. These teachings are a gift from our elders and teach us to build a strong foundation in life.
As my grandmother and my family have encouraged me and have been my role models, I hope that I can give back to my people in the same way, to be a role model to young Navajo children, and to preserve our language, our culture, and our land. You are a strong and beautiful Navajo people. Take pride in your Navajo identity, hold on to our teachings, and seize the opportunity to learn. May you always walk in beauty and may God bless you.
NEWSLETTERS
Fall - Aak'eh
- Miss Navajo Nation 2000-2001, Karletta Chief, Is Crowned
- Appreciation Luncheon for Council Delegates
- Winning 1st Place at Shiprock Fair
- Visiting Stanford University
- Visiting Urban Navajos In L.A.
- Participating In Red Ribbon Week
- Valentine's Day Banquet For Former Miss Navajos
- Speaking At AISES Conference In Portland, OR
- "In The Spirit Of Giving" Christmas Charity
- January Tour With LT. Lawrence Yazzie
Winter - Hai
- Attending President George Bush's Inauguration
- Mother's Day Banquet For Former Miss Navajos
- Na'Nizhoozhi Center
- "In The Spirit Of Giving" Christmas Charity
- January Tour With LT. Lawrence Yazzie
- A Visit To NM State Legislature In Sante Fe
- OLYMIPICS 2002 Kickoff
- Attending 3A Basketball Semi-Finals
- Inducted To The NNWIA-YAC
- 107th Congressional Welcome in Washington, DC
- Visiting Australia
- Participating In Navajo Nation Spelling Bee
- Attending Denver March Powwow
- Summary of Events and Future Events
Spring - Daan
- Visiting New Mexico State University
- Visiting University of Utah
- Gathering of Nations Powwow
- A visit to Arizona State University
- Intel ISEF Science Fair
- Stanford University Powwow
- May School Graduations
- Chinle Nursing Home
- Health Education Fun Run and Walk
- Miss Navajo Nation Appreciation Day, May 18th
- Uranium Miners and RECA
- Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home
- New Website for Miss Navajo Nation
- Additional Events I attended
Summer - Shi- No newsletters
Karletta Chief is crowned Ya'at'eeh! My name is Karletta Chief. I am of the Bitter Water People and born for Near the Water People. My maternal grandfather is of the Many Goats People and my paternal grandfather is of the Giant People--Red Running into the Water People. This is how I identify myself as a Navajo woman. I am originally from Black Mesa, Arizona. I just recently turned 25 on Thanksgiving Day.
After graduating from Page High School in 1994, I attended school at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. I graduated in 1998 with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and was accepted into Stanford’s Environmental Engineering and Science PhD program. In March 2000, I received my Master’s degree. I had always thought of running for Miss Navajo Nation and after 6 years of going to college non-stop, I decided to take a break from my PhD program to compete in the pageant.
With the encouragement of my parents, I was able to pursue higher education despite challenging circumstances. I grew up in a home with no electricity, no running water, and little money but with Navajo as my first language. My parents’ teaching taught me to pray daily, work hard, appreciate life, respect others, and take pride in my culture. Therefore, I believe in the potential of the Navajo youth to be the successful leaders of today and tomorrow. Your goals can be achieved through hard work and determination.
For many years, my family experienced the environmental degradation by local mining for the sake of energy needs of metropolitan areas. This background created my passion to study environmental engineering, and in preserving and healing the environment. I want to use my education not only help my family but to contribute back to my people. Find your passion that will fuel your determination to excel in life.
As Miss Navajo Nation entering the 21st century, I designed a web site to serve as an education and communication tool to the Navajo Nation at home and internationally. I also promote 8 “Teachings from the Hogan.” These teachings reinforce family (Ke’), family values, culture and language, history, respecting elders, health, education, and being a role model. These teachings are a gift from our elders and teach us to build a strong foundation in life.
As my grandmother and my family have encouraged me and have been my role models, I hope that I can give back to my people in the same way, to be a role model to young Navajo children, and to preserve our language, our culture, and our land.
You are a strong and beautiful Navajo people. Take pride in your Navajo identity, hold on to our teachings, and seize the opportunity to learn. I am honored to serve as an ambassador for my Navajo people and therefore am committed to do my best. May you always walk in beauty and may God bless you!
Contact Information:
Office of Miss Navajo Nation
P.O. Box 2860 Window Rock, AZ 86515
W: 520-871-6379 F: 520-871-7942
www.missnavajo.org
Appreciation Luncheon for Council Delegates On October 16, my family and I sponsored an appreciation luncheon for the council delegates. My family spent the weekend preparing food for this event. The menu consisted of mutton stew, frybread, tortilla, Navajo cake, blue-corn mush, coffee, and punch.
This was a great opportunity to introduce myself and my family to the Legislative Branch and to express the Navajo's people's appreciation of their service and leadership.
Winning 1st Place at Shiprock Fair I participated in the Shiprock Fair Parade and had a wonderful time meeting people and participating in the parade. My family and I spent several weeks planning to build a float. The theme for the Shiprock Parade was "Bridging the Cultural Divide to Insure Growth and Sovereignty."
This theme fit well with my platform "8 Teachings from the Hoghan." I believe that as Navajos, we are faced with the challenge of maintaining our culture in modern times where we are influenced by many other cultures. My float was designed as a chaa’o (arbor shade). One side represented the modern culture through Navajo youths studying at the computer and reading books. The other side represented our traditional culture through a scene in which my grandmother was teaching her grandchildren to card, spin, and weave. They sat by a model of the Navajo hoghan. Finally, the float was decorated with teachings from the home.
Visiting Standford University I was honored and priviledged to be invited to participate in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Stanford American Indian Organization at Stanford University. I also had the priviledge to participate in the induction of Sandra Begay-Campbell in to the Stanford Minority Hall of Fame. Ms. Begay-Campbell, a Stanford graduate, is the former director of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and is the daughter of Council Delegate Speaker Edward T. Begay.
Visiting Urban Navajos In L.A. The Department of Behavioral Health invited me to travel with them to Los Angeles, Oct. 26-27. Our first visit was to the UCLA campus where the students sponsored a luncheon on behalf of our visit. During the luncheon, the directors and traditional practitioners of the Department of Behavioral Health spoke on their role in providing services to the Navajo people. They also spoke on the importance of paralleling traditional and modern healing methods in the recovery of a patient. I also introduced myself and spoke about the responsibilities of Miss Navajo Nation and my initiative to work with the Department of Behavioral Health to promote drug prevention.
In the evening, we attended a dinner at the United American Indian Involvement Center, which Navajos of Los Angeles sponsored. The local Navajos filled the center and were very excited to meet us. During an open mike, the local Navajos shared with us the struggles and challenges which they experience living in LA. LA Navajos hoped to obtain more support and general services from the Navajo Nation Government.
Shortly after my return home, I wrote a letter to the president and vice-president and carbon-copied letters to the council delegates. In this letter, I expressed the concerns of the Navajos in LA. Navajo Nation Times published this letter in the weekly newspaper in the beginning of November. An article also appeared in the Gallup Independent announcing that President Kelsey Begaye brought the letter before the Navajo Nation Council and spoke of his support.
Participating In Red Ribbon Week
October 23-27 was Red Ribbon Week. I traveled to many schools and talked about the importance of being drug-free as it relates to maintaining our culture. I enjoyed my time visiting with our Navajo youth.
Valentine's Day Banquet For Former Miss Navajos
I am inviting the former Miss Navajo Nations to a Valentine's Day Banquet in their honor on February 16 in the evening. The day will begin with workshops targeted at women’s issues and will feature former Miss Navajo Nations as special speakers. The Office of Miss Navajo Nation will also be sponsoring a photo session in the afternoon. These photos will be used for a poster featuring all former Miss Navajo Nations.
Speaking At AISES Conference In Portland, OR
The acting director of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society invited me to speak at the traditional banquet. I spoke on the challenges and importance of balancing the cultural and modern worlds. I also encouraged the students to persevere as Native American students pursuing their education.
I also participated in a panel focusing on environmental issues on Native American lands. I focused on my honors thesis which studied the fate and transport of uranyl compounds in groundwater. This was important study because it emphasizes the importance of remediating open uranium sites on the Navajo reservation.
As a student, I was an active member of AISES through various positions such as AISES Chapter President, Pre-college Outreach Coordinator, an AISES intern, and an AISES scholarship recipient. I was happy to participate in the activities at the conference and to have the opportunity to thank AISES for their support.
"In The Spirit Of Giving" Christmas Charity
The Office of Miss Navajo Nation and the Department of Youth and Community Service is co-sponsoring a food drive for needy Navajo families across the entire Navajo Nation. Both organizations have been busy requesting donations from individuals and various businesses. Donated food will be distributed December 18-22. Each day will target a specific agency starting with Northern Agency and ending at Central Agency. These organizations are working together to lend a helping hand during this holiday season.
January Tour With LT. Lawrence Yazzie From January 12-26, I will be traveling with Lt. Lawrence Yazzie to various schools including Ft. Wingate, Ganado, St. Michaels, Window Rock, Chinle, Monument Valley, Tuba City, Greyhills, Gap, and Pinion. Lt. Lawrence Yazzie is a Window Rock 1995 Basketball Championship player and former Division 1 basketball player for the Airforce Academy. Yazzie is currently a recruiting officer for the Airforce Academy and travels extensively to present motivational talks. He is a great role model for the Navajo Youth as one who worked hard to achieve his dreams, who believes in being drug-free, and who is proud of his Navajo and Comanche heritage.
Attending President George Bush's Inauguration 
On January 18th, I left Window Rock to travel to Washington D.C. to attend the inauguration of George W. Bush. The Office of the President and Vice President extended an invitation to Miss Navajo Nation to attend the events during inauguration weekend. The President Kelsey Begaye, Speaker Edward T, Begay, and various council delegates also attended the inauguration.
On Friday January 19th, I visited the Navajo Nation Washington D.C. Office and met the staff. In the evening, my supervisor, Ms. Carole Yellowhair, and I attended a reception hosted by the Pequoet Tribe. At the reception, we met many leaders, chiefs, and presidents of tribes across the United States. We also met Native Americans who worked in the Washington D.C. area.
On Saturday, I attended the inauguration with Michelle Brown-Yazzie (Director of the Navajo Nation DC Office) and Grandma Secody from Ganado, Arizona. Grandma Secody is over 90 years old and is a renown weaver. Many of the spectators were intrigued by our traditional clothing. In addition, I was interviewed by local media representatives including television and radio broadcasters. They were interested in learning about the Navajo Nation Government, Navajo People, and Navajo culture.
After the inauguration, we walked to Planet Hollywood to attend a reception sponsored by the Pequoet tribe. (Driving in Washington D.C. area after the inauguration was impossible because thousands of people attended the event and many roads were blocked off.) In the evening, we attended the Native American Inauguration Ball. There are approximately 8 large balls held that evening. The Native American ball was on a much smaller scale than the main balls. However, the ballrooms were filled with hundreds of Native Americans. These evening was filled with entertainment and speeches. I met many Navajos as well as other Native Americans. Overall, the trip was a success because the Navajo Nation was recognized by the local media.
Mother's Day Banquet For Former Miss Navajos On Friday, May 18th, the Office of Miss Navajo Nation will sponsor workshops targeted at women's issues and will feature former Miss Navajo Nations as special speakers. I am inviting the former Miss Navajo Nations to a Mother's Day Banquet in their honor on Saturday, May 19th in the evening. The Office of Miss Navajo Nation will also be sponsoring a photo session in the afternoon of May 19th. These photos will be used for a poster featuring all former Miss Navajo Nations. This banquet is to honor the achievements and good will service of Miss Navajo Nation through the generations to our beloved Navajo people. (The event was previously scheduled during February but due to several factors the event was postponed until May.)
Na'Nizhoozhi Center On January 20th, I visited Na'nizhoozhi Center (NCI) in Gallup. NCI gave me the opportunity to speak words of encouragement to women who are participating in the Women's Initiative Program. This program focuses on Native American Women who have a history of alcohol and drug abuse. This program assists them to be self-sufficient and encourages them to live a healthy lifestyle. I enjoyed visiting with the woman and encouraged them to remember their responsibilities and roles as Native American and Navajo women. They expressed their gratitude in my visit and my words of encouragement.
I also received a tour around the center and met many Navajos who were staff workers and program participants.
A Visit To NM State Legislature In Sante Fe On February 6th and 7th, I traveled to Santa Fe with President Kelsey Begaye and his staff. I attended meetings with Navajo Senators and Representatives including Representative Leo Watchman, Senator John Pinto, and Senator Leonard Tsosie. The meetings were held to discuss state bills affecting Navajo people and the current issues of the Navajo Nation government. I also had the opportunity to meet the President of the House of Representatives.
On February 7th, I attended the House of Representatives "Indian Day." Many Native American leaders in the state of New Mexico attended the event. A traditional dance was also held outside the chambers early that morning.
Approximately 6 Native leaders had the opportunity to address the House of Representative in session including President Kelsey Begaye. The Navajo leaders were recognized for their work and dedication to serving the Navajo people.
OLYMIPICS 2002 Kickoff 
On February 8th and 9th, I traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah with President Kelsey Begaye, his staff, and Navajo Codetalker Sam Billison. The purpose of this trip was to participate in the 1-year kick-off and countdown for the Winter 2002 Olympics. We attended the Cultural Olympiad kickoff in which President Begaye explained the Navajo Nation cultural exhibit to be held during the Winter Olympics. There are two sections of the exhibit. "Festival of Nations" celebrates the culture of Native Americans living in Utah. "Discovering Navajo: People of the Fourth World" celebrates and shares the culture of the Navajo people.
In the evening we attended the kick-off ceremony in which fireworks was displayed and the path in which the Olympic torch will be passed was announced. The Olympic Committee announced that the Olympic Tour Run would begin on Navajo Nation in Monument Valley, Utah. It will continue on through the state of Utah and end in Salt Lake City.
Attending 3A Basketball Semi-Finals On February 13th and 14th, I attended the 3A Basketball Semi-Finals in Flagstaff. Many schools from the reservation played in the semifinals including Window Rock Boys and Girls, Ganado Boys and Girls, Monument Valley Boys and Girls, Winslow Girls, and Tuba City Boys and Girls.
I had the opportunity to meet many of the Navajo supporters and basketball players. All the teams played very well and I congratulate them in working hard to achieve their dreams. Tuba City Boys and Girls, Monument Valley Boys, and Winslow Girls made it to the finals.
I would like to congratulate Tuba City Girls and Boys Basketball teams for winning the 3A Championship and Winslow Girls Basketball team 3A State Runner-up.
In my heart, you are all winners! Good job for a successful basketball season and keep up the great work!
Inducted To The NNWIA-YAC On February 20th, I was inducted to the Navajo Nation Workforce Investment Area-Youth Advisory Council. The responsibilities of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is to recommend eligible youth service providers, coordinate youth activities, and speaking on behalf of the needs of the youth to the Department of Workforce Development. Meetings are held quarterly being in April.
107th Congressional Welcome in Washington, DC On February 28th, I traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the 107th Congressional welcome and the F.A.C.E. conference. F.A.C.E. is a national program for Native Americans in which parents are actively involved in their children's education as well pursuing their own education. Among their priorities is the rekindling and revaluing of key teachings that have sustained Dine identity and survival through present day. F.A.C.E. programs exist across various Navajo communities. I presented to the conference attendees and spoke on the importance of education and the participation of parents.
I believe that learning has no beginning and no end. Learning gives you knowledge and the power to succeed. Every day lies the opportunity to learn and the opportunity for individual growth. I also believe it is important for parents to encourage their children. As young children, we look up to our parents as role models and are constantly seeking their approval and encouragement.
In the evening, I attended the Congressional Welcome for the delegation from Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and California. Many of the Navajo leaders spoke on important issues facing Navajo people today and requested that congressional members continue to consider Navajos when approving national laws.
Visiting Australia From March 4rh to March 12th, I traveled and visited Australia. I was invited to attend the International Women's Day Festival and to speak on behalf of our Navajo government, people, and culture.
The travel to Australia was long and took over 24 hours to reach our final destination. Many international leaders attended the conference and spoke on issues affecting women in society and in the workforce.
I had the opportunity to speak several times. My presentations focused on a wide array of issues such as the Navajo government, culture, women, and youth. Prior to my departure, the Office of the President and Vice President and the Division Directors assisted me in highlighting important issues face our Navajo people today. The conference was well attended and highly publicized. This allowed the Navajo Nation to be recognized at an international level.
I also met the indigenous people of the Southern Hemisphere. First, the aboriginal leaders welcomed me on my arrival and shared their culture with me. They expressed their interest in visiting the Navajo Nation and sharing their culture with the Navajo people. Second, the Polynesians who came to the Navajo Nation in September 2000 for the fair sponsored a lual in honor of my visit. They performed many of their hula dances and expressed their interest to visit Navajo land in the coming fall.
Participating In Navajo Nation Spelling Bee On March 15th, I participated in the Navajo Nation Spelling Bee at the Navajo Nation Museum. Many students representing various schools across the Navajo and Hopi reservations competed in this spelling bee. I encouraged the students to do their best and not to be nervous. I also congratulated them for their excellent work in representing their school at the Navajo Nation level. All the students did a great job in competing. Congratulations to the winner of the Spelling Bee Brandon Quinn, a 4th grader from Chinle and to the runner-up Janelle Boone, a 4th grader from Window Rock. The winner will have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and to compete at the National Spelling Bee.
Attending Denver March Powwow On March 16th and 17th, I attended the Denver March Powwow. Thousands of Native Americans attended the powwow and filled the Denver Coliseum. The evenings were filled with dancing, singing, buying Native American jewelry or music, and socializing with friends.
During Grand Entry, all the royalties were introduced to the audience and participated in the grand entry and posting of colors. Over 100 Native American royalties attended the Denver March Powwow.
Summary of Events and Future Events
- New Mexico State Univ. Culture Wk
- NAU Earth Circles Enviromental Conf.
- AISES Farmington Professional Chapt.
- Breadsprings Parents Meeting
- University of Utah Culture Week
- Ft Wingate Elementary Young Authors
- Gathering of Nations
Visiting New Mexico State University On April 4th, I traveled to Las Cruces, NM with Dolly Manson Montoya. Mrs. Montoya was Miss Navajo Nation 1981-82 and is currently attending NMSU as a PhD student. After working on the Navajo Nation for many years, Mrs. Montoya decided to return to school to obtain her doctorate.
As active NMSU students, Mrs. Montoya and her husband decided to invite me to visit their university during their cultural week.
When I first arrived, I attended an awards banquet sponsored by the Native American students on-campus. Various students were awarded for their dedication to organizations such as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Despite that fact that finals were just around the corner, the students sponsored an excellent banquet and enjoyed themselves. I had the opportunity to speak and spoke about my college experiences.
As college students, we are challenged in many ways. First, we have to be away from home. Unlike most Americans, Native Americans struggle to adjust to a new and different culture. Most Native students are also the first to attend college and therefore lack a strong academic foundation. However, I believe that as Native Americans, we are special because we have strong families. Families are important to us. Their support and prayers give us strength and perseverance to finish our education. Best wishes to all the Native American students!!
Visiting University of Utah On April 17, I traveled to the Salt Lake City to visit the University of Utah during their Native American Culture Week and to witness the crowning of Miss Indian University of Utah.
I arrived and was warmly welcomed by the student president of the Native American student group. I attended a nice luncheon where I met many of the Native students. Afterwards, I participated on a panel with local royalties about the roles and responsibilities of royalties and the importance or preserving culture and language. I also had the opportunity to meet the lovely Miss Indian BYU.
During my visit, I helped judge for the Miss Indian University of Utah Pageant. All the contestants were very talented and sincere about fulfilling their responsibilities should they be selected.
I also had the honor to meet the mayor of Salt Lake City. He was eager to meet me, to talk about Native Americans, and environmental issues. I was honored to spend 30 minutes talking to him about important issues. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the university and the Salt Lake City.
Gathering of Nations Powwow From April 26 to April 29, I was in Albuquerque attending the Gathering of Nations. A highlight of the event was to attend the Miss Indian World Pageant. The pageant was highly televised and very professional. I enjoyed the diversity and uniqueness of Native American cultures. During my visit, I enjoyed meeting Native Americans from across the world and various royalties from around the nation.
A visit to Arizona State University I visited ASU on May 2, to speak at the end of the year banquet for the Native American Achievement program. It was encouraging to see many Navajos as well as Native Americans pursuing higher education. This program is increase the retention of Native American students.
Intel ISEF Science Fair I attended a national science fair in San Jose, CA from May 8-10. I participated as judge for the environmental science and engineering category. It was amazing how intellectual and innovative the young students from around the world were. There were 2 students representing the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.
Stanford University Powwow I attended the powwow sponsored by my alma mater on May 11-13. I enjoyed meeting Navajos from the San Francisco Bay Area and seeing old college friends.
May School Graduations During the month of May, I was extremely busy visiting various schools for their commencement exercises. It was certainly a happy and proud moment for the graduates and their families. I encouraged the students in their academic pursuits and provided advice. Some schools that I visited included Newcomb High School, Greasewood Community Schools, Rough Rock Schools, Black Mesa Community School, Kaibeto Middle School, Monument Valley High School, and Flagstaff Dorms.
Miss Navajo with Miss Indian Teen World and Navajo President Kelsey Begaye at a Youth Conference at Lukaichigai, Az.
Chinle Nursing Home I visited Chinle Nursing Home on May 16th to celebrate National Nursing Home Week. It was wonderful to meet the elders of the community. This was my second visit as Miss Navajo Nation and many elders recognized me and were happy to see me again. I thanked them for their wisdom and for carrying on the Navajo culture and language. The elders are the key to our culture and language and therefore we must respect them and learn all we can from them. Various youth groups came to perform and share their talents. Once again, I was happy to see Miss Intertribal Ceremonial, Wilpita Lynn Bia.
Health Education Fun Run and Walk On May 25th, I participated in the fun run and walk in Window Rock. Afterwards, I spoke on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Today diabetes has become a problem on the Navajo Nation. Currently 10,000 Navajos are diagnosed with diabetes and there is an anticipated 10,000 more who are undiagnosed. The rate is alarmingly high and even children as young as 9 years old have been diagnosed with diabetes.
We can be healthy by exercising everyday, eating healthy foods, and reducing our sugar and fat intake. Since I have been in college, I have been exercising through aerobics, kickboxing and running. I also maintain a healthy diet.
Miss Navajo Nation Appreciation Day, May 18th On May 18th, the Office of Miss Navajo Nation sponsored a day to appreciate and honor all former Miss Navajo Nations. Miss Navajo Nation served her people unselfishly for almost 50 years. She has dedicated a year to advocate the concept of walking in beauty through various activities. These include working with different tribal and community organizations to promote the respect of elders, and healthy living, as well as discourage gang activity, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. This mission of Miss Navajo Nation in the past, present, and future is to promote the preservation of culture, language, and tradition.
During the day, workshops were held for the community and were featuring former Miss Navajo Nations. The speakers included Miss Navajo Nation 1975-76 Angela Barney Nez, Miss Navajo Nation 1987-88 Wena Jesus Nez, Miss Navajo Nation 1997-98 Radmilla Cody, Department of Health Valerie Jones, and Office of Dine Women Marie Begay. In the evening a honor's banquet was held for all former Miss Navajo Nations. The keynote speakers were Miss Navajo Nation 1953-54 Ida Gail Organick, Miss Navajo Nation 1981-82 Dolly Manson Montoya, Miss Navajo Nation 2000-01 Karletta Chief, and the honorable Vice President Dr. Taylor McKenzie.
Codetalkers honor former Miss Navajo Nations at Banquet on 5/18 Leaders signing Miss Navajo Nation Appreciation Day Proclamation
Former Miss Navajos: Angela Barney Nez and Wena Jesus Nez. Miss Navajo 1953-54, Ida Gail Organick
Uranium Miners and RECA On May 29th, I visited Thoreau Chapter to attend a meeting regarding the compensation of Navajo uranium miners. The United States passed a bill to recompensate uranium miners, however not all uranium miners were compensated.
For the past 10 years, the United States have promised to recompensate but have failed in their promises. Many of these miners are inflicted with grave health problems and are not adequately treated. They face extensive medical treatments and high medical bills. Many of the communities affected in the Navajo Eastern Agency continue to live in unacceptable environmental conditions. Uranium tailings and contamination continues to exist and threaten the community.
Many of the uranium miners at the meeting voiced that the Navajo Nation Government was not doing enough to help recompensate the miners. I had the opportunity to speak on my knowledge of uranium contaminants and my pledge to support the recompensation of the Navajo uranium miners.
If you would like to support this effort please contact:
Navajo RECO Reform Working Group, Melton Martinez
Post Office Box 438
Prewitt, NM 87045
Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home On June 4th, I visited this Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home in Gallup, NM. There was approximately 25 elders (Navajo, Native American, Caucasian, Asian, and Latino) who welcomed me to their home. A Lakota elder played his flute and 2 Navajo elders sang traditional songs. I sang two Navajo songs and played the piano. They were happy to see me and I enjoyed visiting their home. I toured the facilities and was amazed to see how the nursing home integrated Navajo culture to make the place feel more like home. Much to my delight, I found that the elders continued to weave and celebrate their culture. The chapel was even in the shape of a hoghan.
New Website for Miss Navajo Nation The new website for Miss Navajo Nation was launched the second week of May. The website was designed by Tisha Shonnie, Miss Navajo Nation 2000-2001 1st runner-up. Shonnie donated the majority of her services to the Office of Miss Navajo Nation. I also like to than the Stanford American Indian Organization and the Dine at Stanford for donating monetary funds to set up this website.
This website serves to education the community of the mission and activities of Miss Navajo Nations for the past 50 years. It also serves to inspire young Navajo women who aspire to contest for this prestigious position. The website is located at: www.missnavajo.org
Additional Events I Attended Shonto Boarding School Pageant, Farmington D.A.R.E. Program, Ft, Wingate School, Walk Across the Navajo Nation, Lukahukai Youth Conference, 7th Annual Native American Music Festival in Tsaile, AZ; LDS Fireside Youth Meeting; Society of Women Engineer's National Conference in Denver, CO.
NGA Information
PROPOSED NAVAJO GRAZING ACT
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVEFor many generations, the Navajo people practiced natural self-governance whereby the roles of animals, land, people and nature were mutually understood and respected. This balanced system was thrown off kilter during the 21th century, when bureaucratic laws and policies were imposed to replace tried and true traditional farming and migratory/nomadic herding practices. In the years since then policy makers have tried out many laws thinking that they would
control erosion or weeds or protect heard health better than natural law, but we all know that these alternatives have failed. Moreover, the tribal and federal governments fostered dependence and materialist attitude by managing the activities of farmers and ranchers.
Simultaneously, Navajo people have very recently been enticed away from a healthy tradition of hard work on the land in to he affluence of a modern consumer society that is detached from the land. Where once Navajo people found basic sustenance at a local level, the advent of modern conveniences has caused a dependence on imported goods and services, including agricultural products. The transportation and communication systems have been transformed and food production and consumption now mirrors the mainstream society with a fast food/processed food mentality firmly established.
While modern circumstance make it impossible to go back to the way things once were, the Navajo people can work to restore the balance among animals, land the people and nature if we begin with the first step of adopting the Navajo Grazing Act. Rather than being torn apart by grazing disputes and unenforceable bureaucratic procedures, the Navajo people have, because of the Navajo Grazing Act, new opportunities to come together to embrace tried and true tradition values in the 21st century. The Navajo people have an opportunity to cure the illness that has beset us and made us hostile and competitive with one another. By learning once again to care for and respect our animals and our land through sound management practice we can take strides towards the balance that we have longed for all along. If we don't, our children will.
GRAZING PERMITS
- Permittee must be 18 years old and have a Navajo census number
- Only 1 grazing permit per person
- Permittee must reside within grazing district
- Change from sheep units to animal units
- Probates initiated with 6 months of death of permittee
- Grazing permits can be sublease with prior approval
- Grazing permits is not authorization for homesite construction or burial
- Grazing permits will not be pawned or used as collateral
- Rodeo, 4-H, an special interest livestock will be prohibited from grazing on Navajo rangelands and will need special permit
- Permittee is responsible for heard health.
- Grazing permit transfers must be recorded
LIVESTOCK BRAND OFFICE
- Navajo Nation will develop its own brand system
- All brands will be recorded
- A grazing permit must accompany a state brand to grazing lawfully on the Navajo Nation
- All live stock over 6 months of age will be branded
GRAZING VIOLATIONS
- Herding livestock with a motorized vehicle
- Excess livestock
- No grazing permit
- Grazing within restricted or withdrawn areas
- Grazing livestock in wrong area
- Livestock which poise danger to public
- No crossing permit
- Misbrands
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
- Land/Grazing Complaint
- Appeal filing fee
- Brand Recording
- Grazing permit filing fee
- Grazing fees
- Penalty for violations
- Livestock hauling and inspection
- Bill of sale
- Livestock impoundment
GRAZING FEES
Under the proposed Navajo Grazing Act, Fees will be assessed for grazing. The total projected revenues which could be generated by initiated grazing fees on the entire Navajo Nation is $1.5/AU/YR or $1,842,444.00 per year.NAVAJO ANTION OFFICE OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS (new process)
- 90 day process to resolve dispute
- Initiate complaint with the NNDA
- Option to appeal to Navajo Nation Court (30 days after ruling)
- Appeal to the Navajo Nation Court
- Ruling from the Navajo Nation Court final
RANGE CONSERVATION OFFICER
- Full time Range Conservation Officers will be hired
- RCO will meet minimum qualifications for the position
- They will be employees of the Navajo Nation
- They will be responsible for a specific amount of acreage within grazing districts
- RCOs will work 40 hours per week
- Keep regular working hours 8-5
- Report to a supervisor
- Salary would be based on qualifications and experience
- FTE cannot hold any other employment
Navajo Department of Agriculture
PO Box 4889
Window Rock, AZ 86515
520-871-6605
Date: July 16, 2001
To Who It May Concern:
Ya'at'eeh! I am writing in support of the proposed Navajo Grazing Act and to encourage individuals to support the policies of NGA. I believe NGA is a great opportunity to make a positive change in the 21st century, to heal and protect our environment for the future, to better serve our Navajo people, and to maintain an important cultural aspect of our traditional dependence on the earth.
After 6 years of studying environmental engineering, I have learned in depth about the sciences of the earth and therefore appreciate the delicate geological and biological cycles of the earth. However one does not need formal education of geological and environmental sciences to understand the importance of being good stewards of the earth. I believe as Navajos, we have traditionally understood the importance of caring for the land simply because the land, crops, and animals were our primary sustenance. As a Navajo woman, I have learned these values as a child from my Navajo people and our culture.
However, times have changed and will continue to change. The traditional migratory and nomadic practices of the Navajo people have ceased due to imposed land boundaries and bureaucratic laws. This traditional system once benefited the land and kept the environment in balance. But today the modern consumer society has influenced our people, our traditional respect of the earth is dying, and we are forgetting the importance of being good stewards of our land. Navajo people have always looked towards the future and considered their actions and how it would affect their grandchildren. I challenge our people to take the perspective of the future and see how the Navajo Grazing Act can heal our land from overgrazing, erosion, desertification, and uncontrollable weeds.
The proposed Navajo Grazing Act offers new opportunities for growth as a nation, allows us to restore our land for the future, and teaches us to be better stewards of our land. It will establish policies replacing 1956 policies which are archaic and ineffective. We are living in the 21st century and therefore we need new polices to address the current needs and conditions that we face today. NGA will establish polices to protect our environment for the future through assessing land capacities, proper grazing, and sound land management practices. Furthermore, NGA was developed by Navajos and in the best interest for all Navajos so that these new policies can protect and better serve our people.
I believe that the current grazing polices are causing more harm than good to our Navajo people. The current polices are often controlled by politics thus resulting in years of unresolved grazing disputes. However, NGA will enforce policies which require a 90 day process to resolve disputes and will utilize courts to administer rulings. NGA will also reduce disputes through the requirements that a grazing permit must be probated 6 months after the death of a permittee, that all permit transfers be recorded, that grazing permits not be sold or used as collateral, and that permittee is held responsible for health of their herd. In addition, the NGA will protect the Navajo people through a new requirement that a grazing permittee must have a Navajo census number, reside within the grazing district, and only possess one permit per person. Finally, through the hiring of Range Conservation Officers, the people will have better access to services and will be better served by employees who are supervised and who meet minimum qualifications for proper grazing and land management.
NGA is an opportunity to make a better change for the future and to properly deal with current conflicts and needs. It is an opportunity for us to grow and not be held down by hostilities and politics but to unite as a nation to enforce policies that will restore the balance we need with one another and with the environment and animals. I hope that you will understand the benefits of the proposed Navajo Grazing Act and that you will also come to support its policies.
Thank you for your time in reading about this important issue facing the Navajo Nation. May the Great Creator bless you and may you always walk in beauty!
Sincerely,
Karletta Chief
Miss Navajo Nation 2000-2001Karletta Chief's Farewell Address
My hobbies include playing the piano, violin, and guitar, running, hiking, kickbox and step aerobics, sashbelt weaving, reading and writing in Navajo, taking photos, meeting people, and making friends. I spend most of my time with my family, and I enjoy talking with my grandmother, participating in church activities, and looking at the stars at night. After graduating from Page High School in 1994, I attended school at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. I graduated in 1998 with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and was accepted into Stanford's Environmental Engineering and Science PhD program. In March 2000, I received my Master's degree. After 6 years of going to college non-stop I decided to take a break from my PhD program and return home.
With the encouragement of my parents, I was able to pursue higher education despite challenging circumstances. I grew up in a home with no electricity, no running water, and little money but with Navajo as my first language. My parents' teaching taught me to pray daily, work hard, appreciate life, respect others, and take pride in my culture. Therefore, I believe in the great potential of the Navajo youth to be the successful leaders, today and tomorrow. Your goals can be achieved through hard work and determination.
For many years, my family experienced the environmental degradation by local mining for the sake of energy needs of metropolitan areas. This background created my passion to study environmental engineering, and in preserving and healing the environment. I want to use my education not only help my family but to contribute back to my people. I believe that an individual can find their passion that will fuel their determination to excel in life.
I am very honored to represent my Navajo people as their Goodwill Ambassador. This year opened many opportunities to serve my people from educating elders about diabetes to encouraging the youth to reach for their goals. As Miss Navajo Nation, I promoted communication and learning between the elders and the youth because I believe that the elders are the key to our culture and language. We, as Navajo youth, must take the opportunity to learn all that we can from our elders. As our knowledge of our history, culture, and language increases, we begin to appreciate and take pride in being Dine.
As Miss Navajo Nation, my goal is to promote the preservation of culture and language. Despite the "melting pot" that exists in this world today, our Navajo culture continues to be rich and diverse in its own nation. Our culture is alive and present, from shimasanii's earth hogan and the pounding sounds of her weaving tool expertly designing a beautiful rug, to the familiar smells of frybread, potatoes-n-spam, and fresh coffee in the early morning. Furthermore, our Navajo language is melodic and very beautiful. Many tribes have long since lost their language but our people have preserved it thus far. Our Navajo language and culture defines us individually as "Dine" and collectively as a sovereign nation. A Dine who understands and appreciates our language and culture will always take the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about themselves as defined by our history, culture, and language. I believe through its appreciation and celebration, our Navajo Nation will continue to have a rich culture and language well into the 21st century.
Nihi Dine'e have many important teachings which are universal amongst our Navajo Nation. Despite subtle culture and language differences which exist from region to region, our grandparents teach the same Navajo values. Since I was young child, my grandparents and parents have instilled in me the importance of living a good life. "Ada'a'hool'ya, shi awe." With these few and simple words, one interprets the caring words to say, "Take care of yourself, my child. Be cautious of the bad that may confront you in life. Remember what we have taught you, the importance of walking in beauty, and making the right decision." As Miss Navajo Nation entering the 21st century, I believe we can integrate technology into preserving our culture and language, thus bridging the traditional and modern worlds. This year, I established a Miss Navajo Nation web site to serve as an education and communication tool to the Navajo Nation at home and abroad. This website provides comprehensive information of the past and current activities of Miss Navajo Nation. It also educates non-Navajos of the beauty of our culture and thus aids in eliminating stereotypes of Native Americans. This website (www.missnavajo.org) was beautifully designed by Tisha Shonnie, Miss Navajo Nation 2000-01 1st runner-up.
As I traveled to many schools across the reservation, I taught on the "8 Teachings from the Hoghan." These teachings reinforce family (Ke'), family values, culture and language, history, respecting elders, health, education, and being a role model. I believe that in order to have a healthy Navajo Nation, we need healthy families with a strong foundation of teachings. As a child, we know little, but as we grow, we obtain values and teachings from our family. Then as an adult, this cycle continues as we teach the next generation how to walk in beauty. Our Navajo people have many teachings that give us strength to face any challenge and give us the wisdom to live a good and beautiful life. As my grandmother and my family have encouraged me and have been my role models, I hope that I can give back to my people in the same way, to be a role model to young Navajo children, and to preserve our language, our culture, and our land. You are a strong and beautiful Navajo people. Take pride in your Navajo identity, hold on to our teachings, and seize the opportunity to learn.
I am grateful and truly honored to serve my Navajo people as their ambassador. I dedicated 1 year of my life to represent our culture and language to the best of my ability. I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to young children and young people and to inspire them to reach for their dreams despite the obstacles that may face them. I have been treated very kindly by my people. The elders welcomed me to their communities and were extremely kind and friendly.
I also believe in the importance of respecting and caring for our Navajo elders. Sometimes, we take for granted the elders in our lives. Since my grandmother was very influential in my life, I decided to set a goal to reinforce the bond between the youth and the elders. During my reign, I participated in events, which brought the two generations together. These include visits to the Chinle Nursing Home, Ramah Schools, Sisters of the Poor Elders' Home, and various chapter houses. The elders never fail to greet me warmly with their smiles, hugs, and encouraging words and to make me feel at home in their community. I am thankful for the wisdom and teachings of our elders and for loving me as their own granddaughter. "Ahe'hee shimasani doo shichei!!" I also had the privilege to work with various community organizations to promote strong families, healthy lifestyles, and a drug-free/alcohol-free life such as the Department of Behavioral Health. Also, as an environmental engineer, I have strong interests in obtaining a litter-free and pollution-free environment. Remember our environment is precious and we need to respect and care for our lands because we depend on our environment. I look forward to the future when our uranium miners will be recompensated, our open mines and tailings will be remediated, and our communities will have easy access to municipal wastes and recycling services.
My reign as Miss Navajo Nation is filled with wonderful memories, challenging experiences, times of learning, and rewarding moments. The goals I have achieved include: visiting Navajo patients in the hospital during Halloween, sponsoring an Appreciation Luncheon for Council Delegates, visiting Los Angeles urban Navajos, speaking at the American Indian Science and Engineering Annual Conference, feeding 265 needy Navajo families during Christmas (co·sponsored by the Department of Dine Youth), establishing an internet web·site (missnavajo.org), attending the inauguration of President Bush, participating in the Winter Cultural Olympiad 2002 kick·off, speaking at the International Women's Day Conference in Gold Coast, Australia, organizing a Miss Navajo Nation Appreciation Day on May 18th, organizing a summer tour, being inducted into the Youth Advisory Council for the Workforce Investment Act, speaking at the Society of Women Engineers' Annual Conference, and witnessing the Navajo Codetalkers Gold Medal Award Ceremony.
I would like to thank my entire family from Shonto to Black Mesa for being my foundation of support. My mom, dad, brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Thank you for coordinating the raffles and family fun nights at Shonto, Tuba City, and Gap chapters, and for selling frybread and stew at Tuba City Swap meets. Many thanks to my many sisters who were always there to cook despite the weather, to my brothers who were always there to lend a helping hand, to my aunts/uncles/grandmas/grandpas who were there to teach me more, and to my nieces and nephews who sold raffle tickets. I am deeply indebted to every one of you for you worked endless hours to fundraise, and to make my dresses, Navajo hair ties, and my moccasins. When I was tired you gave me the extra boost of encouragement and inspiration to re-energize myself in my mission as an ambassador. My reign as Miss Navajo Nation was successful because of my family. Finally, I thank my parents for teaching and encouraging me each day of my life.
I also give thanks to the Lord who has protected and guided me each day of my life. After I complete my reign, I will be returning to school at the University of Arizona to complete my PhD program in the Department of Hydrology and Water Resources.
Finally, I invite you to attend the week-long events of the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant. Many talented and beautiful young ladies will vie for the prestigious title of Miss Navajo Nation 2001-2002. For many years, Navajo elders looked forward to this annual pageant because they see the beauty of Navajo culture shining through young Navajo women. The great Navajo Nation diligently watches as the events unfold to crown their new ambassador. I wish the best to this year's contestants, do your best, and enjoy yourself! I thank everyone who has supported me in my life and in my reign as Miss Navajo Nation! Best wishes to my people and may you enjoy the Navajo Nation Fair 2001. May God bless you and may you walk in beauty always!