Canyon de Chelly

We were given a wonderful opportunity today to take a trip to Canyon de Chelly and meet many of the local community members who live in this most beautiful land, some say the center (and heart) of the Dine' Nation.

We arrived and were treated to a number of speakers who talked to us about the history of the area and how the land was being threatened by the Park Service, who are looking to have this area permanently taken away from the Dine' and into the hands of the government

One woman spoke passionately about how the Park Service says that the Native presence on the land is destroying the natural resources of the area. She spoke to the fact that the peoples that live there have seeked to live within the balance of the world. That they planted crops of corn and raised sheep according to generational traditions which taught against destroying the Earth and to preserve this land for all the generations to come.

After the speakers, we had songs by both locals and walkers alike before being treated to yet another amazing lunch spread. Frybread, BBQ turkey, mutton stew, mashed potatos, stuffing, salads, beans. You know, it's boggling that any of us can walk at all with all of this bounty – everyone has been so generous.

(Which reminds me .. speaking of generosity, the Canyon de Chelly Elementary students (st-3rd graders) each donated twenty-five cents towards the Walk, raising $177.08!! What a beautiful gift. Later, after leaving the Canyon, the Walkers went over to the school, where they were treated to songs by the students, and an opportunity to thank them in person.)

Lunch was followed by a trip into the Canyon and across the water – that was kind of a Mr. Toad's wild ride as we piled into pick-ups and raced downriver to a shoreline just down the way (hey, if you take a look at the photo section of this website, you can see some great pictures of this day).

There we gathered and sang the AIM Theme song, followed by The Longest Walk song. One of these days we are going to NAIL that song! One of the coolest things happened at the end of this particular song however. We have been adding lines as we have been joined by members of other Nations. We now have a line for the Mojave, the Hualapai and the Havasupai; so it was only right that we compose a line for the Dine' Nation

Dennis slowly drummed out the theme while trying out different sentences.
“Canyon de Chelly is our heart..”
No, that won't work

“Navajo Nation is where we are,”
Or should we say Dine'?
“Dine!” the crowd shouted back.

Anyway, suggestions were made by others and tried out in rhythm to the drum.

Finally, we found the verse, with great help from Marek! And here it is:
“Dine Nation is where we are; Canyon de Chelly is their home.”
It was really very, cool to witness the writing of that verse, and I appreciated the patience of eveyone involved to come up with it!

After the song, Dennis spoke to the concerns of the people who lived here in Canyon de Chelly and let us know that returning this land back to these people should be top priority. He went on to say:

“The National Park Service wants this portion of land, just as Kit Carson did generations ago. Dine' people have fought and to keep this land and we have to become part of their struggle – we cannot leave this place empty handed. That would be a great disservice to your own commitment and obligation given to us by Great Spirit. That should be our driving force. For now, and until this land is returned permantently to the Dine' Nation. We have duties now, fixed duties....And we must cross every river, climb any mountain and walk or run any mile until justice is returned. That's our obligation. That's our duty.
The Longest Walk will never end. We were born strong and we will never weaken...and there will be no apology (from the government) needed unless there is land given back along with it!”

After these most inspiring words, Bonita Leonard (our lead staff carrier) also spoke strongly about her desire to help her people by listening to the Elders and looking forward to learning Native Law in order to be of service. Bonita moved everyone when she said, “I wll give my life for my people,” and her words her strong with conviction. I have no doubt.

Finally, Teddy Holloway, who had earlier given us a natural history timeline of the region, spoke eloquently when he reminded us that, “As you listen to these waters, you can hear the river crying for peace.”

Thank you so much to everyone at Canyon de Chelly for your warmth and hospitality – and for the strength in which you presevere throughout this fight. No one who was there this day will forget this struggle and we will do our best to aid you in which ever way we can!