Navajo Technical University conferred 117 degrees and certificates on Dec. 9 at the university’s commencement ceremony, including a master’s of arts degree in Diné Culture, Language and Leadership when Aurelia Yazzie of Sheep Springs graduated.

Yazzie became the second student ever to earn the degree from NTU after Perry James of Continental Divide earned one in May 2016. Yazzie said she was appreciative of the program and enjoyed the approach it took in blending western education with traditional Navajo values and thought.

“The program goes in depth about what it really means to uphold traditional values and to learn and teach from that perspective,” Yazzie said.

Yazzie...

Event honors the REGION’S elite rodeo champs

WINDOW ROCK – The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President  will recognize the Team Navajo cowboys for the second annual Team Navajo appreciation dinner at the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino and Resort on Jan. 21, 2016 at 5 pm.

“We are proud of our Navajo cowboys that continue to represent the Nation well in the professional rodeo arenas,” President Russell Begaye said. “Their hard work and determination to excel in their sport speaks volumes to our Native Youth. We are excited to recognize their efforts during this time.”

Team Navajo consists of the following professional athletes: Derrick Begay, Kassidy Dennison and...

The sounds and sights of Native American culture pulsed through the crowd Dec. 31 as folks from various tribes took part in the 17th annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Gourd Dance and Powwow at Miyamura High School.

The event, which is put on by Na’nihzhoozhi Inc., commonly called NCI, attracted participants from greater McKinley County and beyond.

“It’s one of the best turnouts that I have ever seen for the event,” coordinator Kevin Foley said. “I think everyone here enjoyed themselves.”

Ymelda Coriz of Tsaile, Ariz., was named Miss NCI 2017 Powwow Princess. Coriz attends Many Farms High School in Many Farms, Ariz. The evening progressed as onlookers waited for...

Food goes to Jim Harlin Pantry, then to the needy

Every year, for as long as anyone can remember, the folks at Thunderbird Supply, 1907 W. Historic Highway 66, have put on a food drive to help out those in need during the Christmas Holidays.

This year, organizers thought the economic uncertainties of 2016 might mean a not-so-lengthy yield.

But what was collected in the store over a three-month period was more than what was expected.

“It’s something we do particularly during this time of year,” Leo Torrez, retail sales manager at Thunderbird, said. Torrez oversees the collection effort. “From what we get, we then give it to the Jim Harlin Community Pantry and they...