UNM-Gallup professor Joe Kee stresses importance of keeping Navajo language alive

As a professor of Navajo language, Joe Kee teaches Diné students their native tongue at The University of New Mexico-Gallup, but he acknowledges that classroom lessons on their own are not enough to keep the language alive.

During his Nov. 30 presentation entitled “Maintaining Native Languages: The Critical Foundations for Language Strength and Survival,” Kee talked about the challenges in teaching young people Diné bizaad due to historical trauma and generational gaps.

“Every day we hear Native languages are becoming critically endangered, that we’re losing the language at a rapid rate, and...

The University of New Mexico-Gallup hosted more than 800 community members on campus and lit up more than 1,000 luminarias for its eighth “Holiday in New Mexico” event Dec. 1

“Holiday in New Mexico” has become a modern tradition at UNM-Gallup. It started in 2013 as the brainchild of the late Marilee Petranovich, who worked as the senior public relations specialist. The event was put on hold for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic but made its successful return to campus this year.

“This year’s event was fun, magical and filled with excitement,” Senior Web Designer Carmen Wellborn, who coordinated the event, said. “After only two months of preparation, everything...

Crowds feel festive at Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center

The hustle and bustle of Christmas was certainly felt at the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center Dec. 3-4 with the Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair.

A local holiday tradition in Gallup once again drew in the festive shoppers as they look for those unique whimsical homemade gifts just in time for Christmas. Behind the planning was Michelle Burrola, recreation manager for the City of Gallup. In an interview with the Sun, Burrola said this year’s event was yet another huge success with the numbers proving it.

“This event has been doing well the past [several] years and is only getting better and bigger,” Burrola...

 

Wearing a headband, bowguard, turquoise necklace and moccasins, Joe Kee blessed the new Native American Studies section at the Zollinger Library on The University of New Mexico-Gallup campus Nov. 2.

Kee is an associate professor of Navajo language and Navajo government at UNM-Gallup. He performed a Blessingway Ceremony with a Navajo wedding basket, arrowhead, blanket, corn pollen and water while speaking Diné bizaad to acknowledge and honor the many Indigenous peoples in this country and on this continent, including those from the Navajo, Zuni, Laguna, Hopi and Apache nations who live in the region.

“The purpose for this blessing is really in acknowledging the existence of a...