Navajo Fry Bread (the “right way”)

Stone Fox was one of the first chapter books I read as a child. It tells a story about a young Alaskan boy who enters a dog sled race in order to save his grandfather’s life and his family’s farm. The story taught me at a young age to always persevere. Sometimes it may feel like the odds are stacked against you, but you really can overcome anything if you set your mind to it.

Wind River will always be one of my all-time favorite movies. It takes place on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. To me, it promotes a voice of awareness and a call for action. It makes me reflect on the great people and things I hold dear to my heart and it’s a continual reminder of the importance of improving the quality of life in Native country.

One of the businesses that I truly feel makes a difference in many Native and non-Native lives is the healthcare clinic Sacred Circle in Salt Lake City. It is the first and only tribe-owned clinic in Utah that’s located outside of a reservation. It’s owned and operated by the Confederate Tribes of the Goshute, and it serves many urban Natives that live off the reservation that may not have typical access to health care.

https://www.sacredcirclehealth.com

Chief Manuelito is one of the most famous chiefs of the Navajo Nation. He was a leader in the great times of disparity for the Diné people when the U.S. government forced Native Americans off their land in the ‘Long Walk.’ For many years during this time, he led a group of warriors resisting the United States military. Their efforts ultimately resulted in the signing of a treaty that put the Navajo reservation where it is today, giving the Diné people much of their sacred land back.

I really admire Chief Manuelito and his determination. Even though there was a lot of tribulation going on with the Diné, he pushed forward and was a source of strength to those who followed him. I admire his leadership and he inspires me every day to improve my life and the lives of those around me.

San Juan County is the largest county by area in Utah and it is currently governed by a three-member commission. Two of the three current commissioners are Navajo. For decades, there was only one—if any—Navajo commissioners, even though Native Americans make up the slight majority within the county. This representation has already had a big impact on several county policies, but now there is some debate as to whether or not this is the best way to run our government. There is a special election coming up that will decide whether or not the three-member commission will continue to be the form of government used. I feel it’s so important to keep our people represented in our government, so the decisions made are in line with the beliefs of the Navajo people in our county.