Navajo Sovereignty: Understandings and Visions of the Diné People

"Navajo Sovereignty: Understandings and Visions of the Diné People says the way forward involves a confident resurgence of indigenous philosophy in the face of colonization: an ongoing confrontation deepened by adherence to original principles."

To read the full review in Indian Country Today, click here.

— Peter d’Errico, former staff attorney for Navajo Legal Services who is now a consulting attorney on indigenous issues.

Diné Perspectives: Revitalizing and Reclaiming Navajo Thought

“There are many strengths in this anthology. As emerging Navajo scholars, we felt validated and affirmed in reading about complex matrices of SNBH and Hózhó in the everyday lives of Dine people in the 21st century. This discussion is often not written about, which made us eager to read more. We felt like we were getting, as Yazzie articulated, a "Hózhó tune-up' ... because by reading their work, they allowed us to see ourselves in their stories and research, which elevated our critical consciousness.

We appreciated the diversity of writers, including faculty, students, artists and community activists. There was also a distinction among the writers based upon where they grew up (reservation, urban), language usage, and overall experiences that shaped their matrices. Most authors shared personal stories, which served as a foundation to articulate their thinking and theories, and pushed us to reflect on our own scholarship and life journey. Further challenging our thinking was the book's use of connecting Navajo thought to globalization issues, which has an opportunity for all readers to see the overarching connections among diverse groups of people.

We wrestled with lingering questions and wondered whether it was due to an in/exclusion paradox, meaning that while there was a range of diverse perspectives, we also recognize that some voices were absent. For example, voices from Navajo elders and millennial youth on how they conceptualized and actualized SNBH in their lives would have been wonderful to explore. Furthermore, while poetry and art were included in this anthology, a description of the artist's interpretation would have pushed our thinking more.

We realize that the in/exclusion paradox challenge is a much greater issue. Native specific literature is scarce and may struggle to capture prominence in the dominant discourse. We grappled with how this dilemma suppresses the beauty and significance of Native peoples' thinking. We end with gratitude and encourage a sequel of Dim! Perspectives that continues the dialogue of Sa'hBik'eh Hózhó.”

— Amanda R. Tachine and Jeston Morris, Arizona State University