Nitsáhákees (thinking): A Call to Remember
The most sacred time of day occurs in the early morning, just before the sun rises above the horizon. As I await the dawn, I embrace the crisp air while standing on the cool earth, reflecting on the countless lives that have traversed this very spot. In one hand, I hold my offering of corn pollen, and my heart is filled with gratitude. Among the Navajo, it is customary to offer prayers facing east during sunrise—an important tradition that is gradually fading.
Suddenly, I am brought back to reality. The Navajoland deputation and I stand on a stage before hundreds of representatives from around the world. Earlier that day, as a self-identified procrastinator, I began drafting a speech I had known I would deliver for weeks, representing the Navajoland deputation to the House of Deputies. Faces and words flash through my mind as I prepare.
Throughout my teenage years, life presented numerous challenges. On a whim, I joined a Bible study group at Good Shepherd Mission, which opened the door to many Indigenous Bible studies. I found myself surrounded by spirited elders who were full of laughter, wisdom, and camaraderie. Indigenous culture is rich in storytelling—stories of grief, love, achievement, and aspiration. The words I shared in the House of Deputies were inspired by the memories of the elders with whom I had the privilege of sharing many meals, individuals who fought valiantly for representation and are no longer with us.
In the east, where the sun rises and life awakens, our consciousness stirs, and we offer prayers to the Creator in remembrance of the laughter, tears, and the essence of life itself: Iina (life), nahat’a’ (planning), nitsáhákees (thinking).
Navajoland has embarked on a sacred journey, marked by significant milestones that reflect our dedication and resilience. From establishing the Area Mission to electing our first Navajo Bishop and nurturing Navajo clergy, each step has deepened our connection to faith and community. As we contemplate the essence of Navajoland, we honor our past and embrace our shared experiences, forging a path that fosters harmony and balance for our future.
Join us as we reflect on our work this year and celebrate accomplishments.
Beauty Way Articles
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Walking A New Path of Emergence
By Rev. Cornelia Eaton
Rev. Cornelia Eaton reflects on a walk along the Animas River trail in Farmington, NM, which inspires thoughts of seasonal change, paralleling the Episcopal Church in Navajoland’s transition to a Missionary Diocese as Navajoland discerns the creation of a new mission statement.
The 48th Convocation of ECN
By GJ Gordy
The 48th Convocation of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland, held at All Saint’s Church in Farmington, featured inspiring presentations, performances, and a celebration of the San Juan Mission’s centennial, culminating in a Eucharist that brought joy and fellowship despite challenging weather, with anticipation for the next gathering in 2025.
Witnessing History: ECN’s Role and the Spirit of Change
By Rev. Jack Chase
As an Alternate Delegate at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention in Louisville, Rev. Jack Chase felt excitement and joy as ECN was approved to become a Missionary Diocese, highlighting the support and enthusiasm from both the House of Deputies and the bishops.
Navajoland’s Sacred Awakening
By Rev. Leon Sampson
Rev. Leon reflects on a profound spiritual journey of empowerment for the Diné community in Navajoland, highlighting their emotional experience at the 80th General Convention where they received overwhelming support for their resolutions, ultimately feeling blessed and connected to God’s creation through their shared vision and experiences.
Voices and Resolutions: My Journey Through General Convention
By Maggie Brown
At the 2024 General Convention in Louisville, Maggie Brown was honored to represent the Navajoland Area Mission, where the unanimous passing of Resolution C009 to become a Missionary Diocese was a key highlight, along with meaningful discussions and successful fundraising efforts.
United for Change: The Journey to a Missionary Diocese
By Rev. Cathlena Plummer
At the 81st General Convention, Rev. Cathlena Plummer had the honor of serving as the Chair of the Navajoland Delegation, where the passing of the historic resolution allowing Navajoland to elect their own Bishop and become a Missionary Diocese, culminating in a triumphant moment of unanimous approval from the House of Deputies and later the House of Bishops.
From the Booth to the Future: Navajoland’s Presence at the Episcopal Convention
By Ryan Sam
At the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky, our Navajoland booth stood out with its striking Monument Valley backdrop, attracting visitors and fostering engagement through our Beauty Way newsletters, postcards, and art, while sparking meaningful conversations about our mission and presence in the Episcopal community.
Crafting Community
Connections
By Rachelle Brown-Slover
Attending the General Convention Booth was a transformative experience for Rachelle Brown-Slover, where she connected with others about the Navajoland ECW, shared her childhood memories of community involvement, and envisioned many future possibilities for Navajoland’s ECW including creating merchandise and a logo to strengthen the group’s identity and outreach.
Indigenous Boarding Schools Talking Circle
By Ruth Johnson
At the 81st General Convention, the Episcopal Church’s Office of Native American/Indigenous Ministries hosted a Talking Circle where elders shared their traumatic experiences at Indigenous boarding schools to raise awareness and support the Episcopal Boarding School Commission for healing future generations. Ruth Johnson was one of the elders who told her story of survival.
Access for All: The Owen Project’s
Impact on Navajoland
By Margaret Putnam
At the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky, our Navajoland booth stood out with its striking Monument Valley backdrop, attracting visitors and fostering engagement through our Beauty Way newsletters, postcards, and art, while sparking meaningful conversations about our mission and presence in the Episcopal community.
General Convention Appointments
Rev. Leon Sampson was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Church Pension Group after advocating for the Denominational Health Plan, aiming to improve health coverage for Navajoland’s clergy and staff. GJ Gordy was elected to Executive Council on the first ballot and Madeline Sampson was installed as Province VIII ECW President. Great achivevements for Navajoland!
Giving Tree 2024
By GJ Gordy
2024 marks the second year Navajoland embarks on the Giving Tree Project. In 2023, with the help of partner churches and individuals from around the country, 150 children were served! As a partner, you purchase gifts for a Giving Tree recipient and ship it to our office in Farmington, NM. What a great way to share the gift of love by sharing the spirit of Christ’s love in giving. If you would like to be a partner, you can sign up here.
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