A traditional Navajo introduction begins with clan lineage. I was born to the Tse Deshgishini clan and for the Ashiihi clan. My maternal grandfather's clan is Chishi and my paternal grandfather's clan is Nakai Dine.
I reside in Hard Rocks, Arizona, a relatively remote part of the Navajo Reservation. My hogan overlooks Dinnebito Wash with views beyond to Rocky Ridge and Big Mountain. Our family has lived on the Land in this area for at least five generations.
The kinship created by family and clan relationships is very important to our culture. My mother as well as two of my brothers and their families live nearby, and one of my primary responsibilities is helping care for my mother.
Here is my hogan which I built myself with income from my weaving.
Another important aspect of Navajo life and culture is livestock. I continue this family tradition by caring for a herd of 80 churro sheep as well as somewhat smaller herds of cattle and goats.
My family has raised livestock for many generations on this land. Today, we continue to raise sheep, goats, horses, and cattle. We were taught that where there is livestock, life is strong.
We raise churro sheep because they are strong, hardy , and do very well in this high desert region. We use them for food and for their wool. Every spring, we shear them and prepare the wool for weaving rugs and saddleblankets.
Click here to see a slide show of pictures demonstrating the hand-shearing of sheep.
We also run black angus cattle. We sell the calves every year at the market, and also butcher one for our own use.
Additionally we also have some mustang horses which we use as we work the cattle and sheep.
