My Two Cents: Visiting a Navajo School

In August of 1995, we took one of the best vacations of all time. We started our two week circle in Albuquerque, New Mexico and traveled north to Santa Fe and Taos. Next we continued north to Mesa Verde in Colorado, southwest to the Navajo Nation at Four Corners, Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelley, then back to Albuquerque. We stopped at other little towns and sights along the way, but these were our main destinations.

During this vacation, we spent a good amount of time exploring the Navajo Nation, which has the largest land area of any other Native American group in the U. S. It covers all of northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and the southeastern portion of Utah, which is roughly the size of West Virginia. The 260,000 people living there today are thriving, keeping their native language alive, and passing down their religious beliefs to their children. As with any nation however, they also have their challenges and struggles.

The Navajo Nation

Although the Navajo Nation is often referred to as the “Rez” by many of its people since it implies ‘home’, others find the term offensive because it reminds them of the time when they were not allowed off the reservation. After President Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, all of America’s indigenous peoples, called “Indians” were granted full citizenship. With this privilege came the freedom to travel off their reservation to other places in the United States. So today, Navajo Nation or Navajo Land is more politically correct than the Navajo Reservation.

The Hopi Tribe's land lies within the Navajo Nation, and to make this even more interesting, there is a small piece of Navajo land that lies within the Hopi land. There are about 7,000 Hopi living there today with about 7,000 more living in other places around the world. The Hopi have 12 villages located in three main areas, which are First Mesa, Second Mesa, and Third Mesa. Most of the traditions among the 12 villages are similar, but there are some differences in their ceremonies. The Hopi people are known for their artistry making kachina dolls, pottery, and baskets. I have a small collection of some of their kachina dolls and pottery. Exploring their land is very special, but you have to respect their request to take no photos for their religious beliefs.

I have held a keen interest in the Navajo and Hopi people since my first visit there in 1986. I became fascinated with them, their land, and their history. Within their border lies Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, the Shiprock landmark, and miles of the gorgeous Painted Desert region. There are several theories as to who their ancestors were and this history is fascinating to read about.

When looking for pen pals for my fifth grade class in Yorktown Heights, NY, I discovered the Jeddito School. Its location is in this unique piece of Navajo inside the Hopi land mentioned above. I contacted the fifth grade teacher asking if she was interested in or students writing to each other In addition, I mentioned that I would be out there in August and asked if I could spend the day visiting and meeting the students. I was graciously welcomed so we timed this vacation when we were still on summer break in August, but their school had already started for the year.

Notice the Jeddito School in the Navajo land which is inside the Hopi land which is inside the Navajo land.

One of the many highlights of this vacation was spending a day at this school. Built in the 1990s, this K-8 school was primarily funded by a government grant. Like any new structure, the school was beautiful. It was similar to many U.S. schools with a classrooms, a library, playground, cafeteria, and computer lab. As a result of its location, the students who attend are both Navajo and Hopi. Our boys were 3 and 6 at the time, so they spent the day with their pre-school and first grade peer groups. Although I toured the whole school, I spent a good deal of time with the fifth grade class, meeting the students that my students would soon be corresponding with.

Most students qualified for free breakfast and lunch, so our boys began their day eating alongside their new Navajo and Hopi friends. They dressed alike and spoke about little things like what they were eating. They participated in the lessons and the crafts. After lunch, they enjoyed recess on the playground, which included swings and a slide. The afternoon brought computer lab time and more reading. They enjoyed their day so much. Perhaps being in a stimulating environment among children their age was a nice break from traveling with their parents.

At the end of the day it was sad saying goodbye to their new friends. My pen pal relationship continued for a few years until the young teacher left the school. It was a wonderful experience for all and a day I will never forget.