Diné Bizaad

Daddy took the initiative to register Layla and Zackery up for Diné Bizaad classes. They are being offered on Tuesday evenings for the spring months. The instructor is a guy named Freddie. They are also going to attend Diné singing on Saturday mornings, with an instructor by the name of Jolyana Begay.

Dad says Layla seems very eager to embrace her new learning. She was a bit nervous when the class was asked to introduce themselves using their clans. So she quickly asked Dad for his help. Of course, he obliged and told her "next time you have to say it yourself" which prompted Layla to practice.

Zackery might be too young for the class since his Tuesdays are already full. He goes to preschool in the afternoon and always is on the grumpy side when we get him in the evenings. So we might give him a break and try again next time.

Sidenote: I think it is so important for us, as Native people, to remember to embrace our cultural backgrounds. We might not agree with all elements, but we can always learn and synthesize which aspects to use in our daily lives. At the end of the day, I do not want to contribute to the devaluing of our native language and culture. Our ancestors were far too important and fought so hard for their survival so long ago. That makes me remember that today, we must make them proud and let them know they didn't fight in vain. So family and friends take a moment and think about how you could take a moment to learn a little bit more about yourself as a Diné hastiin or asdzáá.