This roundtable brings together Diné scholars and emerging researchers to reflect on how Diné oral histories connect people across generations, places, and relationships of k’é while informing contemporary research, teaching, and community-engaged practice. Drawing on oral histories recorded with families, elders, artists, and communities, participants consider the responsibilities, ethics, and possibilities that emerge from this work. Dr. Davina Two Bears examines oral histories related to the Leupp Boarding School and its later use as a Japanese American isolation center. Dr. Miranda Haskie explores how oral histories continue to shape students’ understandings of culture, history, and community. Dr. Farina King considers questions of kinship, consent, and care in scholarly and public-facing work. Teyanna Kaibetoney reflects on how her grandmother’s stories inspired her engagement with oral history and how storytelling informs education, memory, and Diné ways of knowing. Dr. Kendall Lovely explores how oral interviews with Diné artists intersect with material culture, museums, and visual media, revealing distinctive Diné perspectives on interpretation and representation. Together, the panel invites dialogue about methods, ethics, and intergenerational responsibilities in Diné oral history work.

This panel addresses the legacy and impact of uranium mining on indigenous communities globally. The experience of the Navajo Nation with uranium mining is central to this presentation which will review the range of issues with nuclear power, including accidents, disposal of waste, and cost. It will also further explore the range of adverse consequences of expanding nuclear power in the US as it might affect the Dine, especially pressure to revive uranium mining and processing in the Southwestern US. The presentation will also consider the impact of uranium mining on indigenous communities in Canada, Africa, India and Australia. The conclusion is that nuclear power, while not located on indigenous lands, has a disproportionate impact on Native and indigenous populations without providing sufficient benefits in terms of economic development or power generation. This panel emerges from a chapter “The Dirty, Working Class Problem,” in the co-authored book Dirty Secrets of Nuclear Power in an Era of Climate Change. This panel will further characterize the cultural, social, psychological, and overall health implications associated with uranium exposure and how existing evidence is communicated to lay and affected community members.

Every Navajo child deserves to understand who they are—their people, language, land, culture, and lifeways. Navajo parents, grandparents, and community members should feel supported in practicing Navajo traditions and culture that teach powerful values, ethics, stories, K’é, health and wellbeing. Based in Round Rock on the Navajo Nation, CHEII has worked for several years with elders, educators, knowledge holders, and community members in Round Rock and nearby communities to support programs for children, youth, and families. This panel will explore several of CHEII’s projects, including the Round Rock Community History Project, cultural enrichment activities, a writing workshop, and culture camp, each designed to share Navajo knowledge in creative, engaging, and innovative ways. Panelists will reflect on the development of these programs, lessons learned, challenges addressed, and how investing in children and youth can help strengthen their connection to family, community, healthy relationships and a positive Navajo identity grounded in the place-based knowledge of Diné Bikeyah. The session will also invite attendees to share their reactions, discuss why this work is important, and consider how they can do it themselves.

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