Past Symposiums
2013 | The 3rd navajo studies symposium
Location: Dilkon Community School, Dilkon, Arizona
Date: November 1, 2013
On Friday November 1, 2013, the Navajo Studies Conference, Inc. Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Dilcon Community School, hosted the third symposium in Dilkon, Arizona. The theme of the symposium was Diné Pathways for Living. Community members participated in panel discussions, presentations, and inspirational conversations related to Navajo youth leadership and challenges for youth, and Diné language revitalization. The agenda format followed the growth of Diné traditional cornstalk. The roots in the ground represented the start of the day with a sunrise ceremony and registration commenced at 7:00 a.m. The morning keynote speaker Anna Frazier presented on the Dilkon community history titled “Sense of Place” and the afternoon keynote speaker Jerry Freddie addressed the topic of Diné Pathways. The complete agenda consisted of the following:
2011 | The 2nd navajo studies Leadership Symposium
Location: Navajo Technical College, Crownpoint, NM
Date: October 14, 2011
On Friday, October 14, 2011, the NSC Board, in conjunction with Navajo Technical College, hosted the second leadership symposium in Crownpoint, NM. About 100 participants enjoyed numerous panel discussions, presentations, and inspirational conversations related to Navajo leadership.
To begin the 1-day event, Jean Whitehorse provided a beautiful presentation on a "sense of place" for the symposium. By using the historical development of Crownpoint, NM, she interlaced cultural descriptors and teachings into the meaning of place and how important that defines each of our presence.
Later on, during the Advocacy Leadership panel, there was substantial discussion on environmental justice for Navajo people. More specifically, ENDAUM (Leona Morgan) presented thought-provoking information on advocating on behalf of the Navajo people against potential uranium contamination of groundwater in Crownpoint and Churchrock, two Navajo communities where traditional people still make a living. NTC (Jason Arviso) provided a very informative presentation on "Internet to the Hogan" project. Later, Bonnie Yazzie provided a very interesting presentation on textiles and commerce with Crownpoint being well-known for rug auctions and Navajo weavers.
In the afternoon, more very interesting presentations and dialogue had participants engaged in different topics. At the Navajo Leadership panel, several presenters provided information about their work and how that relates to leadership. A very inspiring discussion was presented by Dine' Policy Institute from Dine' College-Tsaile on traditional concepts of leadership for Navajo leadership.
The Board thanks Navajo Technical Collage (Dr. Elmer Guy, Dr. Wesley Thomas, staff, student volunteers), as well as all the presenters, for making the symposium a success! The Board will present another 1-day symposium on another topic in 2013 at a chapter house or local facility in the southern part of the Navajo Nation, as a tribute to the traditional sunwise path of a journey.
Photo: Chris English
2010 | The 1st navajo studies Leadership symposium
Location: Navajo Nation Museum, Window Rock, NM
Date: September 3, 2010
On Friday September 3, 2010, the NSC Board, in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Museum, hosted the first leadership symposium in Window Rock, Arizona. Over 100 participated in several panel discussions, presentations, and inspirational conversations related to Navajo leadership.
The agenda consisted of the following:
- 8:30 am Welcome, Introductions, & Opening Prayer (Lloyd L. Lee, NSCI President)
- 8:45 am Panel on Symposium & Defining Leadership
- 9:30 am Decolonization Panel (Larry Emerson, Marie Salt, Waziyatawin)
- 11:30 am Lunch
- 1:00 pm "Taking the Lead" Panel (Wahleah Johns, Wyndsor Yazzie, Rena Martin, Leonard Perry)
- 3:00 pm Former Navajo Leader Panel (Former Chairmen, Leaders)
- 5:00 pm Community Discussion on Leadership (Fac: Larry Emerson)
- 6:00 pm Reception & Entertainment
2010 Navajo Studies Symposium agenda
The Board thanks the Navajo Nation Museum (Manuelito Wheeler, staff, volunteers), as well as all the speakers, for making the symposium a success.