Video

Sunny Dooley - Diné Storyteller

Grand Canyon National Park

Transcript

Yá’át’ééh. I am of the Salt Water clan, born for the By the Waters Edge clan. My grandfather clan is Towering House and my paternal Shi Nali is the Rock Fortress clan. I am from the High Ridge Place of a Pinetree Valley. Our language is vital. When we speak our language, our thoughts, our plans, our livelihoods, and future aspirations are defining our life’s purpose. Our language has the stories of our sacred mountains. Mt. Blanca, Mt. Taylor, San Francisco peaks, La Sal Mountains, Dził Náoodiłii, Gobernador Peak. Our language defines their teachings and their values are embedded in our spoken language. Our language provides the stability necessary to live a balanced life. Our language is our strength

Description

Sunny Dooley is a Diné storyteller residing in Dédeez’á’ Bigháá Ní’didhchíí’byildiz - High Ridge Pine Tree Valley. She shares Hane', or Blessingway stories, and is a former Miss Navajo Nation, 1982. As a storyteller, Sunny shares what has been passed down through generations, having learned the skill from her mother. Spend a Minute Out In It walking to the Canyon with Sunny, as she imparts the wisdom of preserving language and the oral tradition, in one of the most complex and beautiful languages on Earth.

Duration

1 minute, 59 seconds

Credit

Rader Lane

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