Strengthening and Reclaiming Diné Culture and Tradition through Kinaaldá (Puberty Ceremonies)
2016 Strengthening and Reclaiming Diné Culture and Tradition through Kinaaldá (Puberty Ceremonies)
Community Partners
Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah
Funding Area
Description
The ultimate purpose is to create a curriculum that 1) preserves the practice of Diné Kinaaldá ceremonies to ensure youth have the opportunity to connect with this important tradition, underscoring each student's valuable role within the Diné community and creating a forum to discuss traditional, modern, and alternative male and female roles in the culture, 2) to increase awareness and practice of these symbolic and transformative ceremonies for both boys and girls, and 3) to leverage the expertise of elders and traditional practitioners to create a meaningful and accurate curriculum while deepening multigenerational relationships among Diné youth and elders.