Stories from the Land: A Navajo Reader about Monument Valley

Description: Stories from the Land: A Navajo Reader about Monument Valley provides a traditional Navajo view of this iconic landscape and its people. Couched in the oral tradition of the elders, the reader is invited to view their history and culture through the eyes of those born at the turn of the twentieth century before massive inroads from the dominant culture began to erode the old ways. Each chapter follows a chronological sequence beginning with the creation of the world (specifically Monument Valley), teachings about the Anasazi, then later the Long Walk Period and incarceration at Fort Sumner. Subsequent chapters discuss traditional life and values, trading posts and their ties to the community, the devastation of livestock reduction, the film industry during the John Wayne/John Ford years, Anglo induced cultural change, uranium mining, and reaction to the current explosion of tourism. All of this as seen through the eyes of the Navajo people of Monument Valley and filtered through their unique cultural perspective. For the reader interested in authentic Navajo teachings, these people's ties to the land, and a very different view of the world and how it functions, Stories from the Land offers fascinating insight that is fast disappearing from our world.

Review Quotes:

"The many voices presented here tell of a past rich in traditional teachings now faded. They speak of ties to the landscape and the history of a people. This book is a valuable record of that history and culture framed through the lives of the Navajo of Monument Valley--a much needed volume as we lose this generation of elders."
--Ronald P. Maldonado, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (Retired), Navajo Nation

"With the possible exception of the Long Walk, no era was as fraught with change and tension for the Navajos of Monument Valley than the early 20th Century. Sadly, the generation that lived through the advent of the trading post, the automobile, tourism, movie-making and uranium mining is all but vanished. How fortunate we are that their thoughts and words are preserved in this intriguing series of interviews conducted by Robert McPherson in the late 1980s through 1990s. While the eloquence of these traditional elders stands alone, the context provided by McPherson in his clear, conversational style illuminates their stories even more. In addition to being an important contribution to regional Diné history, Stories from the Land provides a rare insight into the psyche of a fascinating people."
--Cindy Yurth, Former Navajo Times reporter and author of Exploring the Navajo Nation Chapter by Chapter

"A vast amount of research has gone into this book to accurately reflect the voice of the Navajo people and their language. The personal stories clearly give the reader a Diné perspective regarding the land, people, and beliefs. It was refreshing to read the interviews of local Navajos so invested in their homeland. I highly recommend this book that offers history and stories from the People's perspective, reflecting their cultural and spiritual understanding."
--Shirlee Silversmith (Navajo), Previous Director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs