they_drag_him

I've never had mutton stew but the Elephant Bar around the corner serves a lamb shank with mashed potatoes for $7.95.

Nezbah

Kewl! Well, the negative feelings I hear about us 'Navajo's' come from different people, not just you guys. I work with alot of tour operators out in Navajoland, most are quite nice, helpful, and enjoy their jobs. However, I have encountered hotel front desk people in Chinle, Kayenta, and out near Page that weren't so friendly. In my line of business, especially us travel agents, I judge how we get treated because its the same way our clients get treated. I know who I can trust and send my clients to just on how well I was treated prior. But there are people like that all over the world, not just Navajo Nation. :D. I just know, I have been judged by others because maybe their previous experience with another person of my tribe was not so great.

But my family in general, hosts many people from different walks of life around the world, to come visit, learn about our ways, etc. As long as they respect us, we'll respect them. My family loves to learn about different ways of life as they do not object to teach them about ours. Well and the same goes for alot of my friends too.

Actually its kinda funny because some people tell me I am very intimidating and they're scared of me. The reason why, in my past that's how I would defend myself, just not smile. LOL. Most of the time I am in deep thought or not paying attention, I just get this expression on my face that some are afraid of. But I am nooooooooo way near that, friendliest, huggable, and always laughing or joking around.

Soooooooooo anyhooooooooo, never judge a book by its cover I say....

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You have crossed my path, you have touched my heart, you are my friend, You will never be forgotten......

luvstamales

Where to Start--well, it seems like to me that you are "started". The next step is to realize that you are in fact "started".

Though the event you described is most unfortunate, that kind of treatment exsists for most people in every community, whether it's a native community or non-native community.

Personally, I am made up of 3 tribes, yet I am often shunned by one tribe or another simply because I am not a half or full blood. The good thing is to accept that I am who I am. I embrace as much as possible from each of my tribes. Additionally, I lend as much support as possible to each of my tribe's customs and ways. Sometimes that support may be by active participation, financial, or educating others about my tribes. Most importantly, we must all respect the ways of all peoples including non-natives.

I hope for success in your endeavors and sincerely hope that you do not give up. We all could use a little education when it comes to our ancestors. I just wish EVERYONE could be a little more understanding and open minded when it comes to others. But that could apply anywhere in life. It all comes down to RESPECT.

timmy tiger

Nezbah: I really don't know what you are saying about many or some people not liking Navajo's. I know several Navajo families in my area and they are the absolute sweetest people that I have ever met. When we see each other they smile and wave (if I'm not right there at the time) and then they always have the biggest hugs for me. I enjoy talking and visiting with them so much and they are so much fun and jokes, oh my that's great.

You know one of the couples a couple of years ago their daughter passed and I had heard about it and I was at an event that they had come to. I went up to see them and just let them know that if they needed anything just to ask. They were so happy to see me. You could see that they were hurting, but they still had such large smiles for everyone and still laughed with me. It's really great when I see them. I can't tell you enough how glad I am to have met them. And I'm really excited because I get to see some, if not all, of them this weekend just a little ways from my house. This should be great.

I've never seen the things that you mentioned and am glad that I have my friends and they are very very good people.

Josiah

Me and my Family lived in Shonto and Kayenta when I was a kid, and my brother and sister were born in the ndn hospital in Tuba city while we lived there. During the summer we would stay with a Dine family up north of there and i grew to love mutton and fry bread
Miss those days alot

You cant judge a book by its cover
some will like you and make you feel welcome, some dont care, some just walk past you thats true of any tribe or race

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EricEagle

Well said. People are shallow, it's a shame, but this happens.