Navajo Preparatory School

This morning we left the hotel about 8:15 and headed to the Navajo Preparatory School. The school is in Farmington, New Mexico so we got there about 8:45.

The Navajo Preparatory School is a boarding school for grades 9-12. It is the only Native American Preparatory school in the United States. Most students are bussed in on Mondays and go back home for the weekend. Some live close enough to stay at home, but over 90% live at the school.

We were greeted by John Tohtsoni, the Dean of Instruction, who signed us in at the office and then we were given a short tour by Andrew Sarracino, a senior at the school. He explained that when the school began, it was sponsored by the United Methodist Church, but now it is funded by grants and private contributions. After his introduction, he guided us to the classroom of Mr. Tom Chee, where we got to sit in on a couple of his classes. He explained just how much the Navajo educational system has changed in his lifetime. Mr. Chee had also been sent to a boarding school when he was a young boy. There, he was forbidden from practicing his culture's traditions, and was physically punished for speaking his native Navajo language. After many years of angst and resentment, Mr. Chee was able to make peace with his past and forgive his oppressors. Now, he works to maintain balance between the old and new way of life. He explained that now, due to decades of assimilation, many Navajo children have lost their connection with their heritage. Many do not speak the Navajo language or practice any traditional customs. Mr. Chee, and the other faculty at the prep school are working to change all of that. While the school offers a standard curriculum, it also requires students to take courses in Navajo language, government, and history. Rather than pushing students to get an education and leave the reservation, the school encourages them to bring their knowledge back to benefit the community. Most of the students we spoke with planned on doing just that, returning to their homes after college. They admitted, however, that often jobs in their field of choice would not be available and they would have to move in order to pursue their careers.

After all this serious discussion, it was time to change gears and socialize. The students prepared a traditional Navajo meal for us that included mutton stew, blue corn mush, grilled lamb, and fry bread. Everything was delicious and we promised if they ever visit North Carolina, we'll fry them some chicken and green tomatoes.

Students of the Navajo Prep School in Farmington, New Mexico prepare lunch for students and our group on Thursday....

Navajo Prep School senior Toni Dee assists Josh Boone in the art of making Navajo fry bread on Thursday afternoon..

With our bellies full, we were invited into the school's hogan. A hogan is similar to a kiva, but is built above ground. We all sat in a circle with the students, while Armando Bennett and Cody Yazzie sang traditional songs and told stories that had been passed down to them for generations. We then left the hogan and went outside to a grassy commons area, where we were able to participate in a couple of traditional dances.

Navajo Prep School freshman Cody Yazzie (left) and sophomore Armando Bennett perform a Native Navajo song called "Song and Dance Romance" in the Hogan on the campus of the Navajo Prep School in Farmington, New Mexico on Thursday afternoon..

Armando Bennett (right) explains the workings of his drum to (from left) Gary "Bear" Ecklund, Claudia Eller, Amanda Higgins, and Bobbie Brannon..

For our final stop at the school, we met with Betty O'Jaye, the Executive director of the school. She gave us some more information about the history of the school and spoke with us about our interest in Native American culture. We presented the school with a group photo that we had made at CVCC prior to our leaving.

Betty O'Jaye, administrator of the Navajo Prep School in Farmington, New Mexico, takes a few minutes from her day to discuss the rich history of the school with members of the CVCC Southwest Adventure...

We found our visit to the Navajo Preparatory School to be overwhelming, and the full impact is still being discussed. We may come back to this blog in the near future with some additional thoughts on our experiences.

CVCC's Fred Bryson makes a phone call home while viewing the magic of Monument Valley in Southern Utah on Thursday afternoon...

On our way to Tuba City, Arizona, we took a brief detour to see Monument Valley in southern Utah.

We are staying in Tuba City, Arizona for the next two nights. We'll be going to the Grand Canyon tomorrow and plan on being there for sunset.