The future of Navajo education
(Book)

In the current debate about improving the quality of American education, the subject of education at Native Nations is often ignored. And yet, these Nations face a unique set of challenges, above and beyond those faced by other educational institutions, including the preservation and fostering of their unique language and cultural values. This book offers a number of case studies illustrating efforts by the Navajo Nation to boost the career prospects of its students with educational programs that also safeguard the Navajo language and traditions. Some of these traditions include a focus on organizational change while living in harmony with the natural world and the universe. Others emphasize social responsibility and community service in accordance with the philosophy of Navajo culture. The Navajo Nation is often described as rural and remote, akin to a developing country. A great many residents still live without electricity or running water. Quite often, infrastructure in the Navajo Nation is lacking. Broadband availability is scarce, and some communities have only limited access to the Internet. All these challenges can be met by education: by highly qualified educators devoted to seeking innovative ways to educate students for life, on and off the Navajo Nation. This book includes contributions by prominent Navajo leaders and scholars, including Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez; Dr. Manley Begay, Professor of Applied Indigenous Studies at Northern Arizona University; Dr. Henry Fowler, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Navajo Technical University; The Honorable Robert Yazzie, Chief Justice Emeritus of the Navajo Nation; and Dr. Miranda Haskie, Professor of Sociology at Diné College in Tsaile, AZ. The book is the brainchild of Dr. Barbara Mink, Dean of the School of Leadership Studies at Fielding Graduate University, which has co-sponsored a number of Navajo Education Conferences at Window Rock, AZ, in collaboration with the Navajo Nation.