1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Phoenix College Navajo Language Students Take Home Awards at the 7th Annual Diné Language Arts Fair

by: Christy Skeen

For the first time in Phoenix College history, Navajo Language students participated in the Annual Diné Language Arts Fair on the Navajo Reservation in Tsaile, Arizona. The three-day event allowed second year Navajo students to bring home awards in a number of categories, ranging from oral poetry to short stories.

As the only school off the reservation to participate in this competition, Phoenix College met with and competed against other high school and college students from the reservation. Phoenix College students brought home a total of six awards. They include:

--Original Works (Short Story) – Sharon Trujillo (first place) and Melonie Israelson-Toro (second place);
--Readers’ Theatre – Jim Metcalfe, Mary Kiamar and Melonie Israelson-Toro (first place);
--Individual Poem Reading – Gilbertina Jackson (second place) and Sharon Trujillo; and
--Storytelling/Joketelling – Gilbertina Jackson (second place).

"It was an awesome feeling to win these awards," said Navajo 116 student, Mary Kiamar. "What an accomplishment for our class!"

Hosted by the Center for Diné Teacher Education Programs, the fair is to celebrate and promote the Navajo language among Arizona’s youth. The fair spotlights K-12 and college students’ competence in a number of areas. They include individual poem reading, choral reading, storytelling/joketelling, solo singing, group singing, readers’ theatre and original works. All performances were conducted in Navajo.

Another Navajo 116 student participating in this year’s competition was Melonie Israelson-Toro. She enjoys study various cultures, especially those that have a Southwest connection.

"This class has given me a foundation in the Navajo language," she said. "The general pronunciations and basic skills in Navajo helped me prepare for the competition.

"Overall, this was a great community building experience," said Phoenix College Navajo instructor, Jennifer Wheeler. "The community was very excited with our participation and our level of knowledge. I truly appreciate all the support given to us by college administration."

Phoenix College will offer an eight-week Navajo 115 evening class this summer. For those interested, please call (602) 285-7865.