Winter Stories

Barb, the Porcupine- Navajo Times photo

Dear Friends,

We’re having a snow day today, reminding us that winter isn’t over yet.  In reality, at  7,000 ft. elevation, we don’t really expect spring until April.

In February, The Window Rock Zoo held its annual winter cultural program called “Serenading our Sacred Animals.” The medicine man, Anderson Hoskie led a small group from animal to animal telling stories and advising them of “do’s” and “don’ts” that should not be ignored. 

At Barb’s, the porcupine, habitat, he explained how the porcupine is a protection animal and is responsible for taking care of the mountain. He warned that the quills are forbidden for usage by the Navajos (even though other tribes might use them in powwows.)

Hoskie shares stories in the hogan.
 Navajo Times photo

The zoo curator said that when they do tours in the spring and summer, it is taboo to talk about certain things; but now that it is winter, stories can be told. In the Navajo tradition certain stories are reserved for the winter when bears and snakes and some other dangerous animals are asleep. The reason is that all animals love stories as much as people do, and it’s best not tell them during a time of year when there’s not danger of attracting the ‘wrong’ crowd.

The elk came up to the group as they approached the fence and Hoskie told them that elk belong to the Navajo deities known in English as Talking God and House God.

Hoskie said that the bears were hibernating and that only bears call one another “shush,” which is the Navajo name for bear. People should address a bear as “my grandchild” or the bear will get offended. Hoskie emphasized the need to pray and give offerings to these sacred animals. He said to pray to the bear for good luck.

He also talked about the taboos concerning the coyote. If one crosses your path, you will receive a bad message. It is your responsibility to make an offering, and then go on. If you can’t make an offering right then by stopping your car, you could visit the zoo and make an offering.

School news: We enrolled two new students this week. My friendly first grader is behind academically, but is an eager learner, so I have hopes of her catching up. The older girl missed most of her first week due to illness.

We’re still praying for more teachers for next year.

Love to all of our faithful prayer and financial supporters.

Blog: https://everettnavajo.blogspot.com

Support: Western Indian Ministries: http://www.westernindian.org/donate2/

P.O. Box 9090, Window Rock, AZ 86515