Diné College Students Showcase Creativity in Navajo Culture Class Projects
TSAILE, Ariz. – Students in Diné College’s summer course, Foundations of Navajo Culture, taught by Leigh Toadlena, have brought Navajo teachings to life through creative projects inspired by the Four Worlds. The class, part of a ten-week program, emphasizes cultural understanding, creativity, and collaboration.
Leigh A. Toadlena is of the Naashgalí Dine’é Clan, born for the Áshįįhí people, her maternal grandparents are of the Tó’aheedlíinii people, and her paternal grandparents are of the Dziłt’aad Kinyaa’áanii people.
“This summer, my students completed a project on the Four Worlds, recreating it in ways that reflected their understanding and visualization of the teachings,” said Leigh Toadlena, an instructor in the School of Diné Studies & Education (SDSE). “They used two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats to bring their ideas to life, and I wanted to showcase their work for the summer classes.”
The three students—Carmen Nez, Latisha Curley, and Romero Haceesa — were graded on content, creativity, writing, and project completion. According to Toadlena, the students excelled in all areas. “They did an excellent job. I’m impressed with how they took what they read, listened to, and noted in class and recreated it in their projects,” Toadlena said.
The course, which spans ten weeks, includes a variety of assignments designed to deepen students’ understanding of Navajo culture. In addition to the Four Worlds project, students have engaged in writing assignments, group discussions, and readings from “FOUNDATIONS OF NAVAJO CULTURE” by Wilson Aronilth Jr.
“The students have come together as a group through their discussions and collaborative work,” Toadlena added. “They’ve accomplished so much in this class, and I’m excited to see how they approach their next project.”
The Foundations of Navajo Culture course is part of Diné College’s commitment to preserving and teaching Navajo language, culture, and traditions. By combining academic rigor with creative expression, the program empowers students to connect with their heritage in meaningful ways.
For more information about Diné College’s School of Diné Studies and its programs, visit www.dinecollege.edu.
