Diné Bizaad Educators Gather to Share Language Teaching Strategies
May 30, 2025
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. Educators and advocates for Diné Bizaad, the Navajo language, gathered today for a knowledge-sharing event aimed at strengthening teaching methods and promoting the integration of Diné Bizaad into educational institutions.
The event, hosted at the Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education (DODE) Auditorium, brought together educators, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders under the theme “Nihizaad Hadaalt’é Áná’oodlíít – Our Language Heals.”
Michelle Whitstone, chair of the SDSE-Center for Diné Studies at Diné College, opened the event with a welcome and introduction. During her remarks, she emphasized the crucial role that educators and community leaders play in preserving the Navajo language and culture.
“This gathering represents the strength of our collective commitment to Diné Bizaad and the importance of ensuring our language thrives for generations to come,” Whitstone said.
She emphasized the need for collaboration, reflection, and action to effectively integrate Diné Bizaad into all facets of education.
One of the event’s key presentations, delivered by TeMerae (Te) Blackwater, Na’alkaah Bee Honit’i – Research, Innovation, and Practice Proposal Developer, Diné College, focused on “Securing Our Language Future: Building Research Agendas and Finding Funding for Diné Bizaad.”
Blackwater provided practical strategies for initiating research projects that align with institutional goals and accessing funding opportunities to support language preservation.
She emphasized the importance of beginning with a clear research focus and linking projects to broader strategic plans that benefit Diné communities.
Blackwater encouraged attendees to work with stakeholders to secure resources, stating, “It’s about taking proactive steps now to ensure that Diné Bizaad continues to thrive in an evolving educational landscape.”
The event also featured a presentation by Whitstone titled “Land-Based Language Immersion.” She explored innovative themes, including dialogue-centered teaching methods, transdisciplinarity in language acquisition, and the mentor-apprenticeship model for immersive learning.
Whitstone framed her insights through perspectives on cultural performativity and practical sovereignty, providing attendees with actionable strategies to promote language fluency and cultural understanding.
This landmark event reflects Diné College’s steadfast dedication to advancing Diné Bizaad’s education and ensuring cultural preservation through innovation and partnership.
It concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among participants, who engaged in meaningful discussions and left with strategies to enrich language teaching in their communities.
