Diné College Partners with Navajo Nation TV & Film for Cultural Movie Night Screening
TSAILE, Ariz. Feb 11 – 12, 2026. Navajo Nation TV & Film, in partnership with Diné College, hosted a special movie night short film screening to celebrate Diné Azdzaa (Navajo Woman) Month.
The event featured presentations by Sage Memorial Hospital, the Navajo Nation Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Program, Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Miss Navajo Nation, bringing together community leaders to share stories of culture, health, and public service.
Sage Memorial Hospital representatives premiered films that highlighted their new patient care model, the “Sage Experience.” Christian Bigwater, Chief Patient Experience Officer at Sage Memorial Hospital, introduced the initiative.
“The experiences they have are that they go through the healthcare process,” Bigwater said regarding the importance of patient perspective.
Dixie Barlow, Community Liaison and Patient Experience Specialist, explained how the hospital integrated traditional Navajo philosophy into their operations.
“We really wanted to take a look at how we could make a better experience,” Barlow said. “We want you to come into the hospital and feel that warmth.”
Jason Curley, Program Manager for the Navajo Indian Child Welfare Act Program, addressed the audience regarding federal protections for Native families. He outlined the history and necessity of the law in preserving cultural connections for children in state custody.
“The goal of that law was essentially to support and protect Native American children in their upbringing,” Curley said.
The Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety used the gathering to discuss recruitment efforts for the police force. Recruiting Training Officer Derek Drake emphasized the critical need for more officers to cover the vast reservation.
“I’m trying to get as many men and women as I can who want to join our department,” Drake stated.
Officer Iona N. Stevens shared her perspective as a recent graduate of the academy.
“It’s quite an interesting job that I have,” Stevens said. “I can be still learning to this day.”
Miss Navajo Nation Camille Uentillie concluded the presentations by reflecting on the significance of Diné Azdzaa Month. She spoke about the influence of her grandmother and the weight of the crown she wears.
“In celebration of this month, I really dedicate my work and celebrate my grandmother’s teachings and everything she’s taught,” Uentillie said.
Navajo Nation TV & Film facilitated the event as part of its ongoing mission to foster a robust media industry on the Navajo Nation.
“Navajo Nation TV & Film believes that media plays a crucial role in creating an environment of active citizenship that encourages social responsibility and public spirit,” Edsel Pete, Program Manager for Navajo Nation TV & Film, stated.
