Diné Scholar Leigh A. Toadlena Highlights Sacred Kinaaldá Traditions at Tsaile Event
TSAILE, Ariz., March 20, 2026. Diné Studies faculty member Leigh A. Toadlena delivered an informative presentation on the cultural significance of Kinaaldá: Yoolgai Asdzą́ą́ at the T’áá Diné k’ehgo Tsíhookos Professional Development event in Tsaile. Her presentation drew deeply from recent Diné College fieldwork excursions to sacred sites in Dinétah.
The fieldwork, conducted last fall, guided faculty through the sacred landscapes of Dinétah under the instruction of Dr. Avery Denny. Toadlena spoke specifically about the sacred site atop Ch’ool’í’í, where Haashch’ééłti’í found Yoolgai Asdzą́ą́. She detailed her visit to the rock formation representing her Awééts’áál and explained the specific elements required to create a traditional cradleboard.
The presentation also highlighted Dzil Na’ooldilii, the sacred mountain where Yoolgai Asdzą́ą́ experienced her Hózhóójí ceremony during her coming-of-age Kinaaldá. Toadlena brought the history to life with a demonstration, displaying traditional items used throughout the ceremony. She acknowledged the diverse ways families practice this ceremony today while sharing the specific teachings of her great-naalii from Kayenta, rooted in the Ashiihi Clan. She noted these family teachings continue to guide her children and future generations.
Concluding her presentation, Toadlena performed a symbolic run from the Hogan replica toward the East. She explained that the run was not an attempt to replicate Yoolgai Asdzą́ą́, but a personal effort to restore strength and balance as a Naashgalí/Diné Asdzáán. The run served to honor her ongoing roles as a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother. Her final message emphasized the critical role of matriarchs in carrying forward the beauty and strength of the Kinaaldá ceremony for young Diné girls.
PHOTO: L-R: Andrea A. Charlie, Michelle R. Whitstone, Lorenzo Max, Roger P. Benally, Leigh A. Toadlena and David P. Nez.
