Dinéjí Na`nitin: Navajo Traditional Teachings and History

by Robert S. McPherson

Traditional teachings derived from stories and practices passed through generations lie at the core of a well-balanced Navajo life. These teachings are based on a very different perspective of the physical and spiritual world than that found in general American culture. Dinéjí Na`nitin is an introduction to traditional Navajo teachings and history for a non-Navajo audience, providing a glimpse into this unfamiliar domain and illuminating the power and experience of the Navajo worldview. Historian Robert McPherson discusses basic Navajo concepts such as divination, good and evil, prophecy, and metaphorical thought, as well as these topics' relevance in daily life, making these far-ranging ideas accessible to the contemporary reader. He also considers the toll of cultural loss on modern Navajo culture as many traditional values and institutions are confronted by those of dominant society. Using both historical and modern examples, he shows how cultural change has shifted established views and practices and illustrates the challenge younger generations face in maintaining the beliefs and customs their parents and grandparents have shared over generations. This intimate look at Navajo values and customs will appeal not only to students and scholars of Native American studies, ethnic studies, and anthropology but to any reader interested in Navajo culture or changing traditional lifeways.

Genres: History

299 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Chris Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book for information on the Navaho and their belief systems, as well as the issues that have created social and cultural problems for them in the larger world. Dr. McPherson does an excellent job of tying stories, metaphors, history, and current issues together in an understandable and respectful way.

[Jim Augeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided an excellent background to understanding many aspects of the Navajo "backstory". It served as a fill-in-the-gaps primer for some of the other reading I have been doing about Navajo history and the legacy of the Diné. McPherson obviously has spent a lot of time in this world that most of us will never get to see and experience except through the eyes of others.