Diné introduction
Clan workshop explains Navajo lineage system

Fern Dennsion reads her traditional introduction to the group during a clan workshop at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock Wednesday. All the participants learned how to introduce themselves and their clans in Navajo. — © 2009 Gallup Independent / Cable Hoover

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo people have a clan system and when introduced, they list four clans, starting with their clan passed down from the mother, followed by the father’s clan and then the maternal and paternal grandfather’s clans.

About 20 people took the opportunity to learn more about clan groups, stories and characteristics through the Dóone’e Baa hane’ Clan Workshop Wednesday evening at the Navajo Nation Museum.

The workshop was part of the museum’s series of educational and cultural presentations. The goal with the workshop was to get people to identify their clan groups, introduce themselves in the Navajo language and learn to write the introduction in Navajo.

Char Kruger, the museum education curator, spoke about how Changing Woman created four clans — Kiyaa’áanii or Towering House, Honágháahnii or One-walks-around, Tódích’íinii or Bitter Water, and Hasht?’ishnii or Mud — from her body and gave each one a cane made from white shell, turquoise, abalone shell and black jet, respectively.

Kruger spoke about some of the characteristics of the four original clans. People who are Kiyaa’áanii are usually leaders or guides while Honágháahnii are spiritual leaders or healers such as medicine men and women, she said.

Tódích’íinii are often educators and philosophers and Tótsohnii are naturally talented and creative people, she said.

While she has done research and spoken to others on the subject, much of what Kruger taught on Wednesday came from teachings of Diné College instructor Wilson Aronlith.

At the end of the presentation, each participant at the workshop stood up and introduced themselves in Navajo, including their four clans and hometown.

Participants took home listings of the clan groups and introductions written in Navajo so they can share what they learned at the workshop with others.

“I just think it’s awesome that these kinds of workshops are being held especially for our youth,” Shirlene Jim said. She came from Yahtahey to take part in the workshop.

“It’s amazing to know that there’s so many relatives,” she said.
Jim added there needs to be more such presentations held.
Kruger said that another workshop will most likely be held in the future to expand on the topic.

“There’s so much to tell. There’s so much to learn,” Kruger said. “A lot of us are unable to go to school to learn about our culture and traditions or we don’t have anybody to tell us or we don’t speak the language.”

She encouraged the audience to build their own encyclopedias of teachings by speaking to elders.

Kruger said that she runs into many people who don’t know their clans, which is why she decided to hold the workshop, which was held in the evening to accommodate as many people as possible.

“I get that a lot. I thought this would benefit a lot of people,” she said.

Navajos knowing their clans is important because it is their identity, Kruger said.

“Being (five-fingered people), you’ll always have extended family. You’ll always come across someone related to you,” she said.

Even though some people don’t know their clans, Kruger said that the Navajo language and culture is still very strong.

Information: www.navajonationmuseum.org