Competition helps preserve heritage
Twin Lakes first-graders (from left) Nicholas Yazzie, Alliyah Yazzie, Jimmy Chavez and Farrah Barney recite a traditional child's prayer in Navajo during the Navajo Language Cultural Festival at Red Rock Park Tuesday. © 2011 Gallup Independent / Brian Leddy

By Richard Reyes
Staff writer

GALLUP — Danyel Johnson, 10, felt nervous when she first took the stage as “grandma” in her traditional Navajo garb with large glasses and a walking stick during the Tohatchi Elementary School students’ performance at Red Rock Park.

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