WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Amy Begaye, the winner of this year’s Miss Navajo Nation pageant, has a newfound appreciation for the importance of sheep in Navajo culture. Raised in a family where she was only given simple tasks during sheep butchering, Begaye recently participated in a timed sheep-butchering contest at the pageant. This experience, along with the requirement to practice spoken Navajo and learn more about her culture, instilled in her a sense of confidence and independence. She now sees herself as a cultural ambassador for the importance of sheep in providing food for families.
However, the traditional way of life is facing challenges. Climate change, permitting issues, and a lack of interest among younger generations have resulted in a decline in the number of sheep being raised by Navajo families. Keeping hundreds of sheep used to be common, but now some families have completely given up raising them. Those who still raise sheep have significantly fewer numbers. Despite these challenges, many Navajo shepherds remain committed to keeping their sheep, and some younger individuals are actively working to preserve the tradition.
The Navajo people have a long history of raising sheep, which were introduced by Spanish colonists in the late 16th century. Sheep were raised for meat and wool, and their products helped drive the local economy. However, this way of life has been marred by violence and outside influences. The U.S. Army forced thousands of Navajo into exile during the Long Walk in 1864, leading to the destruction of homes and livestock. The government also carried out forced herd reductions in the 1930s, resulting in the deaths of thousands of sheep.
Today, Navajo families like Jay Begay Sr.’s continue to raise sheep, but on a smaller scale. Begay Sr., his wife Helen, and their son Jay Begay Jr. cherish their way of life, but they have noticed a decline in their numbers due to the changing climate. A mega drought has affected the Western U.S., leaving the land dry and barren. Water scarcity on Navajo Nation exacerbates the problem, with approximately one-third of the population lacking reliable access to clean water. The recent Supreme Court decision stating that the federal government is not obligated to secure water rights for the reservation further complicates the situation.
Lester Craig, another Navajo shepherd, has experienced the impact of water shortages firsthand. His family used to have over 600 sheep, but now they have only a few. Craig also faces the challenge of contaminated land due to a uranium mine spill in 1979. Additionally, erosion caused by wild horses and bureaucratic inconsistencies in grazing management further compound the problems faced by Navajo shepherds.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for the future. Meranda Laughter, who works at Tractor Supply Co. in Gallup, believes that continued education and better management practices can alleviate some of the issues faced by Navajo shepherds. However, the decline in interest among the younger generation remains a concern. Many young Navajo individuals, like Begaye, initially sought to leave the reservation and experience city life. However, as they reconnect with their culture and realize the importance of preserving traditions, they are finding ways to overcome challenges and strengthen Navajo traditions like sheep herding.
Begaye, for example, discovered her passion for her culture after returning home to care for her grandmother. This led her to compete in the Miss Navajo pageant and advocate for the importance of sheep and cultural preservation. She hopes to inspire others to embrace their roots and carry on the tradition of sheep herding.
While the future of Navajo sheep herding faces numerous challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. With continued efforts and a renewed appreciation for their cultural heritage, Navajo shepherds and the younger generation are working together to ensure that the tradition of raising sheep endures for generations to come.
