"The authors successfully demonstrate that traditional oral history is living history—empowering—and rather than based on untrue narratives, such as myths, oral history seeks harmony. Authors of Native American history and culture should always consult and include oral history among written historical sources. ... Kelley and Francis make it abundantly clear that the Navajo are not helpless victims and for many centuries have resisted and survived numerous policies and actions designed to destroy their ways of life. Navajo political and cultural sovereignty is self-determination in its truest sense and rejects federal Indian sovereignty laws."—Raymond Wilson, American Indian Culture and Research Journal
“…the text provokes discussions of ceremonial histories, clan origins, and family oral histories. While this book is not a replacement for the histories learned through ceremonial settings, while shearing, during planting and hunting seasons, or as part of our cultural arts practices, it is a worthy companion.”—Christine M. Ami (Navajo), Tribal College Journal
"This book proves that it is time for researchers to stop dis-missing Indigenous oral traditions as an unreliable source on any subject of study. Officials of the Navajo Nation also must understand that use of Diné oral traditions in governance, interpretation of laws, and problem-solving is consistent with 'doing sovereignty' the Diné way. A sovereign American Indian nation should own and control its history, identity, culture, language, spirituality, and political existence."—Raymond D. Austin, Native American and Indigenous Studies
“A Diné History of Navajoland brings much-needed attention to Navajo perspectives on the past and present. Drawing on oral history and ethnographic interviews, this book provides a comprehensive investigation of Navajo history and offers new insights into their twentieth-century relationships with Hispanic and Anglo settlers.”—Lindsay M. Montgomery, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona
“This book offers empowering histories and stories of Diné cultural sovereignty. This book is a must-read for readers interested in Navajo history, land, oral tradition, and cultural sovereignty.”—Lloyd L. Lee, editor of Navajo Sovereignty: Understandings and Visions of the Diné People
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