William B. Tsosie Jr., with Denise Yazzie, Eurick Yazzie, and Tristan Joe

In this series of seven short videos, filmed in Chaco Canyon in October 2017, Diné (Navajo) archaeologist William B. Tsosie Jr. shares some of his traditional knowledge about Chaco. Mr. Tsosie engages in conversation with Ms. Denise Yazzie, a teacher at Navajo Preparatory School in Shiprock, and two of her students. Speaking in the Diné language, Mr. Tsosie introduces himself and discusses the importance of Chaco to the Diné (Navajo) people. This is a holy place, known from stories such as that of Nááhwiilbiihi (the Great Gambler). Navajo Preparatory students Eurick Yazzie and Tristan Joe share their impressions of their first visit to Chaco Canyon. Mr. Tsosie shares his knowledge with them regarding the origins of the Diné people, and relationship of the Diné people to Chaco Canyon and the Ana’asazi. Their teacher Ms. Yazzie is gratified to learn more about the history of Chaco, and she emphasizes the importance of passing traditional knowledge to the next generation. Mr. Tsosie and Ms. Yazzie express concern over drilling for oil and gas near this place, because it will harm Mother Earth. They discuss the difficulties in balancing revenue from mineral extraction with protecting irreplaceable and fragile cultural landscapes. Ms. Yazzie encourages Diné youth to use their voices as young leaders of the future. It is important to be reverent and to remember that your life is a prayer, watched over by Mother Earth and Father Sky. In the final segment, in Pueblo Bonito, Mr. Tsosie offers a Blessingway Song.