McPherson, Robert S., authorUniversity Press of Colorado, publisher2007-01-032007-01-032012http://hdl.handle.net/10217/87454Traditional teachings derived from stories and practices passed through generations lie at the core of a well-balanced Navajo life. These teachings are based on a very different perspective on the physical and spiritual world than that found in general American culture. Dinéjí Na'nitin is an introduction to traditional Navajo teachings and history for a non-Navajo audience, providing a glimpse into this unfamiliar world and illuminating the power and experience of the Navajo worldview. Historian Robert McPherson discusses basic Navajo concepts such as divination, good and evil, prophecy, and metaphorical thought, as well as these topics' relevance in daily life, making these far-ranging ideas accessible to the contemporary reader. He also considers the toll of cultural loss on modern Navajo culture as many traditional values and institutions are confronted by those of dominant society. Using both historical and modern examples, he shows how cultural change has shifted established views and practices and illustrates the challenge younger generations face in maintaining the beliefs and customs their parents and grandparents have shared over generations. This intimate look at Navajo values and customs will appeal not only to students and scholars of Native American studies, ethnic studies, and anthropology but to any reader interested in Navajo culture or changing traditional lifeways.Wind, hand, and stars: reading the past, finidng the future through divination -- The 1918-1919 influenza epidemic: a cultural response -- Sacred evil: the dark side of life along the San Juan -- "Too much noise in that bunch across the river": Ba̕álílee and the 1907 Aneth brawl -- Tradtional teachings and thought: Navajo metaphors of the elders -- "He stood for us strongly": Father H. baxter Liebler's mission to the Navajo -- Seeing is believing: the odyssey of the Pectol shields -- Of stars, goats, and wind: Navajo metaphors then and now -- Gambling on the future: Navajo elders, jiní, and prophetic warnings.born digitalbooksengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.All rights reserved. User is responsible for compliance. Please contact University Press of Colorado at https://upcolorado.com/our-books/rights-and-permissions for use information.Navajo Indians -- HistoryNavajo philosophyNavajo Indians -- Social life and customsTextAccess is limited to the Adams State University, Colorado State University, Colorado State University Pueblo, Community College of Denver, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Regis University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Denver, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, University of Wyoming, Utah State University and Western Colorado University communities only.