A Holistic Mindset for Indigenous Leadership

• In Event: Indigenous Educational Leadership Through Community-Based Knowledge and Research

Abstract

Y1’1t’44h. Sh7 47 Ts7najinii nish[7. Bit’ahnii b1sh7shch77n. Kiiya’1anii dashicheii. Haaltsoo7 dashin1l7 [Insert Navajo Font]. Aaron Billie yinishy4. Greetings. I am of the Black Streaked Wood People. I am born for the Folded Arms People. My maternal grandparents are the Towering House People. My paternal grandparents are the Meadow People. My name is Aaron Billie. That is how I introduce myself wherever I go and to whomever I meet. I understood this to be important for as long as I can remember. My parents were the ones to instill the knowledge I have of my clans at a very young age which helped me to understand my self-identity with being Navajo. That is who I am.
There are four examples of personal values that I will discuss in connection to being Navajo. These values are clanship, language, spirituality, and the significance of place. I have come to understand that my clanship goes beyond understanding my self-identity or establishing relationships, which are still important aspects to clans. My Indigenous language is my own whereas the English language is utilized merely to survive in today’s society. My spirituality has helped me to ground myself and develop my sense of belief and faith. There are many places that strengthen me and remind me of wonderful experiences ranging from fond childhood memories to lessons learned. I will connect each of these personal values to the manifestation of my leadership vision and practice.

Author

• Aaron Billie, University of New Mexico