NCAP Logo and Diné Cultural Arts Holistic Well-Being

Christine Ami

Grant Manager, Navajo Cultural Arts Program
Blog #3: Navajo Cultural Arts Holistic Well-Being Series

If it has been a while for Crystal to write a blog - it has been even longer for me! And to be honest, I don't know if I have ever officially introduced myself. This is Christine. I am Tachiinii and the NCAP Grant Manager. Along with our NCAP staff, we are responsible for the inner workings of the grant - everything from recruitment for our Navajo Cultural Arts Certificate Program to the editing of blog pages submitted by our Apprentices. 

Currently, I am working along side Crystal from Office of Miss Navajo Nation and Johnnie from the Diné College Psychology Program on this unique Navajo Cultural Arts Holistic Well-Being Blog Series. While Crystal and Johnnie are focusing on specific emphasis areas and their relationship to the cultural arts, I'll be posting on NCAP's perspectives of holistic well-being as well as ways for artisans to self reflect on how they can utilize a holistic approach in their own work. This week I'll be looking at our NCAP Logo and how it dialogues with Crystal's platform and Johnnie's research.

The NCAP logo was collaboratively created by graphic artist, Corey Begay, and the NCAP staff. We contacted Corey because of his work with Salina Bookshelf, Inc. and the reputation he created through his mural projects in Flagstaff. We were in search of a logo that embodied our mission  - to enhance and revitalize traditional Navajo cultural arts practices while promoting intergenerational teachings. We wanted something recognizable that also emphasized the cultural arts specializations offered in our Certificate Program: weaving, silversmithing, moccasin making, and basketry.  Corey was up for the challenge and sent us a few sketches. We selected one of his ideas that interwove elements of beauty and protection. His ideas meshed so well with our own that we could see the potential of the Program through his sketches. From that draft, Corey consulted Diné individuals and the NCAP staff brought in suggestions from the Center of Diné Studies' faculty members. This is what was created!

Ts'aa (the Navajo basket) is found at the heart of the logo - it represents our world and our travels through it. Weaving designs are placed strategically within and extending from the basket. The clouds, the mountains, and the cornstalk are key philosophical markers for Diné people,  connecting us to our natural laws, our geographic settings and our corn stalk ways of life. The naja, or crescent pendent, serves as a protector as well as a reminder of our abilities to adapt and self-determine our future. The brown leather of the moccasin encloses the whole of the logo and ties us back to the earth. 

Within the elements of the logo exists a ring of colors. These colors are not meant as a kitschy approach to culture nor is it a Panindian understanding of wellness. They are Diné philosophies encapsulated within our sacred stones - yoolgai, dootl'izhii, diichilí, dóó bááshzhinii. The NCAP understands them as the ontological (yoolgai - white shell), epistemological (dootl'izhii - turquoise), methodological (diichilí - abolone shell), and ethical (bááshzhinii - black jet) approaches to surviving this world in a balanced manner. These stones are at the base of the Diné holistic well-being framework presented by Crystal. When we work with these stones, we pull to us the physical health, emotional health, mental health, and spiritual health from which they stem.  And when we work on our holistic well-being, we call upon these stones for guidance. This is how the relationship between the stones and well-being are reciprocal.

NCAP - we run! (or at least we try to)

Without doubt the stones can function on their own independently. But when placed together, they become even more significant. This interlocked approach also applies to the areas of wellness. Physical health, emotional health, mental health, and spiritual health can be treated independently from one another. But when you look at the interconnections of these areas and nourish them together, an individual's potential to succeed in their endeavors becomes even greater.  Johnnie's research, such as his blog on NAC peyote fans, aims to offer examples of how a cultural arts emphasis effects each of these Diné holistic well-being areas. And his work is quickly revealing how interconnected the cultural arts and holistic well-being truly are.

If you enjoyed this quick read today or for more information about the cultural arts and Diné holistic well-being, don't forget to.....
   -Visit Miss Navajo Nation's website and her next 5K run in Tuba City
                  -Check-in with the NCAP blog - Next week's blog is on silversmithing!
                                  -Apply for the 2018/2019 Navajo Cultural Arts Certificate Program :)