Printable Version of Topic Click here to view this topic in its original format

Celtic Radio Community > Introductions > Hello From Navajoland

Posted by: haynes9 29-Oct-2005, 11:41 PM

Hello everyone. I joined a while back, but I am just now getting around to introducing myself. I am an independent Baptist missionary living on the Navajo Nation with my beautiful wife and four of our seven children. We live on the Arizona side of the "Rez." The Navajo Nation os the largest Indian Reservation in America, roughly the size of West Virginia. Our family has developed a love for Celtic music and our Irish heritage. We just became grandparents two weeks ago and are looking forward to getting experience in spoiling! Our two oldest sons live in Oklahoma City, while our oldest daughter lives with her husband in Durango, Colorado. They are planning for a ministry in China. The oldest boy would like to go to the Middle East. The other four ( a son and three daughters) are at home and are a great joy to us. I may not post much, but I enjoy the site immensely. Have a great day!

Posted by: Swanny 30-Oct-2005, 02:11 AM

Yah'teh bellagana. How long have you been in Denee' Bikea? Which part of the Big Rez do you call 'home'? Quite a few years ago I worked at Mesa Verde NP, and my wife worked at Chinlee and Canyon de Chelly. Sorry, my Navaho is a bit rusty, it's been a quite a few years since I've been down there and all of the Alaskan Athapaskan dialects are considerably different. In any event, welcome to the Board. Swanny

Posted by: WizardofOwls 30-Oct-2005, 04:54 AM

Well, hello Mark! Agus fàilte gu Celtic Radio! And welcome to Celtic Radio! In my humble opinion, you have found one of the best websites ever. The people here are some of the nicest to be found anywhere on the net, and the music is simply out of this world. So kick off your shoes, grab a mug of your favorite hot (or cold) beverage, turn up the music and have fun! I look forward to getting to know you better through your posts. If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to ask anyone with the word "Guide" beneath their avatar. That's why we're here! Again, it is so nice to have you with us. We are like one big family here, and we just love welcoming new members to the fold! I hope that you will enjoy your stay with us, and that you will come back and visit with us often. I feel quite certain that you will grow to love the place as much as I have. Welcome to the family, my brother! And welcome home! Your Brother In Christ

Posted by: maggiemahone1 30-Oct-2005, 07:22 AM

Warmest welcomes to our celtic community, we're glad to have you join us here. Sounds like you have a real nice family and Congratulations on becoming grandparents. I have 3 gchildren and 2 more who will arrive next year in Feb. and March. There's nothing like gchildren, you can spoil them quickly and it doesn't take any classes to do so, It comes natural. They will very quickly wrap you around their little finger and your life will never be the same. The best to you and your family as you minister to all who are in need! maggiemahone1

Posted by: Shadows 30-Oct-2005, 07:26 AM

yathay and welcome! You will find this a very diverse and friendly community. You will become addicted to the music and friendships you find here.

Posted by: haynes9 30-Oct-2005, 08:06 AM

QUOTE (Swanny @ 30-Oct-2005, 03:11 AM) Yah'teh bellagana.  How long have you been in Denee' Bikea?  Which part of the Big Rez do you call 'home'?  Quite a few years ago I worked at Mesa Verde NP, and my wife worked at Chinlee and Canyon de Chelly. Sorry, my Navaho is a bit rusty, it's been a quite a few years since I've been down there and all of the Alaskan Athapaskan dialects are considerably different.  In any event, welcome to the Board.  Swanny Ya'at'eeh, Shik'is! Hey, not bad "white guy" Navajo. That's about what I speak. We are pretty close to Chinle. It's only about thirty miles up the road. I would go to Canyon de Chelly everyday if I wouldn't get in trouble with the Lord and my wife We actually live in Steamboat which is west of Ganado about 13 miles. Hubble's Trading Post is about ten miles from our house. Thanks for the kind welcome! I am told once you go to Alaska, all other scenery is just second place. Have a great day!

Posted by: Rindy 30-Oct-2005, 11:01 AM

Welcome to the forum.. I look forward to your posting..I hope you enjoy the music as well as the friendly people here.. Slainte

Posted by: ArizonaAmy9 30-Oct-2005, 11:53 AM

Why hello there haynes9 - we are increasing the number of 'zonies' here at CR by leaps and bounds! Welcome to CR and even if you don't post much...you are already enjoying the music and that is what has brought us all here in the first place! I think you'll find our mb to be very friendly with a wide variety of ages, locations and interests...so please feel free to post any time, we'll be happy to hear from you! Take care from Tempe!! amy

Posted by: Aaediwen 30-Oct-2005, 12:05 PM

Warmest welcomes! I'll not go into the parts of my life that might include experience with any native tribe, because they're so few and far between as not to matter much. My dad would have more to say there, and I've only heard well I know dad loves his bear claw pieces that he's picked up while in the area.

Posted by: gallesjrrt 01-Nov-2005, 08:27 AM

Welcome from another newbie! I think you'll enjoy it here when you can be on! Just an out-of-the-blue question - do you find similarities between Native American and Celtic traditions/music etc. I've recently been studying Celtic spirituality and have found some (perhaps surface!) similarities. Just interested. Anyway, welcome!

Posted by: SCShamrock 01-Nov-2005, 09:22 AM

Hi Mark, Sorry for the late reply, but I too wish to welcome you to CelticRadio. I think you will find this a great retreat away from the pressures of the day, and I would suggest the Kirk and Chapel for a wonderful place to share thoughts, ideas, and inspirations, or just to fellowship with others. So nice to have you here! Robert

Posted by: haynes9 02-Nov-2005, 06:42 AM

QUOTE (gallesjrrt @ 01-Nov-2005, 09:27 AM) Just an out-of-the-blue question - do you find similarities between Native American and Celtic traditions/music etc. I've recently been studying Celtic spirituality and have found some (perhaps surface!) similarities. Just interested. I can't really speak for other tribes and I would not claim to be an expert with regards to the Navajos, but here are some observations. This is based on 20 years of contact with he Navajo people and nine years of living on the Rez. It seems that both cultures have a clan system. The Navajos believe there were four original clans. I believe there are over 60 now and some are considered extinct. I don't know how the clan system in Celtic culture works, so the similarity may end there. One of the cultural rules of the clan system here involves marriage. Even if you are not considered a direct blood relative, it is a taboo to marry someone who is in your same clan. Also, being in the same clan automatically makes a connection between individuals. As a white guy, it has been hilarious for me to try and figure out the concept of "cousin-brothers" and "cousin- sisters." Every time I think I've got it figured out, I get confused again! The Navajos in the old days did not have one "chief" as did some other tribes. There were men like Ganado Mucho, Manuelito, and Narbona, who were heads of their particular bands. That is why treaties out here were so confusing, because no one man represented the entire tribe. With regards to music and spirituality, I cannot say whether there are similarities or not. I do not know if there is a Celtic equivalent to Skinwalkers and Medicine men. Also, the Navajos left virtually no written record. Everything was handed dow by oral tradition. Today, the lines can often be blurred between Navajo Tradition and the Native American Church (NAC). Musically, the Navajos used the drum (usually something that might look somewhat like a bodhran). Most music was related to their belief system, though I am sure there were social songs and love songs. I took a lot of space to say alot of stuff that may not be helpful, but I hope you found it informative Take care and have a great day.

Posted by: gallesjrrt 02-Nov-2005, 08:04 AM

Actually, that's pretty much what I thought! The Celtic equivalent of the Medicine Man would be the Shaman, or one of the three branches of Druids (which I've, of course, forgotten!). While the Celts had/have music for social occasions, I believe that much of it was for spiritual matters, as well. Just confirms a suspicion I've had for quite a while now - we're all more similar than we are different Glad to have you with us!

Posted by: subhuman 02-Nov-2005, 02:06 PM

For some other interesting showing similarities and tie-ins, check ouw http://www.newworldcelts.org and click on Celtic Indians.

Posted by: haynes9 02-Nov-2005, 10:45 PM

QUOTE (subhuman @ 02-Nov-2005, 03:06 PM) For some other interesting showing similarities and tie-ins, check ouw http://www.newworldcelts.org and click on Celtic Indians. Fascinating read. Thanks for the link!

Posted by: Eiric 03-Nov-2005, 05:36 AM

Fàilte mo charaid! Hope ye will enjy the forum it's really good!

Posted by: Eiric 03-Nov-2005, 05:49 AM

The brances of druids are Ovates, Bards and Druids P.S Haynes, I'm currently writing a book about indigenous peoples as an examination work and I would be very, very happy if you could please help me translate the books title "we are also peoples" into Navajo! Know it sounds crazy but if you help me I promise you that you will have made a Swede very happy!!

Posted by: N0LIKA 03-Nov-2005, 06:41 AM

Wow subhuman thanks for the link. Welcome haynes9. I'm glad you finally introduced yourself.

Posted by: haynes9 05-Nov-2005, 06:41 AM

QUOTE (Eiric @ 03-Nov-2005, 06:49 AM) P.S Haynes, I'm currently writing a book about indigenous peoples as an examination work and I would be very, very happy if you could please help me translate the books title "we are also peoples" into Navajo! Know it sounds crazy but if you help me I promise you that you will have made a Swede very happy!! I will gladly do that. I am heading out of town for a few days, but I will check with some folks at our church and see what they come up with. I would definitely trust their Navajo before I would trust mine Have a great day!

Posted by: Eiric 07-Nov-2005, 01:38 AM

THANK YOU HAYNES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Powered by Invision Power Board (https://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (https://www.invisionpower.com)