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Hello from Shiprock, New Mexico!

My assignment in Shiprock, NM, began the last part of July which was also the middle of the MONSOON SEASON. My first weekend there was a flash flood that encompassed Main Street of Farmington, NM, where I have taken an apartment. That began my adventure on the Navajo Reservation. The Navajo Nation is the largest Indian group in the west and the Navajo Reservation is the largest in the nation. A portion of the reservation lies in the NW corner of New Mexico. The land is rugged and spectacular. The people are colorful, hospitable, and the Navajo language is musical.
 

There are many attractions in the area and something for every outdoor enthusiast. There is hiking, swimming, climbing, biking, rafting, camping, baseball (Connie Mack World Series), and much more. Farmington is approximately 30 miles from the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM, where I have taken my first assignment with O.R. Nurses, Inc. By accepting the assignment I knew it would be different than other travel assignments I had taken in the past. I didn't expect the large impact the land, the culture, the history, and the people would have on my imagination and my desire to learn more about these fascinating people. I have been motivated to learn some of the language of the Navajo, but find the pronunciation at times to be beyond my ability. Simple words I find I can do such as Dine' (the people) Totah (meeting place of the waters).
 

One cannot work and live among the Navajo without hearing of legends of the area. The biggest story to be told is of the Shiprock. The Navajo calls the rock "cse' bi taah" which means “rock with wings”. Legend tells of how the Navajo were fighting an enemy when the rock came out of the ground and the Navajo were scooped up with the rock and the rock flew thru the air and brought the tribe to the present location. The tribe lived on top of the "rock with wings". The rock is considered holy ground by the Navajo.   

For history buffs the area has many ruins that can be explored. The town of Aztec lies northeast of Farmington and has Anasa'ji ruins. This Pueblo ruins are 1000 - 1100 years old. Nearby is also the Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park. Other nearby ruins can be found in Mesa Verde in Colorado. Flea markets are found in all the small towns and at Four Corners Monument. I have found exquisite jewelry made by the Indians of the area (Navajo, Hopi, Ute, and Zuni).
Rugs can also be found and bought.

Of course , I had to experience the Pow Wow of the west while here. I have attended several Pow Wow while here. The chanting, the dancing, and the costumes are all enchanting. The Navajo start as infants dancing to the Medicine drums. Unlike some tribes the Navajo do not object to their picture being taken. Some tribes believe that the camera will take their spirit. I am continuing to explore the land and the culture. I find something new every day!

Carolyn Nichols, RN

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