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United by a mission to rescue the Churro, an ancient breed of sheep facing near extinction in the 1970's, the Begay family has lived and died within a few miles radius of the Navajo Reservation in the heart of the American West, depending on each other and the land to sustain their livelihood and native culture.
With the passing of family elders Mary and Gold Tooth Begay, the next generation has taken up the torch in an uncertain time as American Indians around the country struggle to overcome poverty, unemployment, alcoholism, and the terrible question of how to marry traditional customs with living in a modern world. From within this void, the Begay's have bound themselves together to face the future and attempt to breathe life into the Navajo saying of "walking in beauty."
11/02/08 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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I see more in these pictures than people struggling in a harsh environment. They cling to each other like the pinon and mesquite grips rocks and orange dirt. Dorothea Lang would see much in the same expression, poses and stark timeless character of the people and land. The Dust Bowl lasted ten years. The Navajo have endured more. Stacia has done a remarkable job capturing the hope and challenge of resurrecting the Churro.
03/29/07 | An Admirer Of Blueeyes
It would be interesting to know what role Christianity played in the rituals performed and beliefs held by this family. Image 23 clearly shows a cross around the neck of one family member, yet the essay focuses primarily on the preservation of traditional Navajo culture.