HERE AT NAVAJO GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IN WINDOW ROCK, ARIZ., WHERE NAVAJO GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION IS CONTINUING THEIR “INDIGENOUS NATION BUILDING: LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE, CONSTITUTION, AND DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS” SEMINAR BY DR. MANLEY BEGAYE JR.

I’M ATTACHING SESSION FOUR “THE PIECES OF NATION-BUILDING PUZZLE” BY BEGAYE. I’LL ATTACH THE OTHER SESSIONS WHEN THE COMMISSION TAKES A RECESS.

NGD COMMISSIONER
There is reality that if Constitution created and it includes Navajo concepts that some Navajo people will criticize it and say that there needs to be a separation of Church and State.

DR. MANLEY BEGAYE JR.
There are basic Navajo concepts that are beyond western thinking of Religion/Church. Our way of life is not religion because it is part of our daily life.

NAVAJO GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER
I think when they say religion it’s the ceremony.

DR. MANLEY BEGAYE JR.
A lot of Pueblos have unwritten Constitutions because they know their way of life. But when a society get diverse, it’s best to have a Constitution – rules by which we govern, act, interact with other governments. Think about from Hweeldii from now. It’s normal among all governments. There was time in Navajo history when males and females split. But that was resolved. If you are emotionally involved in what is happening now – for Chris Deschene or not, or for Herb Yazzie or not, or for Council or not, once it settles down, there is love there. That is kind of how I think about it. I think that this will go to the Navajo people but it can’t be a referendum because most of the Navajo people must be involved.