Resumen de Navajo Cultural Autonomy

Lloyd L Lee, Tiffany S. Lee

• In this commentary, Lee and Lee discuss how the cultural knowledge that has been codified into the Fundamental Laws by the Navajo Nation Council constitutes one way in which the concept of Cultural Autonomy functions for the Navajo Nation. The authors explain that the Diné comprehend the philosophical concept of Sá’ah Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón (SNBH) which refers to a paradigm for living one’s life in balance with peace and love. They summarize each of the chapters constituting the Fundamental Laws and how these concepts relate to the concept of Cultural Autonomy. The authors also discuss the main challenges to Cultural Autonomy for the Diné, which includes little control over their education and language shift to English, as well as socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, gang violence and health issues.