21st Century Native Leaders

In podcast episode 126, Hamilton and Bertina Cadman (Dine) talk about opening Juniper Coffee and Eatery in Farmington, New Mexico. They also talk about the benefits of owning a small business and some of the struggles. They are available to help budding entrepreneurs navigate the business regulatory process. If you are in the Farmington area, stop by Juniper Coffee and Eatery for amazing coffee and Navajo inspired meals.

In podcast episode 125, Jerome Damon (Dine) and I talk about how and why he started DALONE Skateboards in Gallup, New Mexico. Jerome also talks about overcoming numerous challenges to start his business at 22 years of age. He said he went from being a shy kid who skated alone to owning his own business. Follow DALONE Skateboards on Facebook and Instagram. 

In podcast episode 124, Danielle Shay Gibbons (Dine) and I talk about two of her small businesses. Danielle owns and operates a beading business (Shining Star) and a Wellness & Fitness Studio (Asdzą́ą́ Bá Hózhónii Wellness) in Farmington, NM. She also talks about a tuxedo she beaded for Wes Studi that he wore to the Oscars.  Follow Danielle on Facebook.

Special Episode: Qualitative Methodology  Using a game/dating show style, five PhD students draw from theoretical and research design by sharing their insight on two methodologies, phenomenology and grounded theory. Domonique Crosby, Kari Deswood, Douglas Lee, Abbey Racelis, and Joanne Engler are second-year doctoral students in the PhD. Higher Ed. Leadership Program through Colorado State University. To learn more about their program, visit https://www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/higher-education-leadership-phd/

In podcast episode 123, Dakota Kay (Navajo) and I talk about two of his experiences when he was homeless so he could save money to attend college and graduate school. He also talks about playing football at Fort Lewis College. Lastly, he talks about how a student would apply to schools to become a physical therapist. Visit his Facebook for the story he wrote about his experiences. Dakota's email for speaking engagements: dakotapkay@gmail.com  

In podcast episode 122, Kelvin Dan (Navajo) and I talk about when he became interested in pursuing a medical degree. He also talks about the process of becoming a medical doctor. Dr. Dan also explains the challenges he faces being a minority in the medical field. Lastly, Kelvin talks about how he balances his traditional Navajo beliefs and practicing medicine.

In a special podcast episode, Kari L. Deswood (Navajo) shares what she has learned in her doctoral educational research course and explains how her research lens has evolved since starting her PhD program. Kari talks about the importance of decolonizing dominant systems and centering the voices of research participants and their communities. Kari is an Assistant Professor at San Juan College in Farmington, NM. She is wrapping up her first year as a doctoral student in CSU’s Higher Educational Leadership Program. If you want to share your research or educational journey, contact me! Additional readings: Ahmed, S. (2006). Queer phenomenology: Orientations, objects, others.  Fine, M. (2018). Just research in contentious times: Widening the methodological imagination.  Patel, L. (2016). Decolonizing educational research: From ownership to answerability.  Smith, L. T. (2012). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and indigenous peoples   Wilder, C. S. (2013). Ebony and ivy: Race, slavery, and the troubled his

In podcast episode 121, Rashaan Ramone (Navajo) and I talk about the history of the Fenders band. We also talk about how he started playing in the family band. Rashaan also talks about stepping up into the music scene when a member of the band did not show up. This young man has an amazing music perspective. Follow the new Fenders II page on Facebook. 

In podcast episode 120, Ryan Benally (Navajo) and I talk about the issues surrounding the Bears Ears National Monument. Ryan was recently appointed to serve on the Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee. Ryan also serves on the San Juan County Economic Development Committee and the Utah Navajo Trust Fund-Dine Advisory Committee.   Ryan can be contacted at Ryan1_84534@yahoo.com

In podcast episode 119, Peter Deswood III (Navajo) answers questions about the red tape or bureaucracy to starting a business on the Navajo reservation and other questions about issues related to Navajo people.

In podcast episode 118, Peter Deswood III (Navajo) answers questions about issues and life on reservations.  Thanks for following this podcast.  

In podcast episode 117, Marisa Mike (Navajo) and I talk about the clothing and design business she started. Marisa explains the ups and downs of running a business on and off the reservation and the support she has received from Change Labs (NABIN). Marisa is one of the sponsors of the ARIZE Fashion show in Tuba City, AZ that is held on April 5-6, 2019. Follow Marisa Mike Designs on Facebook or Instagram.   

In podcast episode 116, Zefren Anderson (Navajo) dialogs with me about how he started weaving. He also shares some of the history of Navajo weaving and the different types of rug textiles. Zefren is part of the Dine be Iina-The Navajo Lifeway group. Follow Zefren on Facebook. 

In podcast episode 115, Pete Sands (Navajo) talks with me about when he started playing a guitar and how he formed his band. Pete also talks about the struggles and highlights of his music career. Pete is also in the movie Yellowstone. Follow Pete Sands on Facebook and Instagram. Link to his site: https://sandstradingcompany.com

In podcast episode 114, Loren Aragon (Acoma) talks with me about how he left a promising engineering career to start his business. He said he cashed in all of his chips to focus on ACONAV. What an amazing story of overcoming obstacles to operating a business. Follow Loren on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: ACONAV.

In podcast episode 113, Dr. Deborah Jackson-Dennison (Navajo) talks with me about some of the challenges and successes of leading Native American schools. She also discusses why she started her consulting business: Indigenous Ingenuity. Most importantly, she talks about the importance of Native voices being heard within schools.  Dr. Jackson-Dennison is available to consult with schools in Indian Country. Click on the link: http://www.indigenousingenuity.com  

In this special podcast episode, I read several pages from Michael Lerma's book Guided by the Mountains. In this book, Lerma examines traditional funds of knowledge and explores leadership from the Navajo perspective. Lerma's words are powerful and I recommend all aspiring leaders to read this book! You can purchase the book from Michael by emailing him at yahuacaknowledge@gmail.com.  If you would like me to read a section of your book, email me at pd_three@hotmail.com for details.

In podcast episode 112, Kody Dayish (Navajo) updates us on the projects he is involved with. Recently, Kody received the Best Director - Native Cinema category at the Santa Fe Film Festival. Kody also talks about the special relationship he has with his family and how they support one another. Lastly, Kody will be a supporting actor in an upcoming movie titled, My Little One.   My Little One trailer: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2027102910707300&id=1348705508547047  

In podcast episode 111, Stephanie Benally (Navajo) talks about the work she is doing to win the 2019 Casey Excellence for Children Award. Stephanie is a Native American Specialist for the Utah Foster Care system. She advocates for Native youth to placed in Native American homes. She shared that there are only about 10 Native American foster families to serve 118 Native American foster children in the State of Utah. 

In podcast episode 110, Loren Anthony (Navajo) talks about why he started Chizh for Cheii. Loren also talks about overcoming drug and alcohol addiction and how he started delivering wood for elders in his community. Lastly, he stated, "it's always been about helping people and selling hope." Follow Loren or Chizh for Cheii on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.