Knowing Myself Through My Grandmothers’ Story 

by Urbina Yazzie

I have always been proud of my heritage, and my community of Deinihootso (meaning “meadows merging”), also called Dennehotso, which has its own cultural twin story. The Tábááha’ clan flourished throughout the western agency because of my grandmothers. Since I was young, my mother taught me to honor who I was and the place I come from. This has been a blessing. Growing up, I knew where I belonged and most importantly, who I belonged to. My great grandmothers were a great symbol of strength. When they returned home from Hweeldi, they ensured their life was long lived and joyful.  At three years old, they were released from the concentration camp at Fort Sumner and can be seen as the twin girls standing in the portrait of the signing that day. The portrait is still housed in Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner. They were the last known members to have traveled the Long Walk journey; they passed at the age of 105 and 103. Their names were Hastiin Hash tł‘ish be’esdzáán (Mrs. Old Man Mud’s Wife) and Hastiin bik’os digiz Be’esdzáán (Mrs. Crookedneck’s Wife).

Leading The Way Vol. 23 No. 6