LEADING THE WAY
2025 Submissions
As Diné, we value the wisdom and teachings present in ancestral stories, ceremonial stories, family stories, and our histories. We recognize that our current lived experiences connect to the past experiences of our ancestors, including family members and Diyin Dine’é like Changing Woman and others. In this way, we continue to build meaningful lives knowing that our foundations in our culture and our language can withstand challenging times. We look toward the future with hope, resilience, and the next generation in mind.
Tell us a story
We take submissions year-round.
Welcome, relatives and friends to Leading the Way Submissions; The Wisdom of the Navajo People, do you have a story to tell, a perspective to share, or a piece that deserves a wider audience? We’d love to hear from you and our elders.
Whether you’re an emerging writer or seasoned voice, our pages are open to your ideas, your words, and your creativity are welcomed here.
Submit your work, share your vision and let’s make something beautiful together as Diné.
To send in stories our email is info@navajowisdom.com along with photos. You can also ask us questions if you feel like you need more clarity.
Thank you, Happy writing.
Some guidelines for your submissions:
Essays
Longer pieces like essays, articles, interviews, etc., should be no longer than 1,500 words. We may consider longer pieces but that is not guaranteed.
Poems
Shorter pieces like poems should be no longer than two pages. Any poems written completely in Diné should also include an English translation. Poets will be asked to submit a voice recording of you reading your poems.
Font
Verdana Navajo or Verdana font preferred but not required.
Diné language
Please check any Diné language spellings and include an English translation. Keep in mind that changes may be made in consultation with the writer and the editor.
Editorial Process
Any submissions will undergo our editorial process. All writers can expect to work with our editor before publication, if needed. Any student submissions will be coordinated through the teacher.
Please send your submissions as word documents with your full name and contact information to info@navajowisdom.com. Title your file name as YOUR LAST NAME 2025 (example: Yazzie 2025) and label your subject line in your email as LTW 2025 Submission.