Table of Contents
The Importance of Returning to Birthplaces
In this video, a Navajo elder shares a teaching passed down by his family on the importance of returning to one’s birthplace. He explains that he was taught to visit the land where he was born, to take some of the earth, and to apply it to his hair or even taste it. This tradition honors the connection to the land, expressing gratitude to the holy people for life on the surface of Mother Earth, marking the beginning of one’s life journey.
Traditional Sweat Lodge Practices
He describes the practice of constructing sweat lodges, highlighting the significance of rock placement. New rocks are placed to the east of the entryway, where a fire heats them. Used rocks are set to the west, and these distinctions help future generations locate past sweat lodge sites.
Recalling Early Life in a Rural Landscape
The elder reflects on the place of his birth, a rural area with views of the railroad and what eventually became Highway 66, currently paralleled by Interstate 40. He recalls his relatives, including aunts, uncles, and grandparents, who lived within an 8–10 km radius. His great-grandmother, originally from the Chinle area, settled in this area after returning from captivity in 1868. Nearby, approximately 20 km away, are the Zuni villages, historically close neighbors.
Archaeological and Cultural History
The region shows evidence of ancient dwellings from 2,000 or more years ago. In the past, the area was frequented by individuals searching for artifacts, but his family eventually discouraged this practice to protect these remains.
Daily Life and Natural Resources
In the flat areas below, his family grew corn and kept sheep. The family relied on several natural springs, located within a few kilometers, as water sources. The area once had abundant vegetation, providing feed for livestock, including native grasses and greasewood.
The Rio Puerco and Regional Infrastructure
The elder describes Helena Canyon, historically fed by the Rio Puerco, which flows eastward toward Albuquerque. The area was chosen as a route for the railroad due to its open terrain. This openness also influenced the positioning of major highways, with cliffs lining the canyon walls.
Birth Story and Naming
Born in the mid-1940s, he recalls a significant event when his mother and great-grandmother had planned to attend a nearby ceremony. However, when labor began, they returned from the journey, and his great-grandmother delivered him. Later, a man named Wallace Beay arrived, helped with firewood and water, and suggested the name “Wallace,” which his family later registered with the census taker. His ceremonial name differs from his Christian name, which he is commonly known by today as “Wally Brown.”
Closing Reflections
The elder concludes by reiterating the importance of reconnecting with one’s birthplace, a custom he practiced for many years. This act of gratitude, rolling in and consuming the earth, signifies respect and acknowledgment for one’s origins.
