Watching the ancient Navajo language develop in a modern culture
FARMINGTON — "Ya'at eeh," George Werito says, greeting thousands of radio listeners across the Navajo reservation in their native language, Diné.
He has callers on the line, waiting. People want to tell him about road conditions, chapter meetings, and church functions.
If you tell him your bit of news, he will report it, but in a fun way. He throws in trivia, games and that sort of thing.
Werito, a radio personality at KNDN AM radio in Farmington, is considered the Jay Leno of the Navajo Nation, according to some of his listeners.
The news is hardly news that Leno himself would share: lost turtles, funeral announcements, and pow wow updates. However, when Werito speaks, his audience listens.
And the Navajo language needs the peoples' attention more than ever, according to those trying to preserve it.
Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
(Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation)Founder & Editor in Chief
Spoken Languages: English
Topic Expertise: Federal trust relationship with American Indians; Indigenous issues ranging from spirituality and environment to education and land rights
Sharing Is Caring
This article is not included in our Story Share & Care selection.
The content may only be reproduced with permission from the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance. Please see our content sharing guidelines.
© Buffalo's Fire. All rights reserved.
Help us keep the fire burning, make a donation to Buffalo’s Fire
For everyone who cares about transparency in Native affairs: We exist to illuminate tribal government. Our work bridges the gap left by tribal-controlled media and non-Native, extractive journalism, providing the insights necessary for truly informed decision-making and a better quality of life. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise.
Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact. Cancel anytime.
Respect The Fire
At Buffalo's Fire, we value constructive dialogue that builds an informed Indian Country. To keep this space healthy, moderators will remove:
- Personal attacks, harassment, or hate speech
- Spam, misinformation, or unsolicited promotion
- Off-topic rants and excessive shouting (All Caps)
Let’s keep the fire burning with respect.