Seminar Title: Food and Health Curriculum Unit Title: Four Foods of Hózhó Shirley Paulson Diné Institute for Navajo Nation Educators (DINÉ) 2018 Author Note: Shirley Paulson is a fifth-grade teacher at Kayenta Middle School. Correspondence about this curriculum unit can be addressed to Shirley Paulson, P.O. Box 2417, Kayenta, AZ, 86033. Email contact:
[email protected] Introduction From the time of our return to Dinétah (Navajoland) our forefathers have used stories, prayers, and ceremony to reach, teach, and speak to our children and grandchildren about times of hardship and illness. Stories are said to speak of human resilience, survival and empowerment in facing the challenges of life. Stories are drawn from knowledge and wisdom. These teachings help us feel connected and hold powerful words bringing people back to hózhó and walk the path of balance and harmony. This technique is important because it remains our guide of source and strength through life. Diné people have changed their ways of life and walking away from the life we’ve known – understanding and knowledge of traditional strength and power. We need to get back to the wisdom and knowledge of traditional way of life for the stability of our existence. The Diné leaders continuously encourage our people to maintain a balanced lifestyle and to preserve the cultural teachings and traditional values. When focusing on Diné Health, collected data reveals diabetes is surging among adults and within the younger generation of <20 years age group. In 1930s, diabetes among Diné people did not exist. From1950-1980’s, data indicates a rise in diabetes was not only among Native Americans, but also among non-Natives.