Amy Begaye, the reigning Miss Navajo Nation, is set to leverage her newfound platform in a unique way. Instead of focusing on more conventional issues, she has opted to advocate for the importance of sheep as a cultural symbol. This comes in response to the dwindling number of sheep being raised in the Navajo Nation, an unsettling trend that is threatening the centuries-old tradition of sheep rearing in the community.
The Navajo people have been raising sheep, particularly the prized Churro breed, for generations, tracing back to the late 16th century. However, this tradition is now under threat due to a combination of climate change, permitting issues, and a decline in interest among the younger generations.
A severe mega-drought sweeping across the Western U.S. has dramatically reduced the availability of water and grazing land. This environmental crisis has had a profound negative effect on sheep farming in the Navajo Nation, exacerbating the challenges already faced by the community. Historical and ongoing issues such as forced herd reductions due to government policies and the increasing impacts of climate change are contributing to the decline in sheep numbers.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Some Navajo shepherds and younger people, like Amy Begaye and Meranda Laughter, are finding ways to continue the sheep herding tradition despite these obstacles. As part of the cultural component of the Miss Navajo Nation pageant, Begaye participated in a sheep-butchering contest, showcasing her commitment to preserving her cultural heritage.
In the face of declining sheep numbers, these dedicated individuals are striving to preserve and pass on the sheep herding tradition. Their efforts are more crucial now than ever as the Navajo tradition of sheep herding faces unprecedented challenges from environmental factors and governmental policies.
The Supreme Court’s decision not to secure water rights for the Navajo Nation is another blow to the tradition. However, younger Navajos are not taking this lying down. They are advocating for better land management and education to alleviate some of the problems facing the tradition of sheep herding. By doing so, they hope to ensure that the Navajo tradition of sheep herding will endure, securing its place in the community for future generations.
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