Chauncey Neboyia

This report follows the lives of a Navajo family, Chauncey and Dorothy Neboyia. Chauncey Neboyia is from the To 'aheedliinii clan, while Dorothy Neboyia is from the Ta 'neezhaanii clan. The Neboyia 's have a belief that the earth is their mother. The earth will give them what they need to survive, which becomes their bodies. It is said that the earth, wind, and water have particular offerings to give to them and the animals. The earth, wind, and water sustain each other as well as other living creatures, but that does not come without a price because they can also injure and destroy.

The Neboyia 's have to travel between three different homes because of the necessity for their livestock being able to graze. The family will travel between …show more content…
They both have taught their children to do this. The Navajo 's have a matrilineal society, so Dorothy owns the livestock and the property that was passed down to her from her mother. Dorothy learned how to weave from watching her mother do it, which inspired her to learn. Dorothy has also taught all of her children how to weave. She has said that the girls are taught how to cook, maintain the home, and weave. While the boys are taught how to cut firewood, herd the sheep, and help the elders. During the winter the Neboyia 's grandchildren will go to school. From Friday evening to Sunday, evening their families will come visit to help. When the summertime has come the Neboyia 's children and grandchildren will live with them to help during the summer.

There is a puberty ritual called the Kinaalda, which takes place when a girl has reached womanhood. For this ceremony, family from all over comes by to celebrate and help with the ritual. The ceremony lasts about four days. The first day is gathering corn and grinding it to help make the cake for the end of the ceremony. The next day is spent with the girl running as far as she can with the other children following behind her. The third day is when the rest of the family comes to help. The last day consists of everyone eating the cake and celebrating …show more content…
Dorothy Neboyia was asked about what it was like when she went through the ceremony. "When I went through the ceremony, I was about thirteen years old". "This was an exciting experience in my life, but I was also slightly nervous". "I was excited about finally becoming a woman and being able to do the ceremony". "The ceremony has blessed me with all sorts of blessings". "The ceremony has not only given me, but many other girls an educational experience". Dorothy Neboyia was also asked about what it was like traveling between three different homes. "It is a very hard and taxing thing to do, but it is something that we must do". "I am grateful for what we have, no matter what the conditions are". "Our family has very strong bonds that will keep us together and because of this we will always help each other no matter the