The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Media Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627
kwent2@unm.edu

October 11, 2006

UNM to Host 16th Navajo Studies Conference

The University of New Mexico is hosting the 16th Navajo Studies Conference at the Student Union Building on November 1 – 4, 2006. The conference, sponsored by UNM and the Indigenous National Library Program, is open to anyone with an interest in learning more about the Navajo language, culture or history.

Highlights of the conference will include keynote addresses by Lucy Tapahonso, a professor of English at the University of Arizona in Tucson where she teaches poetry, writing and American Indian literature; and Rex Lee Jim, an education specialist at Diné College who is also an instructor in educational philosophy, and a writer and poet.

This year's conference will feature a variety of scholarly presentations on Navajo linguistics, history, research protocols and poetry. One paper will explore the way the Navajo philosophy of learning is particularly suited to the teaching of physics.

In addition to the formal presentations, there will be Sunrise Ceremonies on each day of the conference, rezrobics in Johnson Center for participants, an evening storytelling session, a dance featuring The Fenders playing Navajo oldies, a film festival and a rug auction on Saturday.

Interested parties can register for the entire conference or for one-day attendance at dineconf@unm.edu . For more information or specific questions about conference activities, call Conference Organizer Mary Alice Tsosie at 505-277-8922.

###


The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu