Staying at traditional Navajo home in Monument Valley

In the first episode of Indigenous, I travel to the scenic reservation in search of the Navajo language. Although it is America's most widely-spoken native language, it is declining in use with younger generations and being rapidly replaced with English. In this video, I search for speakers of the Navajo language and the stories behind it, and along the way I also discover the true beauty of Monument Valley and the Navajo Reservation.
Locations Featured in this Video
Kayenta, Arizona
Monument Valley
Canyon de Chelly
Many Farms, Arizona
The Hogan bit.ly/325RyGS
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TJ Huizar shorturl.at/cwQU0

[@ThePlanetProject]

Thank you for watching everyone! This is the first episode in the Indigenous series, and it only gets better from here! In a few weeks, I will be traveling to Afro-Eurasia in order to find many other lost languages, and I can’t wait to take you along the journey :)

[@okokok1178]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[@livelife6329]

I really like your channel. I actually found it today surfing through other traveling channels and decided to subscribe. I'm not sure if you do collaborations, however there's an American man who is self taught and speaks over 20 languages. His KZbin channel is laoshu505000. Check him out.

[@drewh3224]

Instead of "talking" about Navajo, it would be great if you were able to sit down with Native to talk about Navajo language for your content.

[@janiceholiday5147]

I just found ur channel today! I enjoyed it & thank you for sharing our land that u first documented it on ur video. It would be honored if they(Navajo ppl) showed u more of our talents, languages, stories, ceremonies & Navajo foods like butchering our sheep to documented all that for u guys by tutorial on how we do it on our land. Theirs some Navajos here on monument valley that should've showed u more of our culture professionally how it's done. If u come back to monument valley I would be glad to introduce u some professional Navajo ppl that can perform some of our cultures to u guys & to make u learn more. & some medicine mans that can sing do ceremony to perform for u guys also... Would be great have u guys back to monument valley!❤️🙏❤️

[@rickromero7656]

Be careful of skin walkers in the Navajo nation.just kidding I am enjoying your travels and amazed on how much knowledge you have. Show your dad once in a while he and your mom has done well raising you congratulations on your show keep up the good shows

[@tonytone9508]

Im glad you have the opportunity to visit our land, our Dinétah. It's great you documented this video and show the world of what's the status of the Native languages. Im 36 years old from Shonto, AZ and a fluent Navajo speaker. We speak Diné everyday to our family, friends and neighbors. Mostly people living in the towns and communities don't use the language but the dominant speakers are mostly in isloated areas. So if you have any question, i will help you in any way on your path to learn my language. 😎

[@patrickfreeman8257]

I became fascinated by the Navajo people and their culture from reading the books by Tony Hillerman. I've often wondered if the Navajo are familiar with his work and how they feel about it.

[@tonytone9508]

@@patrickfreeman8257 yes, we are very well familiar with Tony Hillerman's books. In fact many Navajos seen and read every books that was published by him plus their were some movies that was made from it. Many Navajos that i talked too over the years express their thoughts on Hillerman's work. Some are negative, such as exploiting our beliefs and customs to the world. Others express he is merely showing his readers to come to Navajoland and explore the beauty of Navajo people.

[@patrickfreeman8257]

@@tonytone9508 I've often wondered about how he was received by The People. I tried watching the movies but they really didn't do the stories or the character justice. After Hillerman died his daughter took over for him but she didn't have the same talent that he had. It's good to hear that you enjoy them.

[@user-ep8xo1od9o]

Please keep your language alive

[@tamelahatfield488]

Yahtee , can you tell me what chi chi knee knee ha may means its not spelled right but that's what they said to me.

[@ericsilva2072]

wish ppl would come here to ask these questions, our family know alot about tradition and culture

[@luketrump7063]

I just got back from Arizona. Wish I would have gone to the towns more.

[@rrk5832]

Great 👍 job kid, I wish we have more kids like this.

[@MyDarkSide62]

I was thinking the same. Every now and again you come across one that gives hope for the future. This kid is one of them. Met another last week. Best of luck with all you do, Planet Project Man!!!! Respect

[@divinefeminine4206]

As a half black half Navajo woman myself I want to personally THANK YOU for this video. I will learn my language and keep teaching it to my children and their children.

[@ThePlanetProject]

Thank you for enjoying! I hope you all the best with learning and teaching Navajo the next generation!

[@piccadelly9360]

I am proud of you. The language has to stay alive

[@rthawknatanabah1759]

NI'ZOH'NII.. 👋

[@drizzt8965]

How did an African male get so close to your people? Is he still around?

[@drizzt8965]

@@quis9726 American Indians are not your ancestors. I do not mean to be rude but your comment is foolish.....

[@Latnman101]

We absolutely have to preserve the Navajo Language. It played a big part in world war 2 with the Code Talkers.

[@jamierupert7563]

It's a shame that not many Americans even know about the Navajo Code Talkers. So sad.

[@cbeto765]

Great Video; i am Navajo, never lived on the reservation but visited often when i was young. I dont speak the language, i barely understand it when i hear it spoken. Never been to monument valley and have not had a fried bread in almost 25yrs. I think its time to take a trip 👍

[@ferdelicay18]

The Diné language is on Rosetta Stone, keep in mind that there are different dialects in different areas. Not all words is going to sound the same. 👍🏽

[@flossycharley2286]

Chinle, my hometown. I jus want to say u have amazing eyes! I too, speak the language fluently, I've been teaching my kids, they can speak it a bit, I'm jus thankful they can understand it, but to speak it, it's hard. Even my sisters can understand it but can't speak it. I'm am thankful I can speak it and understand it as well.

[@anitakathleenpierce4420]

I love and enjoy watching the younger generations learn and teach the importance of all our ancestors and their cultures and languages so we can connect and heal from each other by celebrating our beautiful differences!!!!

[@mieshaholiday4463]

I hope you visit again after the pandemic! I live in Monument Valley, and my family has a tour company that teaches about the language and history. One of our good friends and guides helped develop the Rosetta Stone in Navajo. He would be able to teach you so much! It’s a beautiful language for sure. It was wonderful to see home, and I can’t wait until we can all safely move again. ❤️

[@drealynnhamana4173]

Blessings for visiting our reservation. There are still many of us who practice our traditional ways 🙏 so much that can't be learned in a few days but kuddos to those who are interested 👌 many blessings for shedding light 🧡

[@bufflingofficial]

When I was young I grew up in Luckachukai, Many Farms, and Chinle... I miss Luckachukai the most because my shimá sání lives there, but now I live in Flagstaff which is a beautiful city and also where one of the sacred mountains is.

[@carlosgarcia5458]

Can't say how much I RESPECT and admire your passion, and the respect you Garner our Navajo brothers and sisters.. so knowledgeable yet ever curious.. keep being a badass bro

[@verdellaughter8206]

Sorry about the late reply. I'm so proud to be a Navajo. I'm full Navajo. I love speak Navajo makes me feel happy that I'm so happy to that I'm a Navajo. The Navajo Nation is a great place to go it is so beautiful place the sunset 🌇.

[@navajourbandeschinii7300]

Thanks for coming to the Navajo Nation and staying in a true Navajo traditional Hogan is awesome. Having a Navajo taco at the Goulding store with the KTNN radio station is living the dream of a Navajo...this is Navajo Urban Deschinii saying thank you again...

[@fr3dy4u1986]

I do not speak the language of my ancestors, it hurts me to know that my grandmother always wanted us to speak Nahutl but in schools they only taught us in Spanish, sometimes I would like to go back in time to tell her to teach me the language of my ancestors but it is too late, I will never deny my roots! nimitztemohuo abuela 😞

[@jerrellesplain6010]

Thanks for visiting our nation. Hope you had an awesome time Alot of the younger ones now days are trying to get back into speaking Navajo A'heehee (thanki you)

[@zainaba-m3593]

Despite having always lived in the US, the beautiful cultures and sights here never cease to amaze me. Thank you for this amazing content. Your efforts to raise awareness about these dying languages are truly inspiring! Looking forward to the rest of this series :)

[@ThePlanetProject]

Thank you so much! I’m the same, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized how insanely diverse America is

[@zichengclairecheng2875]

Thank you for making this video. I visited this place four years ago and I will never forget the breathtaking views there. This video let me learn more about their language, culture and people there. Really wish I can visit there again some day!

[@homesteadkelli9913]

Awesome video Thank you. I just moved to Arizona about two weeks ago. I'm learning all I can about my surroundings and the people who live here.

[@ThePlanetProject]

Welcome :)

[@antoniobanderas9769]

Hello 👋 blessings to the Navajo Nation, I hope everyone it’s getting better during this pandemic. Stay safe & greetings from the Sonoran Desert 🌵 Cajeme. Mexico

[@user-ep8xo1od9o]

Wow I’m obsessed with your channel 😍 I love minority/small/endangered languages

[@firesofcreation]

This is excellent! I love native Indian culture! Your drone sequence in the middle of this video was beautifully shot and edited. Nice use of music too!

[@ThePlanetProject]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 🙏🏼

[@SC-uq2jf]

@@ThePlanetProject You are very gracious to document and record the beautiful Navajo people and their sacred sites and domain. Looking forward to your Indigenous series of Afro Eurasian culture.

[@desertrat5543]

Wow. I love what you’ve created and documented here.

[@bbnks1]

I just happened to stumble upon you. You have great talent. Don't stop.

[@fernypena4488]

I was there July of 2021 It is the second time in Navajo Nation and it won't be my last. It is the most beautiful place I have visited. I loved your documentary.

[@raeyacrr584]

Myself growing up with Navajo culture and the language. Its pretty hard to learn Navajo. I've taken classes since I was young but only know little words here and there when elders speak. Not fluent in my Native language sadly but still learning and I love that your taking interest in the language👏 I wish you good luck when learning.

[@ThePlanetProject]

That’s amazing that you’re learning Navajo still even though you weren’t fully taught as a kid, as long as there are people like you the Navajo language will continue to be strong and well-preserved!

[@AReezLife]

This is soo good!! As a native of New Zealand being Maaori - my parents were told that english was the way of the future, my grandparents were beaten for speaking Maaori so they had to learn English. Today the newest generation are encouraged to speak our native language. I dont - I missed out and am almost 40 YEARS OLD. I have friends who were put in total immersion Maaori schools were they only spoke the native language, but learnt all English subjects - eg. Maths, Economics etc but in the Maaori Language. Anyway, love that I can see this watch another community of beautiful natives who like me... are trying to keep this treasure - our native language and traditions alive.

[@rosshall4107]

Be proud of your culture Kia Kaha Aroha am maori scots and speak maori

[@clashinglanggeo1864]

Navajo is a language I'm going to learn

[@ThePlanetProject]

Good luck! Now I really want to learn more as well

[@thesunday2023]

Yá'at'ééh

[@bradencharley8125]

If you pick up Navajo, you can learn Apache, Koyukon, Dogrib, Tanana, and Tolowa-Deeni

[@mountainviewcleaners1515]

I'm so proud of you.I grew up listening to my old language back home.So much joy ,speaking the native words.

[@vickygregorio7289]

I love Native American people 💛💛💛💛

[@mattk0516]

I really hope more youth in the Native American communities can revitalize their amazing culture. I'm of Italian and Irish descent. I already know Italian fluently and speak it with others from time to time as that was the language of most of my grandparents and although nobody in the Irish quarter can speak Gaelic and actually most people in Ireland don't use Gaelic daily it's my mission to revitalize that langue and learn another ancestral tongue. Languages is everything!

[@mattk0516]

@@sheldonnez09 that's why you can't let them win.

[@nolaserv]

I'm on this sight to REALLY THANK the Navajo Naton for helping to defeat our enemy in WW2. The best weapon we had was the Navajo LANGUAGE! They would speak the Navajo language by communications that the enemy could not detect on radios etc. The Navajo language should be preserved along with their heritage and should be in WW2 museums. All tribes should do the same. You guys are the REAL AMERICANS! before us idiots forced you into reservations. I just hope that all tribes get their rights and freedoms that you deserve. Please accept me into your tribes. Also my high school is called the East Jefferson Warriors. I am proud of that mascot name and loved my high school. I hope the idigeous people or the REAL AMERICANS recognize me as one of you. Bless you all and thank you for this channel too.

[@adeleebahe2546]

Be glad there's no drunk uncles getting in fights when they get too rowdy

[@brookemckeever2613]

frybread with honey and powdered sugar is the superior food

[@prestonnelson4809]

Most native just used salt,not honey& powered sugar,usual that's set up for people who are visiting Rez

[@tysamuels7105]

I just started this video and I just want to say thank you so much for visiting Monument Valley. That is the birthplace of my ancestors from generations to generations down to my mother. It means a lot 🥲 🤎 I love this place a lot. 🏜.

[@njshore9272]

Happy Birthday! Once again, you are a great storyteller! Also, the videography is amazing. I can't wait to see your future videos!

[@ThePlanetProject]

Thank you again :)

[@mamineimran8047]

What an amazing storyteller ! This is a cool video little TJ ! Happy birthday and best wishes. Looking forward to more videos

[@ThePlanetProject]

Merci Imran!

[@JustUsLeagueAZ]

Amazing the work you're doing!! Well done and very inspiring...you are awesome ❤. Thank you for taking the time to bring such wonderful information to light and keeping it alive ❤

[@NGutiRiera]

This is awesome! You should go to Perú in South America, where the Quechua language is still spoken by millions (about 8-10 million in South America), making it the most widely spoken indigenous language in the Americas!!

[@ThePlanetProject]

I definitely will! I have always wanted to study Quechua and I can't wait to make some videos about the smaller languages in Peru especially near Iquitos 🇵🇪

[@NGutiRiera]

@@ThePlanetProject That's awesome! I'm from Peru and just moved to the US a year ago, but I'm taking Quechua classes in the University of Michigan!

[@MJ-my9sg]

Monument Valley one of my top 5 favorite destinations in the US. It has a magical feeling.

[@testicularoxide5055]

Ahéhee' Nik'ihojisdli'!👍Díí Baa Ahééh Niilzin!!💜

[@bubby2015]

i just came across this! i loveeeeeeeeee the sceneries you captured! GREAT job!!!

[@terrilynjones3496]

Wow!! This is great 👄 what a young person Interested n the Navajo Nation tribe...🌹🐸👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MetaphysicalMoonlighters]

Amazing footage! Thank you!

[@tysonw1031]

I was born and raised in Farmington NM, I’ve spent my whole life near and in the Navajo Reservation. I worked oil and gas there for 15 years in one of the most important areas of Navajo culture called Dinetah,……th Navajo language and culture are being lost due to the younger generations not being taught, or not being receptive to the teachings of the elder people. This is unfortunately a dying language and way of life.

[@nolaserv]

This language must be preserved at all costs. Keep trying. It should be in WW2 museums.

[@ngawikiaroha6005]

thanks again. what an amazing journey.

[@BroDavisBey]

Grand Junction Colorado yeahhhh!!

[@jesuscortez6150]

TJ your awesome!👍👏🏼💜

[@wizerdjuice9589]

I got to sleep in one across from the Monument Valley and it was the best nights sleep. Came with Navajo family dinner and breakfast with the memory of a lifetime. The opening had no door and they all gave the North Star. All it had was blankets. Pt belly stove and a wash basin. Also meet a Navajo US Marine how gave me a tour of scared lands. He informed me that Navajo have the highest percentage of any ethnic group of US military personal.

[@nolaserv]

Love you guys! Thanks for WW2 help!

[@ms.annthrope415]

I have been through Monument Valley, Kayenta, Chinle, several times about 25 years ago. Absolutely stunning vista's but desolate and a shame the Dine people were pushed to this desolate region. So I go and listen to the natives speak their native language, observe some of their culture, and perhaps learn something about their way of life.

[@johnpamick2330]

You are awesome!

[@celticpipes53]

Do Not Let This Language DIE!!! Too many of the Native American young people are letting their languages die and not keeping them alive and going. This to an English speaking White man is very sad, because their ancestors spoke the language and would have loved to see it continue to flourish and grow with the future generations.

[@nolaserv]

I agree. Native American history is very precious.

[@lorenzolong8529]

Wow, cool Project you starting. Awesome!

[@EvordRiccie]

happy birthday man!

[@ThePlanetProject]

Thanks!

[@beatrizstauffer4149]

It is a joy to listen, great job!!!

[@flossycharley2286]

U should try the earth cake, so amazing and delicious. It's to die for lol!

[@lindabonomi7274]

GREAT video...thank you!

[@kh7761]

I really liked this!

[@idunnsapple9500]

thank you thank you thank you for making this videos and creating awareness at a global level. will forward this to more people! 🕸🦅

[@sre1995]

A treat to eyes and ears...😀

[@karynetsitty1356]

Awesome!!! That's my dad😍

[@ElvisManzanoo]

FIRSSSTTTT HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIJAY

[@ThePlanetProject]

Thank you :)

[@lueveniapettiford2626]

Very nice and smart video

[@laffilmfest3759]

Very nicely done....impressive for a young person......

[@Deecrz]

Randomly found this vid and just wanted to commend you on your videos! Great content! I grew up hearing Navajo and was quite fluent when I was younger. I’m still learning and can get by. Also, the word “hogan” is an English pronunciation of “hooghan,” which is the Navajo word for home. It’s hard to explain how to pronounce, as it’s not a natural sound for English speakers! Great video regardless!

[@bellaanna466]

Thank you for sharing .

[@LunaMesser-zw8xh]

🎉 Happy Birthday 🎉

[@luckymeyer1014]

Thank you. Mr. Handsome.

[@datonecolombianboi1555]

You should do another video on learning a language, I also help the language doesn't go extinct. Happy birthday by the way.

[@laceyraye]

I never thought it would be so pretty 😮

[@leighannadeswood4372]

Nice...saw my hometown store 7-2-11 and Canyon de chelly ...Awesome video👍🏼😊

[@lycanthroat69]

As a full blooded Navajo... Ahé’héé’ (thank you) Not many people know of the Diné and our way of life. It good to see you tubers like yourself show a different perspective within the states. I’ve met individuals from the east coast were spoon fed the idea Native American no longer exist in today’s world and were only remembered by stories. Did they tell you any scary stories?

[@sfrancis5674]

Please don't let some individuals from the East Coast set the mark for what is known about Native Americans chances are you may have met some uneducated individuals.

[@elveragilmore6021]

Keep up your nice work... Good luck learning the navajo tongue..

[@luckymeyer1014]

Very interesting, many really like those who have curiosity & courage 😀👍to do amazing journeys and really like others who are human.

[@daryljohnson6333]

This Indigo kid! Beautiful spirit! Way to go man, doing good things! Yá’át’ééh!!

[@johnnyappleseed3813]

Awesome video brother

[@vorburger]

Saluton, thanks for sharing this! I hope this small Super Thanks encourages you to continue making documentaries. Elkore, M.

[@TK_197]

Happy birthday bro!!!

[@user-fy8rd5yd1r]

What a sweetheart :)

[@vanessatsosie775]

Awesome

[@ameerhamza4017]

Happy birthday. Warm Love and respect from Pakistan. ❤🖒 I appreciate your effort for exploring us an forgotten world.

[@TheRanaro]

Happy Birthday TJ!! It would be so cool if you came to Israel. :)

[@mya2358]

If you have the chance to come back to the reservation after the pandemic, you should visit Navajo Village in Page, Az. Although it's not in the reservation it's on the border.

[@BroDavisBey]

Safe travels

[@mattnobrega6621]

Your lucky to have had an awsome experiencw

[@kimberlyengelking2537]

Hi TJ, thank you so much for your videos. You are a truly exceptional young man. I am teaching a new course this semester, "NM Native American Cultural Studies." This course grew out of the cultural and educational disparity in teaching methods and dearth of cultural content in NM classes. I've been searching for resources and came across your channel. NM is home to the 19 Pueblos, three Apache tribes and the Navajo. My class has only 10 people in it and is made up of students from all three groups. The other half is made up of non-indigenous students, providing a great opportunity to learn from each other. We are still learning on Google Classroom and I was wondering if there was a way for you to come talk to my class? I lived in the Phoenix area for a long time and the area behind your back yard looks very familiar :)

[@ThePlanetProject]

yeah I would love to do that! Feel free to email me at [e-mail] about more details

[@Michelle-qq4vv]

I'm not Native American and haven't been a student in many decades, but would love to take your class. 😀

[@warcrimesmorelikefuntimes6808]

I am still a student and am in fact trying to find out which tribe my ancestors came from, knowing they’re in that region. Is your curriculum on your Google Classroom still open? I would love to learn more from what you have to offer!!~

[@virginiayazzie6896]

I was there 2 weekends ago but the park was closed. Our beautiful land!!

[@MyDarkSide62]

Good to know. I'm down in Big Park and want to go back to Monument Valley. I'll be sure to check before driving. Thank you. Respect

[@alisonkendrick6866]

I would love to come and visit.

[@christsroyalty2811]

Someone talk about how beautiful he is 😊

[@AlenaSGray]

Navajo Nation Overview - The Navajo Nation is one of the largest tribal governments of the North American Indian Nations with a land base larger than the state of West Virginia. The Navajo Nation and is managed via agreements with the United States Congress as a sovereign Native-American Nation. Thank you and hope you come back again.

[@Dinohunter59826]

Planning on working at one of the local hospitals there as a physician.

[@violetyazzie3794]

Hey I’m from many farms

[@jerrellesplain6010]

Hey that's my friends parents place you guys stayed at. Knew I recognized that Hogan lol

[@tamarabrennan1988]

This is a beautiful series! Thank you for making it! Please do yourself the favor of learning about the meaning of the phrase Tsaa naagahi Bik'eh hozho which I am probably getting wrong but it so enriched my life to learn about the concept of a "Long life lived full of beauty" from Navajo friends. (We live in a place with only 43 remaining speakers of Mocho. Every death is a tragedy.)

[@ThePlanetProject]

For sure! Thank you for enjoying 🙏

[@lorenzolong8529]

Kid is talking about using bear and deer as medicine man. Bear is use for protection, deer we don’t use as a Dineh culture. Maybe food but it not a prime source of meat that we normally consume. Mutton is the primary food as a Dineh people. I still talk Navajo fluently, and I also work with Apple in Bay Area!

[@octopuliander6291]

What an interesting and special young man. Great job on the video and having desire and love to learn more about your people in depth.

[@lisajoe5926]

Hi I just seen your video. It is awesome. Maybe you should come to window rock Arizona. Mor native people here.and the Navajo president is in window rock Arizona. We welcome you.

[@ThePlanetProject]

I have made a video about window rock a few years ago and I am going to be going there again very soon for a project

[@jbcosca]

Visit window rock. Fort defiant. Elementary school teaches in navajo language. There is a sign outside the doors that say... leave english outside. Its a fairly modern facility. With internet. Also, teachers are given modern houses. Not sure if they have to pay rent.