West campus news Releases Archive

Lecturer speaks on Navajo principles of preserving a culture

Nov. 9, 2005

Public lecture tied to photographic exhibit at ASU's West campus

Is it possible for people from culturally diverse backgrounds to preserve their own heritage?

Miranda Jensen Haskie, a Navajo and faculty member at Diné College, will address this issue at a public lecture on preserving a culture. The lecture is at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Kiva Lecture Hall at Arizona State University’s West campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix.

By applying Navajo principles, Haskie discusses how it is possible for people from differing backgrounds to preserve their culture despite being integrated into a more dominant culture. Her theory was generated from the life of a Navajo, Albert “Chic” Sandoval, Sr., her grandfather.

In her lecture, Haskie explores traditional Navajo concepts and principles including a state of harmony that Navajo people always strive to achieve, and the process of establishing a relationship with everything in the universe. Both are important values widely practiced in Navajo society.

Haskie has lectured on Navajo principles and the holistic nature of their philosophy throughout the Southwest since 2003. Currently, she teaches speech, human relations and developmental reading courses at Diné College in Tsaile, Ariz.

The public lecture is part of The Schwemberger Photographs exhibit, a rare collection of historic photographs on display for the first time. “The Schwemberger Photographs: An acquisition from the Franciscan Southwest Mission” is a collection of more than 100 compelling images of American Indian peoples, homes and landscapes dating back to 1902.

The exhibit will run through Nov. 30, in the IAP Art Gallery and the Fletcher Library. The IAP Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. Fletcher Library is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday.

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