“Remember, as different as we are, we are of one spirit.

As dissimilar as we are, we are of equal worth.

As unalike as you and I are,

there must always be solidarity between the two of us.

There can be no harmony in the universe

so long as there is no harmony between us.

If there is to be such harmony, my requests must matter to you.

My needs are as important to me as yours are to you.

My whims count as much as yours do.

My fidelity to you is measured by your loyalty to me.

There is to be nothing less.”

That is what Asdzáán nádleehé (the Changing Woman)

said to Jóhonaa’éí (the Sun) there on the summit of Giant Spruce Mountain.

At first, he gave no reply.

He took time to weigh carefully all the things she had said.

Then, slowly and thoughtfully, he placed his arm around her;

whereupon he promised her that all the things she wished for she would have.

She would have a house in the west on the shimmering water.

She would have gems, whose beauty she could enjoy.

She would have animals to keep her company.

All that she wanted she would have.

So it is that she agreed.

They would go to a place in the west where they would dwell forever

in the solid harmony of kinship.

–Diné Bahaneʼ pp. 272-275

‍

IN LOVING MEMORY

With deep gratitude and in honor of

Paul Zolbrod.

1932 – 2025