WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Hundreds of Navajo school kids and their parents met
dignitaries, movie actors, recording artists and sports figures at the 2nd
annual Presidential Youth Back-to-School Day in Window Rock Aug. 13.

More than 800 people packed the courtyard between the Navajo Nation
administration buildings to listen to bands, see displays, compete in
no-rules basketball games, receive gifts of school supplies and T-shirts,
participate in drawings, visit with potential Miss Navajo contenders and
get autographs from Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. and First Lady
Vikki Shirley.

“We are empowering our youth with the traditions and knowledge of the
Navajo way of life,” said Presidential Youth Ambassador Alray Nelson, an
intern in the office of the president and vice president. “We, as Navajos,
are a distinct people and we must know our language and culture.”

Nelson said that when he was a young student, he didn’t have anyone to look
up to as a role model or example of success. Changing that for today’s
youth was the inspiration for the Presidential Youth Day, he said.

Students from elementary through high school were able to meet people like
champion football player George LaFrance, who now teaches at Chinle High
School; Navajo movie actress Elsa Johnson, the star of “Black Cloud” who
grew up in Forest Lake; former Miss Navajo Nation and recording artist
Radmilla Cody, who sang the national anthem in Navajo; the 2004-’05
reigning Miss Navajo Nation, Jannalee Atcitty; traditional singers Jay and
Tiinesha Begaye of Ganado; and numerous division directors in the
Shirley/Dayish administration.

The crowd was also entertained by the multi-cultural Provo, Utah song and
dance group ROC — Remembering Our Culture.

President Shirley, who sang “Navajo: Number One Nation,” said every young
person should have a song.

“I want to encourage each of our grandchildren to learn a song and have a
song in your heart,” he said.

He told that crowd that the purpose of coming together for youth day was to
express care, love, appreciation and encouragement to Navajo youth.

“We can’t hug them enough, we can’t love them enough,” he said. “They need
to be nurtured and loved. There are monsters out there we need to protect
our children from. We must always remember the children.”

The president thanked parents for bringing their kids to the youth day and
urged them to give their children a lot of love “so they can grow the way
they should.”

He thanked the many dignitaries and performers who donated their time to be
part of the youth day, saying they have a tremendous amount of influence
over Navajo youth.

“It does good for the spirit, it does good for the heart,” he said. “It’s
good for the children to move them in the right direction. As leaders, we
don’t spend enough time to mingle with the children.”

Shirley said he is frequently asked the secret to his political and
professional success.

He said always to remember the relationships you have with your family,
relatives, clans and neighbors.

LaFrance, three-time all-MVP World Champion professional football player
for the Tampa Bay Storm, told the kids to work hard to do well. He
described how he married into a traditional Navajo family, which requires
much responsibility of him.

Cody said she was a perfect example of someone who has made mistakes in
life but has been given another chance to show those who kept their faith
in her that she can live her life for a greater purpose.

“Learn from my mistake, little ones,” she told the kids. “Life is precious.
We should live life to the best of our ability. This is so important.

“Parents, give yourself a big pat on the back for bringing your children
here today.”