The Student
Ashkii Yazzie is a Navajo student goes to high school on the Navajo reservation. He lives with his grandparents. He has to live with his grandparents because his mother has an alcohol problem and he never met his dad. His grandparents only speak Navajo, so Ashkii has to translate for them when necessary. At home, Ashkii has responsibilities that include feeding the livestock, chopping wood, hauling water, and up keeping the house.
In school, Ashkii gets good grades and does well in his classes. He is bullied by his peers for his English speaking skills though. The other Navajo students come from homes that are not as traditional as his. They tease him for being “rezzed out.” Ashkii has no one to talk to about what he is going through. He struggles with balancing his traditional values with the bilagaana(white) way of life. He is confused about his Native identity and wonders if he should be more like the other students and not speak Navajo. He also wants to go to college and help support his family, but does not want to leave his grandparents.”
The Mentor
This student’s story aligns with many other Navajo students are going through across the Navajo Nation. They battle with becoming accustomed with modern expectations and values that influence their Native identity. Many are in a similar situation, having no one to talk to about what is happening in their lives. They are forced to deal with things at home that include alcohol, abuse, drugs, poverty, and violence. No student should face these things alone, they need a mentor to help them through it.
Monster Slayers welcomes these students to our program. Monster Slayers is dedicated to helping these student build the resilience and confidence needed to recognize and fight these monsters.
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Percent of People Unemployed in Navajo Nation
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Percent of People Below Poverty Rate
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Percent of People Aged 25+ With High School Degree
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