Salina Bookshelf, Inc. Multicultural Publishing

Salina Bookshelf, Inc. Multicultural Publishing Salina Bookshelf, founded in 1994, is an independent publisher of textbooks, children’s picture bo

Salina Bookshelf, founded in 1994, is an independent publisher of textbooks, children's books, reference books, and electronic media in Navajo and English. These dual language materials captivate young and old readers alike.

We celebrate the life of Dr. Thomas an advocate for Dine language and for educators for many years.  Her leadership and ...
08/01/2025

We celebrate the life of Dr. Thomas an advocate for Dine language and for educators for many years. Her leadership and her advocacy for youth is a model for future generations of teachers and families.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2025

Navajo Nation Council pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Marjorie “Grandma” Thomas

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council honors the life, legacy, and contributions of Dr. Marjorie “Grandma” Thomas, who passed away at the age of 94. A lifelong educator, cultural advocate, and mentor to generations, Dr. Thomas’ legacy is deeply rooted in her dedication to Navajo youth, language, and community.

“On behalf of the Navajo Nation Council, we extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Marjorie Thomas,” said Speaker Crystalyne Curley. “Her passing marks the loss of a voice that spoke with wisdom, compassion, and clarity for our people. Her teachings and leadership will continue to guide the next generation of Diné leaders.”

Dr. Thomas was born in 1931 in Ganado, Arizona. As a child, she attended the Ganado Mission boarding school, where she was punished for speaking Navajo. That experience shaped her resolve to preserve and teach the Diné language throughout her life.

She earned her GED at age 29 and pursued higher education, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico. She served as a teacher, bilingual coordinator, principal, and Associate Superintendent for the Chinle Unified School District.

Dr. Thomas helped launch the Navajo language program in Chinle and remained a tireless advocate for curriculum reform and cultural preservation for over three decades. In recognition of her lifelong contributions, she received honorary doctorates from both the University of New Mexico and Diné College.

The Council recognizes her authorship of two bilingual children’s books, White Nose the Sheep Dog and Bidii, which continue to promote literacy and cultural identity among Navajo youth. Thomas authored a third book titled “What does ‘Died’ mean?”, which was a Navajo language children’s book published by Salina Bookshelf.

“Grandma Thomas reminded us that true wealth is not material,” said Speaker Curley. “She taught that wealth lives in our language, in our stories, in how we raise our children, and in how we care for one another. That is the foundation of our government and the strength of our sovereignty.”

In her later years, Dr. Thomas founded and led the Central Navajo Youth Opportunity Coalition, raising funds and walking annually from Chinle to Window Rock to advocate for the creation of a youth center in the Central Navajo Agency.

Her well-known quote, “You are special, you are unique, and you count,” continues to uplift the spirits of young people across the Navajo Nation.

Speaker Curley added, “The Navajo Nation Council gives thanks to Dr. Marjorie Thomas for her decades of leadership and her enduring commitment to our people. May her spirit continue to walk with us, and may her teachings remain strong in our homes, schools, and governance. Ahéhee’, Grandma Thomas.”

Funeral services for Dr. Marjorie Thomas will be held on Friday, August 1, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Chinle, Arizona. A burial will follow at the family plot, with a reception scheduled at the Chinle Catholic Hall at 2:00 p.m.

Contact Angela Thomas at (505) 515-1185 for more information.

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07/24/2025
07/24/2025

𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗷𝗼 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲!

Parades, curly fries, lemonade, and the carnival are all things we enjoy during fair season. The most colorful and exciting time of year is here with the 47th Eastern Navajo Fair, beginning this week from July 21 to July 27.

Whether it’s the sound of drums echoing through the canyons, the laughter of children on parade floats, the swaying of traditional outfits dancing two-step, and the warm reunions of families and friends coming together.

From the stunning high desert landscapes of Tuba City to the vibrant streets of Crownpoint, communities across the Navajo Nation are now ready to welcome the 2025 fair season with parades, dances, rodeo, delicious food, and family-friendly fun.

Parade watchers, local royalty, and livestock exhibitors and rodeo-goers get your outfits and regalia ready!

Mark your calendars for these estimated fair weekends:

• 47th Eastern Navajo Fair (Crownpoint, N.M.): July 21-27, 2025
• Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial (Gallup, N.M.): Aug. 1-10, 2025
• Southwest Navajo (Dilkon, Ariz.): Aug. 1-3, 2025
• Central Agency (Chinle, Ariz.): Aug. 11-17, 2025
• Ramah Navajo (Ramah, N.M.): Aug. 22-24, 2025
• Navajo Nation Fair (Window Rock, Ariz.): Sept. 2-7, 2025
• Utah Navajo Fair (Bluff, Utah): Sept. 18-21, 2025
• Alamo Indian Day (Alamo, N.M.): Oct. 11-12, 2025
• Northern Navajo Fair (Shiprock, N.M.): Oct. 2-5, 2025
• Western Navajo Fair (Tuba City, Ariz.): Oct. 16-19, 2025

Each fair is more than just an event; it's a celebration of culture, community, and tradition.

From frybread contests to baby pageants, parade floats to rodeo performances, these gatherings unite families and showcase the beauty of Diné life. It’s the sense of our culture being alive at our fair festivals.

Fairs keep our cultural roots alive. Grandparents teach the youth how to dress in regalia, families compete in sheep butchering contests, and the parade grounds come alive with stories, songs, and culture. This is a time to enjoy the little things around you and reconnect with family and friends.

- Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

https://salinabookshelf.com/blogs/blog/fall-2025-navajo-language-classes
07/16/2025

https://salinabookshelf.com/blogs/blog/fall-2025-navajo-language-classes

Diné Bizaad Navajo Language Courses • Fall 2025 19 Universities 30+ Courses 5 States All Courses Arizona New Mexico Utah California Online Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ NAV 101 First Year NavajoJerry Kien NAV 201 Second Year NavajoJerry Kien Arizona State University Tempe, AZ AIS 101 ...

07/15/2025

The Tucson Festival of Books 14th Annual Literary Awards is now accepting fiction, non-fiction and poetry for the 2026 competition.

Submit five poems of any length, a short story or novel excerpt, or a nonfiction piece or book excerpt. Maximum length for prose is 5,000 words per submission. $20 entry fee

First-place winners in each category received $1,000, second-place $500, and third-place receives $250. All winners receive a scholarship to attend the Masters Workshop March 16-17 in Tucson, Arizona. The top 50 entrants are also invited to the workshop ($350 fee).

Enter here by October 31, 2025: https://tucsonfestivalofbooksliteraryawards.submittable.com/submit?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

07/14/2025

How to make Tóshchíín (Blue corn mush 🌽)

Ingredients:
-1/2 cup roasted blue corn flour
-1 teaspoon Juniper ash
-2 cups cold water

1. In a bowl mix the flour and ash together with a whisk until evenly distributed. Set aside.

2. Place water in a pot making sure it does not exceed halfway. Add the flour mixture while the water is cold as to not create large lumps. Whisk together until smooth.

3. Cook mixture on medium high, stirring constantly so the bottom of the pot doesn’t burn. Cook until thickened of desired consistency. *Add water to thin out. * To thicken, add a slurry of half water and flour (2 Tbsp cold water + 1 Tbsp flour).

-If desired, sweeten with sugar and enjoy it while it is warm.

07/14/2025

The Office of Miss Navajo Nation and Miss Navajo Nation are excited to host the Diné Bibee'ó’ooliił Baahane': the Sacred Path, a Week of Navajo Culture and Tradition event taking place this week from July 14-18, 2025. This event is in collaboration with Navajo Nation Museum and Division of Children and Family Services.

Please join us Monday-Thursday for evening presentations from 4pm-6pm showcasing various cultural topics by our presenters. These events will be taking place at the Navajo Nation Museum Auditorium. Friday will consist of a butchering demo from 9am-12pm outside the Navajo Nation Museum grounds. Refreshments will be served throughout the week.

Bring your family and community to this cultural event highlighting our Diné ways of life.

Áshoodí nihaadíínaał! Axhéhee’.

07/10/2025

The Department of Linguistics at the University of New Mexico announces a search for a one-year Visiting Lecturer position in the Navajo Language Program beginning in the Fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. We seek an experienced Navajo language instructor to teach both face-to-face and online Introductory Navajo language courses while working collaboratively with our program faculty. Use the link below to apply!

https://unm.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/18/home/requisition/33810?c=unm

07/09/2025

We are excited to announce that enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year is now open for grades Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.

At Dream Diné, our mission is to provide students with a high-quality education rooted in the Diné language, culture, and community, while supporting academic success through Common Core State Standards and the Navajo Nation Five Diné Content Standards. We are proud to offer:

🔹A 4-day school week (Monday–Thursday)

🔹Land-based learning experiences

🔹Small class sizes and multi-grade level classrooms

🔹A free public charter school serving Shiprock and surrounding communities

03/25/2025

Make waves this Children’s Book Week (May 5-11) and celebrate with a ton of great resources like this free poster by 2025 poster artist, Julie Flett! Download your free poster today!

https://everychildareader.net/cbw/celebrate-2025/

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