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Submissions will be posted here regularly, so visit again to read more.
The documentary opened my eyes to this beautiful deep culture. It made me realize that some people's lives aren't as easy as others, and that people actually have to WORK HARD to get the things most take for granted like electricity and water. Plus, dont think me rude, but I thought Crystal was HOT!! you go, girl! from one female to another - stay strong and sweet always.
The short documentary was great. The topic was interesting and the clips were fantastic. Great job!
Well done film, I was completely engaged, intrigued and educated. Crystal…Bravo!
Crystal, I am so proud of you. You are very humble person with good future ahead of you. I enjoyed the film, it put a lump in my throat to see you and other contestants perform. The expression of our future and history of Dine people. Keep up the good work!
Ya'at'eeh! The Miss Navajo Nation pageant is definitly a challenging competition. I was a contestant for this outstanding title this pass Sept. 07 It was definitly a great experience. Our people have talented, beautiful, outgoing, and well educated women and this is one title that shows that. A week long ongoing events of presentations and public appearences was an honor to be apart of. I enjoyed visiting with my people from all over the reservation. Unfortunately, I have not been able to see this film, but i will be looking out for it. I love to see the importance of our culture taught to our public. I am one of the many proud Navajo woman who still believes in her traditional values. Ahe'hee'. Bridget L. Henry
I only seen a few parts of the film om Miss. Navajo and it was awsome. I think Navajo speaking plays a big part in the pageant and if you don't know how to speak the language then you need to brush up on your Navajo language. I'm hoping it will air again soon on PBS. I do not live on the reservation and I miss it very much especially the mutton stew and butchering a sheep. I'm full navajo and I live in Oklahoma where they don't believe in butchering a sheep. To all the ladies that run for Miss. Navajo I'm proud of you for knowing your culture and being proud of who you are.
I did a review on it for my PRPE 108 class (UAA), and loved every minute of this documentary. My thanks to Bear Tooth Theatre in Anchorage, AK and the Alaska Native Heritage Month for bringing this film to Anchorage.
What a great documentary! I lived in Arizona on and off growing up and got to learn about not only the Navajo, but Hopi, Apache, Yavapai, Havasupai, too. It would be great to see more documentaries to tell the unique stories of more of the experiences on the reservations.
I have to say, I think and hope we'll see more of Crystal in the future. She is such a great example for any young woman, not only the Navajo. She's articulate, thoughtful, hard-working, self-aware and courageous - all great signs of character for any woman. I hope she's given opportunities to grow and become a role model for all woman.
I've never posted a comment to anything online before. Crystal, that's how much I believe you've got a great future in front of you.
Many more blessings and success for you; thank you for your wonderful contribution to our proud Navajo People. It was such a joy to watch the TV showing with our own children - it reinforced our own teachings of K'e, the importance of our clan system, and the value of hard work and dedication to our Navajo culture. Ahe'hee! Skye Family from Window Rock, Arizona USA
it's nice to have a video about the rez and it will be nice to see more to educate the youth that never learn their language. Hagoonee
The one thing i'm concerned about is that i live in the white man's world all my life. I see things in this world that are wrong gang violence and drug abuse. they are now trying to change our lifestyle and influence the navajo children into this. like beauty for girls- makeup,hair dying beauty is within and knowledge is within and sometimes knowledge is gained and lost.
navajo teens don't have to do drugs or add a colors to their hair or to their faceto look beautiful. they forgot what power is. biligaana's believe money and a gun is power i call that pathetic the power we navajos have can't be wore or carried like a gun it within. were it' s been and will remain. yes a film about the rez is exciting. i believe in the old ways and are honored the wisdom of the old ones like the navajo codetalkers who took a brave step and prevailed and got the respect of the biligaana's as we all did.
thank you
My boss just approved my leave for this Friday so now I'm set to attend the morning screening of "Miss Navajo" at the SF Film fest (non-profit) here in New Mexico.
The butchering scene made me miss the comforts of home at Window Rock on the Navajo Nation.
Being away from fresh mutton/lamb reminds me of the importance of not wasting a drop of food and the sanctity of hot fry bread and steamed corn - daily staples of my people "Dine." The musical score was exceptional! Billy Luther culled the intelligence of Navajo women and wove it into a fine documentary, how contemporary!
Thanks for the great documentary. I shows a small part of the triumph of the Navajo people to keep their Dine culture alive despite earlier government programs of extinction and boarding schools. With awareness they can recover their culture before it becomes extinct. I worked with the Navajo and Hopi for many years. This beautiful documentary brought back the memories of the incredible landscape and spirit of the people.
I love your website. I linked through an article online about the film. My understanding is that it will replay on Monday night in Sacramento. I watched the video you have and am inspired and thankful to Mr. Luther for filming this documentary. I am the 13th great-grandauther of Pocohantis although my culture stems from the coal-mining towns of Eastern Kentucky. I am very moved and grateful. Kindest regards, Paula in Sacramento, Ca.
My sister-in-law is Navajo and I am always eager to gain some insite into the Navajo ways! Thank you for giving us "outsiders" a glimpse into their beautiful culture...please continue doing so!
I did read that there was one viewer that was upset over the segment that included the slaughter of the sheep, and my only comment to that individual is....don't be ignorant of other peoples cultures and traditions! What you may find distasteful can be considered a very integral part of another's culture!!!
I am so very happy that there are youg Navajo women who are willing to help keep the Navajo ways alive (the fact that the Miss Navajo pageant is NOT focused on looks alone made it all the more interesting)!!! I am looking forward to more Native American films (especially ones about the Navajo culture)!
Crystal Frazier is truly a wonderful person with strong moral values. Not only is she an extraordinary individual, she is very intellectual as well. She is very competitive and it wasn't easy for her to be a 1st runner-up. If she was chosen to be Miss Navajo Nation, she would have done a great, awesome job for our Navajo people. I just want you to know she came from a lineage of great Navajo women who taught her well. I'm very proud of her for every efforts she made in her life.
Interesting and enjoyable... Thanks Mr. Luther. I hope to see other independent films in regards to the Navajo in the future.
Hello,
I just viewed Miss Navajo. It was one of the most educating, reviting, entertaining and touching piece of culture based tv journalism I have seen. As an indigineous person myself. I was truly impressed with what was communicated. I give this piece two thumbs up. To the journalist and Ms Frazer both two thumbs as well.
Keep it up Thirteen!
The film Miss Navajo was absolutely wonderful! I was so touched . The film remains in my mind and will forever. To watch Crystal grow as the film progressed was an honor. For one so young she has learned much that others still seek. I have loved anything Native American since I was a child and have read most of the Tony Hillerman books. He writes with such affection about the Navajo people ...now I understand why.
Connie Johnson
Wallingford,VT
What an outstanding program. I was so impressed by all the young women. Not only were they beautiful, warm and sincere but showed much strngth in some parts of the pageant... (butchering of the sheep)how brave they were. Having the parents able to input their feelings gave the program a more human touch, you could see the pride in their eyes as they looked on.
I have had the opportunity at this time in my life to be able to learn more about my country and the cultures of our citizens. I only recently moved to Arizona from California and am able to travel across this state and learn of the Indian culture. Hope to see this run again so I can get my grandchildren to watch...
Thank you so much for working hard to send a visual message to the world about a piece of it means to be women of the Navajo. I felt proud watching that show. I missed home while i was watching it but it was very good! I enjoyed it very much. I spread the word about the show as much as I could. Moving from Flagstaff AZ to Oklahoma for graduate school was a change for me. I was happy I was able to share my culture w/other natives and non-natives here in OK a piece of my culture. I'm fortunate to have been raised by my g-parents so I speak and understand my language. It was fun trying to answer those pageant questions for myself in my own living room! (I did pretty good!) I am so glad I learned how to butcher a sheep (which we did to survive and live!) Growing up as a boarding school kid helped me to be resilient as well. Maybe you can do your next documentary on Boarding school life? Many blessings to you and your family!
I wish this had been shown in Alaska!
Thank you, Mr. Luther for making this film. It’s refreshing to see an accurate portrayal of the Dine’ culture, it’s an interpretation only a Native American can make.
I appreciate the endeavor these young women undertook to be Miss Navajo. This film shows the tell tale signs of the loss of the Navajo culture. Requesting to have the question asked in English is one of them. A generic explanation of the coyote and the birth of the milky-way is another. I applaud their efforts to be ambassadors for us, the Navajo people, and encourage them to continue learning to our culture, for they are the key to preserving our culture.
Thank you for broadcasting Miss Navajo.
PS. Notice of an inside joke amongst the Native Americans- When a pale skinned person approaches you and proclaims that they are Cherokee. Humor them with an affirmation of their linage. In other words, it is very common.
What have I learned? This: Miss Navajo represents the largest Indian nation in America consisting of 250,000 Navajo. To qualify as Miss Navajo the Indian lady must represent the Navajo Nation, speak Navajo, and show by doing that she knows how to butcher sheep. Sheep to the Navajo are very important.
I thought the Miss Navajo contest was run like a football game. As an example of this, one contestant in the 2005-06 event was hospitalized. The contest lasted three days and Crystal who the story was following got second place.
Again, I thought the contest was run like a college football game. The contestants had to show skills similar to that of football players.
I loved it! I thought It was brilliant! billy luther did an outstanding job with this film! a masterpiece! everyone who praticipates in the Miss Navajo pagent are winners because they are just wonderful women inside and out!
Your documentary "Miss Navajo" captivated me completely. I didn't plan to watch it as I had just spent a very full day with my grandson swimming in a local pool. I was going to go to sleep at 11:00 PM. I am a retired broadcaster -- still doing a volunteer audio program at the PBS station here in Portland -- so I tuned in to see what Independent Lens was showing tonight.
This hour was just magnificent -- and so interesting to me, especially the narration about the Navajo people and how they live. I know absolutely nothing about Native American religious beliefs or language, although I have many items in my house from native peoples due to our travels and my love of Southwestern designs and motifs. Recently, we went on tour of Nevada and Utah, and the area where the film was lensed reminded me of our car trips from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks -- as well as Snow Canyon State Park.
I would very much like to have the text of the narrative parts of this film -- especially the ones about the female God of the Navajo people and the descriptions of the landscapt. Perhaps someone can recommend these English translations of what clearly must be well-known information. I plan to research this myself because I am very curious about it.
Crystal, you are beautiful both inside and outside and I would like to meet you someday. The difficulties of your existence seem so far away from what my life was at your age. I wanted to hug you, too, when I saw a tear come from your eyes at the end of the pageant.
I hope your life is fulfilling and that you teach your offspring the language of your people and its traditions. Not sure about the sheep butchering! Although those scenes were tastefully and tenderly filmed, I had to look away at those scenes. I was born in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and my mother taught me to go down to the butcher shop and buy some lamb chops! That's all.
To everyone involved, thank you for bringing this wonderful documentary to PBS. It is one of the best "Westerns" I've ever seen, and I've been reviewing movies of all kinds since 1971.
I enjoyed watching your film (thanks to DVR). It gave us a look into what has to be done to prepare for the pageant. It was insightful for my Little sister who is considering a run for the title in a couple of years. Thank you for allowing the world to see what our Dine' young ladies offer without the swimsuit competition.
Crystal Frazier is a very beautiful person She is so genuine and so serious about preserving and promoting her Indian culture I was deeply moved by her humble spirit And her beautiful view of nature and improving herself every day
She is an inspiration And I wish her the best of luck with her future endeavors I hope that she does become Navajo Nation president She would have been a great Miss Navajo
Sincerely,
Maryellen Cavanaugh
I loved the Miss Navajo Nation film. It was incredibly interesting to me as a student of sociology/culture.
Thanks!
Appreciated the ongoing view of Miss Navajo competitiors because it requires strong dedication to the cultural values. Here is a title beyond price. The next Code talkers may be the ladies! Enjoyed it from Sacramento, CA
Ya te! and Aloha!
Yá'át'ééh, Which means hello in my Navjo language. I had just gotten home and started to flip thur channels and noticed the show. It's an honor to see Navajo women succeed in what they were taught. I didn't get to watch the whole show. Maybe about a 1/4 of the ending. As a Native American women, this show gives me that much more confidence to succeed in my life. I have to been honest, I am not traditional in my culture but, I know the values that my grandma taught me. I'm grateful and mostly proud to be a Navajo. Thanks Crystal for making a difference in my life.
This was so fantastic! Thank you for letting a crew film this and letting the world into your world. I really enjoyed watching this. I loved seeing how the Navajo people live and about the pageant. One thing that was very clear, the Navajo women are different from "white" women of the same age. The air of knowledge just was so wonderful. And the Navajo culture is so proud. I am so glad you are having this for the women to be in, it is so right. You are like no others. I wish I were Navajo. There will be a song, "turning Navajo, I think I'm turning Navajo I really think so" Thank you for sharing this with the world. We don't deserve to have this shared with us.
I am a mother of three beautiful navajo girls. I am also a navajo woman yet I was raised on a small farm in southwestern Kansas and was not exposed to the navajo culture. This film was so beautiful as were all of the contestants. I watched it late at night when my daughters were in bed and sadly they could not enjoy it with me. I have since become aware of my own upbringing and realized I have missed out on a great part of what makes me. I was raised as a "farmgirl" with daily chores, tending to various animals, gardening and learning to can our crop. I am currently raising my girls in the city and have realized they are also missing out on what makes them. The culture is beautiful and I hope to change the lives of my girls. Thank You for making this film and to the young women...thank you for sharing your lives.
This program was a great treat for me. I spent 6 weeks on the Navajo reservation nearly 50 years ago. I lived in a boxcar, way off the beaten track, and spent the day mostly in the company of Najajo (and one or two Anglos). I still remember much of that time, and with great fondness. One of the people I was working with tried to teach me the Navajo word for "earring" because it contains a sound that Anglo people have a lot of trouble making. I practiced and practiced but still they laughed at me whenever I tried! I loved hearing the Navajo language again. I attended a few Navajo ceremonies and ate Navajo food. The first day I was there, there was a movie at the local school. I went at the appointed time but no one else was there yet - it took almost another hour before the film started. I was the first one there, all the way in the back. To my chagrin, it was a cowboy flick. I was scrunching myself down in my seat but when the cavalry charged, all the Dine were cheering for the cavalry.
I really enjoyed the program.All the young ladies were a fine credit to the Navajo Nation. It taught me a lot about their culture since I have unfortunately never met or known a Native American. I was relly moved by the warmth of Crystal and her family.Native Americans have been thru a lot having their land and possessions taken from them.They were the first and unfortunanly not the last to suffer.
Hi there, I didn't see the show and was really looking forward to see it but didn't get a chance too. Well this air again sometimes soon?? Also I have a couple comments about your FOOD catagory under Navajo Culture? About the Frybread, I notice there's a picture of a tortilla bread instead of a frybread? I think an actual picture would best describes the ingredients that is given for our reader's. Also about the Mutton stew? It's a soup more really, Stews are thick, meaty soups that are usually served as a main course. They are traditional in every region of the world, so you might as well call mutton stew an Irish Stew since they use lamb or mutton to make this dish. And we Navajo's don't saute it, we basically add the meat first with salt, pepper, and onions in a pot of boiling water so it can cook and bring out the flavor and last add the vegetables cause they don't need to take long to cook. I'm sorry but it just irritates me when my friends say "Mutton stew! or I had mutton stew!" LOL! At lease my family knows the difference between stew and soup. Thanks for letting me express my comments and if not that fine too. Oh and I heard the show was very intriguing.
Praise Jesus for Billy Luther making such a wonderful movie!
My wife and I really enjoyed watching this show last night. Watching Crystal's journey and learning about the Navajo culture was fascinating and engaging. Crystal, through this film, is a great ambassador for her people. Where we live we have no contact with Native Americans so I felt I gained a lot by watching. Thanks for exposing us to Miss Navajo.
Miss Navajo was a wonderful piece! Though perhaps world's apart in some respects as a white American male living near a megapolis, this story was so enlightening and uplifting. The Navajo/native American culture & history is obviously so under-represented in most of what the rest of us see in U.S. society. Yet, we are clearly the poorer because of that. Thankfully, Billy Luther, Crystal and the other Navajos in this documentary have blessed us with a little glimpse of a people who have so much to be proud of. I commend Crystal on her eloquence and strength of character. Her message is as universal as it is inspirational. Thanks again!
wow! this was pretty amazing to me as well, i was flipping the channels and two minutes later i find myself enjoying this amazing story... unfortunately i was unable to finish watching the last ten minutes or so, hm im still wondering who won, either way, i definitely learned a lot. thanks. it was great.
I was fortunate to have viewed Billy Luther's "Miss Navajo" on IndependentLens. It was interesting and very motivating. I hope to become more involved in learning of our nation's native cultures. We, as Americans, need to express the pride we hold for our Native American brothers and sisters and all the beauty and legend they have introduced to us....we need only express an interest and listen. It is gladly shared. Thank you Billy Luther for sharing a side of Native America that most never realize exists and thank you PBS for providing this wonderful forum for young filmakers such as Billy. They are our future and, with Billy as an example, we have alot to look forward to!
Debra Goodson
[fullname] = Debra Goodson
[city_state] = Willow Park TX
I simply want to share how much I enjoyed this film. I sat on my couch and cried at the true beauty of these Navajo women. Strength, honor, pride and resilience only begin to describe the qualities of these real beauty queens. Thank you for sharing your amazing culture with me through your stories and your lens. I am so grateful and will share what I learned of the Navajo people with my friends and colleagues. Keep up the great work and Viva the Navajo!
Respectfully,
Victoria Romero
Chicago, Illinois
This was a fantastic presentation of young women who will be making a strong contribution to our country and the navajo nation. The film was very well done and engaging. I felt very proud of all the contestants and former pageant winners. These women can change their communities and ours.
The reason that I considered watching this documentary was because I live in Farmington, NM, a community in which we are proud to count many Navajo people as our friends and neighbors. I have lived here for 25+ years and have grown to admire and respect of the Navajo people. I cherish their unique sense of humor, their family traditions, and the way in which they honor their children and revere their elders. While I can not share their heritage as part of my European ancestry, I think of them as the ancestors of this beautiful part of the world in which we are all fortunate to live.
One segment of this film, truly exemplifies for me, a part of what it is to be Navajo. In the film it was mentioned that when the Navajo people decided to develop a Miss Navajo pageant they were not made totally aware of all the details of what a “typical” pageant was like. They were not told that a “typical” pageant involves young women parading around the stage in swimsuits and each given a turn at demonstrating only the shallow attributes of what it is to be a charming young woman. The Navajo people charged with developing the Miss Navajo pageant only understood that this was a competition in which the best attributes of womanhood were to be shown. With that in mind they set out creating a competition that would require each contestant to demonstrate a fully rounded capability including inner strength, poise, knowledge of their heritage, true self reliance, understanding of their proud traditions, language and culture, with respect for their family, while possessing an overall beauty encompassing many of the finest attributes of young Navajo womanhood. I believe that if the people charged with developing the Miss Navajo pageant had been aware of what a “typical” pageant was, there would never have been a Miss Navajo pageant, since they would have considered it to be trivial and too shallow to have any real redeeming value.
As I watched the film I was filled with a sense of pride and emotion that stems from sincere feelings of being fortunate to live in a community and region that respectfully includes our friends and neighbors of the Great Dine people.
Ahe’ee
I was moved by this show and especially by contestant #2 [Crystal Frazier?].
I felt honored to be given access to this event and wish you all the best.
Doug Hayman
I thought the film was fantastic. I love the fact that the pageant includes slaughtering a sheep. (Whether it _should_ be included, I don't know. I certainly wouldn't look forward to doing it myself.) I found the film interesting not only because it is about American Indians or Navajos, but because it was about women. Just as there may be something mysterious about Indian life to an outsider, there is something mysterious about female life to an outsider. Beauty/talent pageants are part of that mystery. I used to assume that pageants were done for the sake of men, but for a while it has seemed to me that they are largely done for the sake of women. If women did not find them interesting and challenging, they wouldn't exist. For me pageants still don't make sense, but that is because there is something going on that I don't understand. I would like to be able to pass on my best wishes to those we came to know in the film--and to the maker of the film too. Finally, it was satisfying to me to see American Navajos in particular as both thoroughly Indian and thoroughly American.
At the end of the film, Crystal explains how important the winner is - they have a chance, and responsibility, to be ambassador's of the Navaho Nation.... of course she was much more eloquent....
If I understand her intent correctly, and apply it to my own situation and circumstances, living life is not a journey with a destination - it is the journey. So, every day challenge yourself to learn something new or to find new meanings in well remembered texts and verses.
Also, and most important... we are our own ambassador's.... I may never see another Miss Navaho, but I will always remember Crystal.
I just viewed Miss Navajo on PBS. It is an excellent film. Thanks to Billy Luther for producing it, PBS for presenting it and especially to Crystal for providing us with this look at her culture.
I've just finished watching this doc and it's difficult to comment because i've been left speechless. The grace and eloquence of the women of the Dine Nation is truly a testament to the enduring strength of this culture. In particular, this troubled world has much to learn from the simple but powerful words of Miss Frazier.
I just finished watching this program on WTTW Chicago. It was one of the most moving, beautiful films I've seen. Thank you for airing it. It has affected my life and my self image, and what it is to be a truly strong and beautiful woman -- and that that definition stays the same no matter the culture, economic class or language spoken. It is ironic that I watched this film immediately after watching "Real Housewives of Orange County" on Bravo. The contrast is nearly blinding, and the women in Miss Navajo are the beautiful ones. Thank you to PBS and thank you to the director. I hope that it runs again so that my friends and family can see it.
Kelly
I am a student filmmaker myself and loved this film for it's beauty and subject matter, and editing. The film inspired me as a filmmaker and also educated and inspired me as a human being about humanity. BRIDGING THE GAP
This was an excellent program... and gave a small insight in such a rich culture. I have great respect for all the participants in this contest... it was all so meaningfull and about preserving traditions, so much lacking in the western culture (think western beauty pagents). I come from Norway where traditions are a deep part of our life and lifestyle, I live in Washington now, and we are fortunate to have the exquisite Native American Museum here. Thank you for both a most enjoyable and enriching program.. I hope to see more of the Native American traditions, history and lives. And I hope that justice will prevail in the many wrongs inflicted on the Native American tribes..
Thank you again,
Lisa Dobloug
Washington DC
I would like to say that this film is a favorite in my home. My name is Ashley and I live in Chicago. My grandmother is Navajo and my granfather Black and Cherokee so I try my best to keep in touch with my roots and this film inspires me.
i loved it. i found myself trying to identify, even though i am a male and white. we are supposed to have Cherokee in our blood. I look at myself sometimes and try to identify some features. I don't see much resemblance. I am white now. (however irrational it is... I sometimes think of myself as bred out, as if I had been pure in a past life) We hold the Native Americans as a sacred people. The first time I ever saw, in real life, a Navajo woman I was impressed. They are beautiful. She caught my eye out of a crowd of people as they rushed by coming into our living area. I made it a point to meet her. Looking at her was like looking at an angel. It kind of caught her off guard I think... All I could say was: "It's an honor to meet you." She was very gracious. There was a power about her. It was divine. If we (white people) stop and stare at you, please do not be offended. We are in awe.
After years of reading TONY HILLERMAN books, which are set in the Navajo Nation, I was glued to the screen.
At last to finely hear the language, to see the haunting beauty of the terrain, and to meet these fine young woman, even if only electronically. All I can say is thank you for a touching and informative piece.
Yá'át'ééh
This sounds like a really great film. I hope it brings knowledge and better understanding of the Dine culture. Am looking forward to seeing it. Hágoónee'
waiting to catch the TV showing of "Miss Navajo",
missed watching the film at this years native american film fest http://www.aifisf.com/home.php,
the cast of "Turquoise Rose", mentioned that they were from that area and knew the contestants
(http://www.aifisf.com/aiff/2007/?fMenu=film&fContent=film&id=22).
the National Endowment for the Arts