Featuring Paulina Whitehat
Wed, July 20th, 2022 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Havenroot Camp & Event Venue
24487 Bolton Hill Rd, Veneta, OR 97487
The next in a seasonal series of Elder Talks will be on July 20th. These conversations center Tribal voices, and this next event has been organized by several members of the watershed community who are committed to uplifting Indigenous perspectives. July’s Elder Talk will be presented by Paulina Whitehat, who will provide the Diné perspective about Tó (water) in talking about the importance of water to Indigenous people of the Southwest, and how issues faced in her homeland are related to the health and well-being of Indigenous people — and larger community — here in Oregon.
This talk will be outside and hosted at Havenroot, just south of Veneta. We hope you’ll join Paulina in hearing her powerful story!
Elder Talk Introduction by Paulina Whitehat
“I will share knowledge and Diné perspective about Tó (water). My goal is to share information with allies like the Long Tom Watershed Council and other environmental stewards on the importance of caring for one of the elements that sustain life. I also would like to share stories, history, and lived experiences of the Diné regarding water. The Diné are the original stewards of the land located in the Four Corners area of the U.S. (states now called Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona). The homeland of the Diné is located within the Colorado River Watershed. Water is scarce in the Southwest landscape and it has been deemed the “gold” of current times and in the future. The Colorado River, a major water source for the Southwest, is currently flowing at historically low levels. Climate change, droughts, unsustainable growth, and over-reliance on the water by urban areas in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California contribute to the growing water crisis.
Diné Original Instructions and teachings convey that a crisis occurs if elements are out of balance for too long and if left unaddressed. The Diné maintain harmony with nature by living in balance since time immemorial. It’s been challenging to maintain the balance that is shared in Diné Creation stories which were learned from our ancestors and our deities. Colonialism, politics, extraction of natural resources, and the easy life that entices Diné people to participate in Western culture contribute to the imbalance. But the Diné have been adapting to the changing times to survive and continue to exist. The Diné balance their way of life informed by scientific knowledge. I will share lessons learned about sustainability and living in harmony with nature.”
About Paulina
Yá’át’ééh! Paulina Whitehat is Diné, was born/raised on Diné bikéyah (Navajo land) in northern Arizona, and currently lives in Oregon. She will complete her Ph.D. in Special Education in the summer of 2022 at the University of Oregon. She gained more than 20 years of teaching and school leadership experience in tribal and diverse communities in rural and urban settings in Arizona and South Dakota. Her work in tribal communities sparked her research interest in countering the effects of experienced trauma on students with the use of language and culture as protective factors to heal. She is interested in improving wellness for students and their community. Wellness for Indigenous populations includes revitalizing and practicing cultural practices and resilience by using Indigenous knowledge and language to heal. It is crucial for Indigenous people to have a connection to the land and nature to heal, achieve balance, and increase wellness. The land and waterways are healthy when their original stewards are balanced.
Paulina enjoys spending time with her family and supports her mother and Indigenous communities by listening, taking action, and exchanging knowledge and wisdom. She speaks Diné bizaad (language) fluently and enjoys listening to stories about history, cultural practices and teachings, and Indigenous knowledge/wisdom during conversations with her mother, elders, and others who have important knowledge to exchange. She likes to hike, camp, explore the coast and the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, and participate in land restoration work. She loves how welcoming and generous the Indigenous peoples of Oregon are to everyone.
Site Information & Logistics
Location: Havenroot, which provides outdoor event space and hosts outdoor education camps such as Camp Fire Wilani.
Address: 24487 Bolton Hill Road. Veneta, OR 97487
Directions:
- From Hwy 126 in Veneta, head south on Territorial Road.
- In approximately 1/2 mile, turn right onto Bolton Hill Road.
- Go 1.25 miles until you see the Havenroot sign on your right.
- Turn in the driveway and follow signs to Event Parking, Amphitheater and Pavilion. There will be a short walk to the Amphitheater from the parking area.
Other Details:
- The event will be entirely outside,
- Walking is on dirt roads and pathways.
- Water and a simple snack will be provided.
- Restrooms are available.
- Contact Jabrila Via with any logistical questions: jabrila@wintergreenfarm.com