Sheep: The Life-Giving Livestock Bringing Hope to the Navajo

Story and photographs by Darcy Kiefel

Roy Kady is one of the Navajo Nation's best-known male weavers, and he knows how important it is to have quality sheep for his products. He's a member of the Dibé bi' iina' group (Sheep Is Life) and has dedicated his life to the Navajo's beloved Churro sheep, as well as to the tradition and spiritual art of weaving.

"In our lives, sheep have been the most important," Kady said. "Herding sheep provides you with the opportunity to learn about the earth - rocks, land formations, plant life."

But the sheep industry - which is vital to both the Navajos' economic future and spiritual well-being - has been deteriorating. After years of continuous over-grazing, much of the Navajo land has eroded and can't continue to support a sheep industry of sufficient size.

And constant in-breeding has reduced the quality and number of mature sheep and goats. Fewer than 550,000 head now exist, and as a result, the last 15 years have seen Navajo wool production decrease to one-third its former volume.

So when Heifer International joined the Navajos Ranchers Roundtable and Development Inc. and began providing rams to improve the genetic quality of the sheep, Kady knew immediately that Heifer was different from other organizations.

"When I observed how they work and their philosophy, my eyes grew bigger," he said.

"Perhaps through their efforts and our own communities we can benefit once again and the next generation will have the cultural life I was given as a child," Kady added. "Maybe we can learn technical training with our ancient cultures through Heifer International."

Sheep: The Life-Giving Livestock Bringing Hope to the Navajo

"I thanked the gods, then the ram, then Heifer International"

Heifer began sending top-quality rams to 100 Arizona and New Mexico families in the fall of 2002, after being contacted by The Ranchers Roundtable. The U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development program approved a matching grant to cover program costs, including veterinarians, a coordinator and a program technician.

One of these family members was Wanda Begody, who understood at an early age that she would dedicate her life to raising sheep. As a little girl, Wanda dreamed of going to school, but her parents said that taking care of sheep would serve her well. She raised her animals the best she could, but eventually noticed a decrease of both size and quality.

Many of her ewes had trouble breeding, and their offspring were weak and small. But since joining the ram exchange program, she has been trained
and now understands the dangers of in-breeding.

"I enjoy this program and have learned so much," Wanda said. "Before the ram exchange, I did not know about the production of sheep. But in one year we have taken some of our stock in for replacement, I have exchanged feeders, learned to vaccinate and given our sheep the proper care they deserve."

Before joining the exchange program, Wanda said she felt fortunate if any of her ewes gave birth to one lamb.

"When my favorite ewe gave birth to triplets, it was the happiest time for me and proof of all my hard work," she said. "I first thanked the gods, then the ram, and then Heifer International who provided us with the gift. To receive both numbers and quality has made it all worthwhile."

Sheep: The Life-Giving Livestock Bringing Hope to the Navajo

"Livestock is the lifeline of our people."

Rigoberto Delgado, Heifer Southwest director, shares Wanda's sentiments.

"Some of our recipients cry when their ram arrives, and claim it is the best gift they have received in their life," Delgado said. "These families are very independent and like to do things their own way, and Heifer understands because of mutual respect. We only ask that the recipients understand and incorporate our training."

Another recipient, Gloria Todachinnie, believes "Heifer International has saved us." "Our people want quality and good production, and it happened only because of the ram exchange," she said. "Heifer International communicates with our people even in our own language."

Ray Castillo, an Agriculture Department extension agent, said, "Our people want to preserve our culture, which we are losing at a rapid rate. Our land is being taken over by residential areas and so we must find a way to preserve our resources.

"Livestock is the lifeline of our people and brings harmony to families, keeping them together," he added. "Our biggest resource today will be our youth. If you look into the eyes of our children, you will see there is so much hope to preserve our Navajo culture. Today, with the help of Heifer International, this is being restored."

Darcy Kiefel is a photojournalist living in Boulder, Colorado.