06/19/2022
Happy Father’s Day!
Azhé’é Bééhániih - Happy Father’s Day!
On behalf of the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, we wish all of the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and caregivers out there a Happy Father’s Day!
Today, families and loved ones will recognize and show our appreciation to fathers from all walks of life. On Father’s Day, we honor the strength, resilience, and love that our fathers and the father figures who provide for our children, families, and communities.
Long ago and to this day, our elders gather together with young men in the sweat lodges to share our stories and teachings to help them become strong mentally, physically, and spiritually. Those teachings are what continue to influence our families and our people to this day. As a matrilineal society, Navajo mothers take on the dominate role in our society, in our families, and in our homes. But fathers and mothers both have the important responsibility to pass down the teachings of our elders and to provide for their children, both in what they need on a daily basis and providing the discipline that is needed to learn from mistakes that we all make growing up.
Our fathers play many roles in our lives and in our communities. We have some fathers who left our homelands to join the military and defend our country – sadly, some of them did not come home from war and those that did return home, continue to provide for their families. Some have chosen to be public servants to our people by taking on leadership roles in our communities and throughout our government. Many of our fathers also take on the responsibility of practicing our teachings by serving as the spiritual leaders — the medicine people, pastors, and healers who help many of our people with illnesses and other challenges they experience.
Through this COVID-19 pandemic, many fathers have fought for us on the frontlines, they are our frontline warriors along with many of our Diné women. Many are the doctors, nurses, EMT’s, and other frontline workers who continue to save lives each and every day. Fathers play a major role in our lives whether it be in our homes, our communities, or through our faith.
There are many blessings that come with being a father and also many challenges of taking care of children and setting an example for them to follow. Fathers do their best to instill the teachings that elders instilled in many of us such as helping others, and taking it upon ourselves to work hard and create a good home and good future for our loved ones.
With their unconditional care and love, our fathers continue to lead and love us even in our darkest moments. No matter the challenges we face or the directions we choose, fathers are there for us, always willing to share their love and teachings. We also recognize that there are many single fathers, and mothers who play the roles of both mother and father to their children.
On this day, we also honor and remember all of the fathers, grandfathers, and uncles who have passed on and who are now with our Creator watching over us. They are our guardian angels and they continue to protect us and love us, especially during difficult times. As daughters and sons take the time to show your love and appreciation by telling your father: Ahéhee’ Shizhe’é’.
On this special day, we give thanks to the proud, resilient, and loving fathers from every walk of life. We celebrate those blessings by embracing the men who continue to guide and inspire us. We wish all of you a Happy Father’s Day! Ahe’hee’