Restoring the Diné Shepherding Tradition

For generations, Navajo-Churro sheep have been an important part of Diné life. They have provided food, wool, income, and a way for families to care for one another. Sheep are also connected to teachings about responsibility, patience, hard work, and living in balance with the land.

Caring for sheep is more than raising livestock. It requires knowledge of the seasons, grazing areas, weather, animal health, water, and the needs of the land. Traditionally, this knowledge has been passed from elders to younger generations through daily work, stories, and hands-on learning. Navajo-Churro sheep are especially valued for their strength, adaptability, and wool, which Diné weavers have long used to create rugs, blankets, clothing, and other items that carry cultural and family meaning.

Hózhó Voices of Healing Center is helping restore opportunities for youth, families, students, and community members to learn sheep care, farming, and land-based skills. Participants gain experience with feeding, herding, lambing, fencing, grazing, animal health, wool care, gardening, and water conservation.

The Center’s goal is not only to maintain its flock, but to prepare the next generation of Diné farmers, shepherds, growers, and land caretakers. Through hands-on training, mentorship, partnerships, and intergenerational learning, participants build skills they can use to raise sheep, grow food, support their families, and create land-based businesses. This work also supports healing by building confidence, patience, purpose, and cultural connection while protecting a living Diné tradition and strengthening land stewardship, food production, and community wellbeing for future generations.