| Nancy Dunham, American Legion Auxillary president, Lucille Hunt, Navajo speaker, and Christine Monroe, Director Green River Community Center. |
Tales of childhood days on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico fascinated listeners as LucilleHuntpresented “Grandmother’s Memories” at John Wesley Powell Museum in Green River. Sponsored by the Utah Humanities Council. Monroe said, “Mrs. Hunt wearing traditional velveteen dress and heritage jewelry was a beautiful picture to remind us of a time when life was sweet and simple among the family’s goats and sheep.” Hunt told of creating toys from rocks, cans and clay that with imagination became magic palaces, animals and wagons. Nature provided household needs as shrubs and twigs were used to clean, sweep and comb. Carefully crafted cedar cradle boards, that still carry Navajo babies today, teach respect for the earth. The top bow brings to mind the sky, leather lacings are lighting and sunshine with a white cloth representing clouds above. Much can be learned today from such a respectful , resourceful way of life. Hunt reminded us that the Navajo language was not written until after World War II. History was related by story and song. She sang songs of sadness and hope as well as a lullaby with the cooing of the nightingale. Onc interesting tale told how Comanches became part of the Navajo nation. She related that a Navajo pregnant maiden delivered her boy-child when in Comanche captivity. She managed a midnight escape with the baby later to find the child she took was a girl. To late to return to camp she raised the infant as her own. Time passed, the little girl grew, married and had a son who became Hunt’s great grandfather.
By presenting programs such as “Grandmother’s Memories” Utah Humanities Council is promoting a deeper understanding of our various traditions, values, history and heritage at a level to be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. American Legion Axillary and Green River Community Center hosted the event.