The Characters
“In our way of life, they call them monsters. As Indigenous People, these are monsters that are beating us up every day. These modern day monsters are alcoholism, drug addiction, poverty,
... and cancer.” – Jonathan Nez President, Navajo Nation
In order to understand the stories of these monsters, uranium and cancer, it’s important to understand the culture and the people, and how they are connected to the land. Like the four sacred mountains that outline the boundaries of their lands, our four main characters frame our story, and provide a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of a people that many have forgotten or know so little about.
WALTER PHELPS
Walter Phelps, an esteemed rancher and former tribal council delegate, leads a life deeply rooted in Navajo traditions. Settled in a remote region devoid of bustling populations, his ranch stands as a testament to the quintessential Navajo lifestyle, lacking modern amenities such as running water and electricity. Every few days, he embarks on the arduous task of hauling water from a community well necessary for survival. Walter's livelihood revolves around tending to cattle and sheep, inheriting a lineage of shepherding that spans generations.
Remarkably, nothing goes to waste on the ranch; every aspect of the sheep's existence serves a purpose, contributing to the sustenance of life. In the refreshing embrace of early summer, the sheep are sheared, and their wool undergoes a meticulous transformation into yarn. This yarn, vibrant and alive, is then expertly dyed and fashioned into intricate, traditional Navajo rugs—a splendid artistry that has persevered throughout centuries.
Guided by the wisdom of his 85-year-old mother, who solely communicates in her native tongue, Walter's family transcends language barriers to preserve their cultural heritage. With unmatched skill, Walter's mother deftly wields her own mother's loom, weaving together a mesmerizing masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of their ancestral traditions. As she intricately crafts the rug, she carefully imparts the profound significance of this time-honored process, passing down wisdom that stretches back through countless generations.
JERREL SINGER
Jerrel Singer, an exceptional artist and passionate advocate, aptly identifies as an "ART-ivist," utilizing his creative talent to shed light on the pressing issue of uranium within the Navajo Nation. The profound personal losses he has endured, including the tragic passing of more than 20 family members from cancer resulting from lifelong uranium exposure, fuels his unwavering commitment to raising awareness through his art.
Through his masterful strokes, Jerrel employs powerful symbolism to convey the perils of uranium contamination. His artistic expressions not only serve as a reminder of the ever-present threat posed by this hazardous material, but also capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the Navajo land and sky. Remarkably, he skillfully employs vivid colors, allowing them to both illuminate the majesty of his surroundings and serve as a visual warning.
Jerrel's artistic vision encompasses a delicate balance, showcasing the mesmerizing allure of the Navajo landscape while artfully hinting at the danger lurking within. In doing so, he intertwines the realms of aesthetics and activism, using his creations as a vehicle for change and a call to action.
Driven by his personal experiences and the deep-rooted connection to his community, Jerrel strives to ignite conversations and provoke thought through his art. His brush becomes a weapon against complacency, a tool to expose the devastating consequences of uranium contamination and advocate for a safer, healthier future for the Navajo people.
VALINDA SHIRLEY
Valinda Shirley embodies a unique duality, existing at the intersection of two distinct worlds. On one hand, she immerses herself in Western society and applied sciences, utilizing her position as the head of The Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency to empower her people. On the other hand, she cherishes her deep connection to her Navajo roots, embracing the culture, language, and sacred practices that bind her to the land.
Valinda keenly recognizes the significance of her people's traditions and wonders if many of the challenges they face could have been averted had they steadfastly clung to their ancestral ways. Her conviction stems from the understanding that their customs encapsulate wisdom and harmony with the natural world, offering a path towards sustainable co-existence.
In an effort to address the pressing issue of uranium contamination, Valinda and her dedicated staff gather for a community meeting at Red Water Pond Road Community. This site stands as one of the most severely impacted areas, bearing the burden of past uranium mining activities. The significance of this gathering is amplified by the presence of representatives from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In an exceptional display of solidarity, these representatives have agreed to personally witness the aftermath of the contamination and attentively listen to the community's concerns regarding the proposed remediation solutions. Together, Valinda and her team navigate the complex terrain of environmental protection, advocating for the preservation of their land, the safeguarding of their traditions, and the empowerment of their community. With hope in their hearts, they embark on this critical dialogue, seeking lasting solutions that honor the past while striving to forge a brighter, sustainable future for the Navajo Nation.
RACHEL SAHMIE
Nestled within the expanse of the Navajo Nation lies a distinct enclave inhabited by the Hopi people. Among them, Rachel Sahmie (Nampeyo), a remarkable fifth-generation Hopi-Tewa potter, carries forward the legacy of her ancestors. As the great-granddaughter of the renowned Hopi Potter, whose name resonates singularly as Nampeyo, Rachel's artistry graces esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian, alongside numerous other museums that showcase the timeless beauty of traditional Hopi pottery.
While Rachel herself faces cancer and receives care in Tuba City, her indomitable spirit remains unwavering. Amidst the advanced stages of her illness, she does not succumb to fear but instead radiates beauty in her every step. Her acceptance of whatever destiny may unfold and her optimistic outlook defy conventions, serving as a profound source of inspiration to those who encounter her journey. In the face of adversity, Rachel finds solace and strength, in her history, her artistry, and her family.
In her unwavering resolve, Rachel is determined to pass on her family's legacy to the next generation. Even as she imparts her craft to her daughter, she instills a sense of purpose, ensuring that the flame of Hopi pottery continues to flicker brightly through her lineage. As her cancer progresses, Rachel embraces the cycle of life and creation, drawing parallels between the crafting of pottery and the inevitable return of the clay to the nurturing embrace of Mother Earth.
Rachel's unique perspective reflects her readiness for the next chapter, having fulfilled her purpose with grace and wisdom. Her profound connection to her ancestral art form intertwines with her deep-rooted connection to the natural world, instilling in her a sense of peace and harmony. As she paves her path, Rachel leaves an enduring legacy that extends beyond the realm of pottery, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring beauty that exists within the cycle of life.