From Dinétah to Denendeh: Restoring Relations Through Stories

By Renae Watchman
University of Arizona Press (2022)
222 pages

Review by Shaina A. Nez

The book From Dinétah to Denendeh: Restoring Relations Through Stories explores Indigenous community narratives and film, focusing on Shiprock, New Mexico, and Denendeh in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The author provides valuable insights into Navajo storytelling through conversations with community members. The book is recommended for those interested in Indigenous stories and cinematic expressions.

The book’s strength lies in its focus on the perspectives of Navajo community members, adding depth to the discussion of storytelling. However, it lacks diverse voices among Navajo creative writers who are actively preserving and innovating within this tradition. Including a broader range of perspectives could enrich the dialogue around Navajo storytelling and its evolution in relation to the future.

Structurally, the book might benefit from elements of creative nonfiction to enhance the reader’s engagement and understanding of the complexities of Navajo narratives. The author’s positionality may have opened avenues for deeper exploration of the themes of storytelling, particularly through the works of contemporary Navajo nonfiction authors. Additionally, revisiting the contributions of early Navajo writers with an emphasis on personal storytelling could provide a more nuanced historical context.

In the chapter “Diné Diegesis: 5th World,” Watchman initiates a focused conversation with selected Navajo creatives. However, the exploration of how Navajo storytelling can transcend the Glittering World feels somewhat limited. While Indigenous justicerelated terminology is employed, the lack of Navajo-specific terms may weaken the connection to the cultural roots of these concepts. The author’s introduction of the term “hane’tonomy” represents an interesting blending of Navajo and English but may benefit from additional insights from a wider range of Navajo voices which could fully address the complexities of autonomy in storytelling and filmmaking.

A broader inclusion of perspectives from Navajo writers and filmmakers could also illuminate the connections between settler colonialism and contemporary narratives. Engaging with a diverse array of knowledge holders would allow for a more dynamic discourse on how terminology and concepts can evolve, centering prose and film in the process. Finally, while Watchman’s personal stories contribute meaningfully to the narrative, a deeper integration of personal storytelling from other Navajo creatives could further enrich the discussion.

In conclusion, From Dinétah to Denendeh serves as a thoughtful foundation for exploring Navajo storytelling but calls for further research and engagement with a wider spectrum of Navajo voices. As the landscape of Navajo creativity continues to evolve, there is significant potential for new forms of identity and expression that not only challenge traditional narratives but also engage in meaningful dialogues with other Indigenous communities navigating similar transformations.

Shaina A. Nez, PhD, is Táchii’nii born for Áshįįhi and serves Diné College as a senior lecturer in creative writing and English.