GBC Welcomes Dinéh Tah' Navajo Dancers for Nevada Debut
Great Basin College welcomed the Dinéh Tah' Navajo Dancers to the GBC Theater on Wednesday,
November 4, for Route 66 Travelers and Tribes: 100 Years, a cultural and educational program exploring Native American history, traditions
and the lasting impact of Route 66. The event marked the group's first visit to Nevada,
with GBC hosting their Nevada debut.
The evening opened with remarks from GBC Humanities Center Coordinator Katie Karnehm-Esh, Vice President Sarah Negrete and Phi Theta Kappa members Valeria Mendoza and Calvin Cowan, who also serves as president of GBC's Native American Student Association. Western Shoshone drummer Jeremiah Jones followed with an opening blessing song.
In recognition of Route 66's centennial in 2026, Navajo tradition keeper and historian
Shawn Price explored the highway's history and its complex relationship with Native
American communities. His presentation examined both the opportunities and challenges
Route 66 brought to communities along its path, including its economic, cultural and
historical impacts on the United States and sovereign Indigenous nations. Price also
discussed the significance of the 1868 Navajo Treaty and other aspects of Navajo history.
Following the presentation, Price accompanied the Dinéh Tah' Navajo Dancers with traditional singing and drumming as they shared blessing dances with those in attendance. The program also recognized the contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers and their place in American and Navajo history.
The Dinéh Tah' Navajo Dancers have performed across the country, including at the Library of Congress. Their visit to GBC provided students and community members an opportunity to learn about Navajo history and experience living cultural traditions.
Great Basin College thanks Shawn Price, the Dinéh Tah' Navajo Dancers, Jeremiah Jones, Katie Karnehm-Esh and everyone who helped make the cultural program possible.