WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) joined the Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country program to prepare students on the Navajo Nation to return to school with a Back to School Blessings event.
The event included a gourd dance and health fair at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Powwow Arena on July 22, 2026. The NDCFS Office of Executive Director made frybread on site while programs distributed public information at the health fair.
“We want to make sure to send our children back to school with many blessings and positive thoughts,” Thomas Cody, NDCFS Executive Director, said. “They need our continued encouragement and support.”
Amber Morgan, NDCFS administrative assistant, said it was truly rewarding to help coordinate and support the event alongside valued partners. “Watching children, parents, guardians, elders, and community members gather together, share a meal, and celebrate our traditions reminded us that service begins with community. We were proud to provide more than 400 pieces of frybread as a gesture of care, hospitality, and encouragement for everyone in attendance,” she said
She said that the event reflects the Navajo Division for Children and Family Services’ mission to provide holistic, culturally grounded services that strengthen and empower children, youth, families, and elders. “Through partnerships and community engagement, we remain committed to preserving our traditions, fostering resilience, and demonstrating that Culture is Healing,” Morgan added.
Miss Navajo Nation Camille Uentillie stressed the importance of children’s health and education and thanked the resources that were present during her remarks. “It’s really nice to see all of us come together… It means a lot when we all share the same message for our kids. Our children are our life, our future, so we’ve got to keep supporting them and everyone around them,” she said.
She also encouraged elders to teach children their language. “Our elders are very sacred. They hold a lot of wisdom, a lot of teachings,” she said.
Before the gourd dance began, children learned about its history and protocols from Duane Harris as was told to him by Kiowa relatives.
Children were able to earn backpacks by visiting each of the resource tables that were set up and gaining knowledge about the services that are available in the community.
The Department for Self Reliance, Navajo Nation Arizona Long Term Care Services, Financial Assistance Unit, Department of Family Services, and Department of Child Care and Development provided community outreach as part of the health fair.
