KAYENTA – The community of Kayenta turned out for the Child Abuse Prevention Month Awareness Walk on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
The walk was hosted by the Department of Family Services (DFS) Kayenta Office as a way to engage the community in the message to put an end to child abuse. About 40 people joined in to show their support. Participants were provided with blue pinwheels, the national symbol for child abuse prevention, to carry as they walked.
The walk started at the DFS office next to the chapter house and continued to the intersection of Highways 160 and 163.
Dr. Jordon Begay, Principal Social Worker, said that Child Abuse Prevention Month is dedicated to elevating public understanding and fostering a protective environment for the children within the communities across the Navajo Nation. “This annual observance serves as a profound reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to safeguard children from all forms of abuse and neglect, thereby ensuring they are afforded every opportunity to develop and flourish in a secure, supportive setting,” he said.
Dr. Begay said that child abuse has far-reaching consequences that impact individuals, families, and society and that the Kayenta DFS stands firm in its commitment to proactively addressing the issue by furnishing essential resources and comprehensive support systems to families.
The dedication of the staff was evident as several, like Senior Social Worker Cherylene Jones, had court hearings in the morning and still joined the walk when they were done.
Lucero Dayzie, Office Specialist, and Bilphena Lane, Case Management Specialist, both said that it was their first time taking part in a walk to raise awareness on child abuse. They carried the banners as the walkers made their way across town. “It was really awesome,” Dayzie said.
Social Worker Lowell Hobson held the other side of the banner with Dayzie. He said he appreciated being out in the community to focus on getting awareness out on what the department does in working with children. “The honks were really cool,” he said.
Other staff members, like Case Management Specialist Tammy Herbert, stayed behind to greet visitors. “I enjoyed connecting with the community,” she said.
Dr. Begay said that their efforts are strategically focused on implementing preventative measures to intercede before abuse can occur. “We firmly believe that through widespread community education such as the awareness walk, the reinforcement of family structures through k’é, and the promotion of nurturing, positive parenting methodologies, we can collectively forge an environment where every child is safe and empowered.”
The DFS staff said they work well with other service providers in the area. As an example, resources like Department of Self Reliance, Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services, and Navajo Nation Special Diabetes were set up to provide public education during the walk.
Kierra Johnson, Office Aide, said that the agencies are there for one another. “Everyone is doing their part and doing what they can to be there for their community,” she said.
“This walk served as a powerful testament to our collective resolve, aiming to underscore the fundamental principle that child abuse is entirely preventable,” Dr. Begay added.
Dr. Begay said that if anyone witnesses circumstances that suggest child maltreatment, they have a moral and legal obligation to report it. He called upon community members to become advocates for vulnerable children to ensure their protection and inherent right to a safe and thriving childhood. “This principle—if you see something, say something—is central to our advocacy. It reinforces the understanding that child abuse is unacceptable, unlawful, and demands immediate intervention,” he said.
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