February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. To bring awareness to healthy relationships, the Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families (NTCCF) and the Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) are sharing the following information on teen dating.
It’s never too early to learn about dating in the modern world. Learn early about the Navajo clan system. Know your clans. Ask your relatives about the clan system so you know who you are related to.
K’é’ is the Navajo clan system. These include your mother’s clan, your father’s clan, your maternal father’s clan, and your paternal father’s clan. Each clan has subgroups.
Make sure the person you are dating is not related to you. Understanding and respecting the Navajo clan system helps minimize future complications with your relationship.
Make sure your parents or guardians know who you are dating. Sneaking around and hiding things is not a good way to have a relationship. Be honest.
Learn about healthy relationships. Healthy relationships include:
- Understanding that the Navajo clan system is a matriarchal lineage.
- Having respect for yourself.
- Controlling your emotions.
- Having a sense of positive values.
If you need to speak with someone on this topic, please contact the Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families at (928) 871-7679. Other resources available are the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or texting LOVEIS to 22522. The StrongHearts Native Helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives is 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483).
NTCCF is a program under the NDCFS that provides voluntary outpatient counseling and other mental health services to Native American children and outpatient family counseling to individuals, couples, groups or families. Traditional services are also offered by the program. NTCCF offices are located in Crownpoint, Fort Defiance, Shiprock and Tuba City.
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