WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) celebrated the spirit of youth, hope, joy and energy by hosting the 78th Annual Navajo Nation Fair’s Ashkii Happy Kids Day.
“Kids Day is an important day for the Division and the Navajo Nation to provide outreach and education for our young children. It reminds us of our sacred roles to ensure that they grow up with the values and knowledge that will make them successful and contributing members of our society. More than that, they bring happiness and joy to their families and our communities. Strong and healthy children make a strong and healthy Nation,” said Thomas Cody, NDCFS Executive Director.
Hundreds of young people from across the Navajo Nation and beyond joined in the festivities on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Navajo Square on the fairgrounds. The Division’s departments and programs featured different activities throughout the day.
The fun started with a game of Mingle, Mingle by the Department for Child Well-Being. The game involved joining in pairs or groups to avoid being eliminated. The ice breaker game brought out much laughter as children imitated making frybread, searching for sheep, round dancing, and driving an Indian car.
Kids then had the chance to participate in a song and dance with singer Andreas James. The song and dance activity was hosted by the Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families.
The Department of Child Care hosted a Toy Scramble where children, divided by age groups, grabbed a toy to take home. Toys included board games, books, puzzles, and more.
The Department for Self Reliance had a special guest – Philip “Hot Sauce” Champion, who delivered motivational remarks and shared basketball tricks with young children. They practiced moves to earn basketballs from him.
The Department for Long Term Services and Supports had several activities for kids, including a game of Simon Says, a few rounds of song and dance, and learning how to dance the Cupid shuffle.
The Financial Assistance Unit invited the Gallup Police Department to provide an important message on public safety with valuable safety tips for kids. Police Chief Erin Toadlena-Pablo joined in a game of Green Light, Red Light with the kids. McGruff the Crime Dog accompanied the police officers.
The Office of Executive Director promoted learning the Navajo language by inviting singer Talibah Begay to entertain the audience between activities.
While children earned prizes for participating in activities throughout the day, Kids Day ended with a bike giveaway. Six bikes were given away to school-age children while toddlers had a chance to win strollers and tricycles.
The NDCFS partnered with Navajo Headstart to share messages for families on the radio. Deputy Director Sonlatsa Jim asked parents and families to join the Diné Action Plan movement to prevent the four modern-day monsters that impact Navajo people everywhere – alcohol and substance abuse, violence in our homes and communities, suicide, and missing or murdered Diné relatives. “Change starts at the home level with parents and guardians. Our Navajo culture is healing,” she said.
The NDCFS also hosted a resource fair in two tents that featured organizations focused on healthy children and families. They provided meaningful information to all participants.
Royalty were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and share messages with their peers throughout the day. Lil Miss Southwest Nevaeh Sky LittleWolf encouraged students to be a buddy and not a bully. Miss Navajo Nation Fair Powwow Princess Lalaina Juanita-Jean Becenti encouraged youth to reconnect with their culture and language and for parents to be involved with their children. Miss Central Navajo Tomilethia Chee thanked the organizers and encouraged families to speak to children in the Navajo language.
NDCFS thanks all partners, schools, families and children for making Ashkii Happy Kids Day a success.
