CHINLE, Ariz. – The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services took part in the 40th Annual Central Agency Fair in Chinle, Ariz. The Division hosted the Elder Day and Health Fair along with the Division of Aging and Long Term Care Support on August 13, 2026. The same day, the Division also participated in the Kids’ Day at the Navajo Technical University campus.
The Elder Day featured the Footloose Dance Contest with a cash prize of $100 each for the couple that performed the best Twist dance move. There were also prizes for second and third place couples.
Elders got their exercise throughout the day by dancing in the song and dance and country dancing to a live country and western band. They also heard educational presentations and were entertained by the Ryedale Largo Dance Group.
There was much fun and laughter as the Division held a treasure hunt game where staff called out certain items like reading glasses or a picture of a significant other, and elders rushed to be the first to present the item and claim a prize bowl that included ingredients to make frybread.
Resources, including Department for Long Term Services and Supports, Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families (NTCCF), Department for Child Well-Being (DCWB), Department for Self Reliance (DSR), Financial Assistance Unit (FAU), Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services, and many others were available to provide information to the elders and their guests.
Thomas Cody, NDCFS Executive Director, said that the Division has been inclusive and built strong partnerships with local communities.
“Our focus has always been on children and their families. Our grandparents are the roots that ground us, our children are the future that carry us forward, and our culture is the medicine that heals us,” he said.
He said that promoting physical activity and social engagement among the elders can have numerous benefits for physical, social and emotional health.
Cody added that the Division looks forward to working with the newly crowned Miss Central Navajo Tomilethia Chee, who has participated in sheep butchering events for the youth with the Division.
Oriana Figueroa-Chacin, Government and Legislative Affairs Associate with the Navajo Nation Washington Office, attended the Elder Day with the NDCFS. She said, “Events like these are crucial, not only because it can connect elders with resources they didn’t know were available, but also because it reminds them that they have community in each other and in younger members of the Navajo Nation.”
At the Kids’ Day, dozens of resources were available for children to connect with community organizations. Department for Child Care, DSR, NTCCF, and FAU provided hands-on activities for children to enjoy during the event.
DCC Department Manager Deannah Neswood-Gishey said the event is fun for children and it gives the department an opportunity to engage with children for childcare services.
Anthony Begay, NTCCF Manager, said that participating in these types of community events lessens the stigma of seeking treatment for issues related to trauma. “We engage in face-to-face networking at the fairs. Families are able to learn about our program, put faces to the names of staff, and we can show them that we are friendly,” he said.
Crescentia Tso, DCWB Department Manager, said that the Division participates in the agency fairs because their services belong in the community. “It is important that our Navajo people know where to turn for help and that they see DCWB as a resource for strengthening and supporting families,” she said.
Amber Morgan, NDCFS Administrative Assistant, said that the partnerships formed during the fairs promote unity toward a central goal of health, wellness, and emphasis on culture.
The theme for the Central Agency Fair this year was, “Walking in Beauty: Guided by Our Ancestors Through Diné Language, Tradition, and Heritage.”
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