In this episode, we interview Lendrick Lomayestewa, a traditional knowledge holder from Hopi who reflects on the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in his community and how he responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by turning to traditional knowledge and cultural practices. When tribal leadership lacked an emergency plan, Lendrick and community organization members developed a comprehensive strategy rooted in Hopi teachings, including food distribution, medicine, and community care. Despite being rejected by tribal authorities, their efforts highlighted the resilience and relevance of cultural wisdom in modern crises.

This podcast shares Indigenous stories of resilience and mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19. Hear from first responders, educators, traditional knowledge holders, and recovery community members as they reflect on challenges, lessons, and culturally grounded healing. Each episode also highlights local resources for Indigenous communities in northern Arizona.

Created by NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) with Hopi and Navajo Tribal members. Funded by Project HOPE.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Darold Joseph for sharing his beautiful flute recordings with us. It brought a meaningful dimension to the podcast and his artistry is sincerely appreciated.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/voicesnativenations

In this episode, we interview De Lyssa Begay, an educator who reflects on the profound challenges and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, likening the experience to the uncertainty of their first year teaching. She shares how empathy, compassion, and a deep connection to land, tradition, and community helped ground them and support their students through unprecedented times. Personal stories of resilience, loss, and the importance of showing up highlight the enduring strength of Indigenous values and intergenerational wisdom.

This podcast shares Indigenous stories of resilience and mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19. Hear from first responders, educators, traditional knowledge holders, and recovery community members as they reflect on challenges, lessons, and culturally grounded healing. Each episode also highlights local resources for Indigenous communities in northern Arizona.

Created by NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) with Hopi and Navajo Tribal members. Funded by Project HOPE.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Darold Joseph for sharing his beautiful flute recordings with us. It brought a meaningful dimension to the podcast and his artistry is sincerely appreciated.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/voicesnativenations

In this heartfelt episode, Tiffany Tracy, an educator from the Navajo Nation reflects on the profound lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the challenges of remote teaching to the importance of communication. She shares how the crisis reshaped her understanding of learning, community support, and the emotional toll of isolation and loss. Despite overwhelming stress and limited resources, her dedication to her students and their families sustained her through the toughest moments.

This podcast shares Indigenous stories of resilience and mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19. Hear from first responders, educators, traditional knowledge holders, and recovery community members as they reflect on challenges, lessons, and culturally grounded healing. Each episode also highlights local resources for Indigenous communities in northern Arizona.

Created by NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) with Hopi and Navajo Tribal members. Funded by Project HOPE.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Darold Joseph for sharing his beautiful flute recordings with us. It brought a meaningful dimension to the podcast and his artistry is sincerely appreciated.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/voicesnativenations

In this episode, we speak with Dr. David Tsosie, a traditional knowledge holder and member of the Navajo Nation. Dr. Tsosie reflects on the impact of COVID-19 within his community, emphasizing the limitations of ceremonial practices in addressing a new and unfamiliar illness. He shares how ancestral teachings, prayer songs, and herbal remedies provided spiritual and emotional support during the pandemic. The conversation explores the importance of maintaining cultural protocols while also recognizing the role of Western medicine.

This podcast shares Indigenous stories of resilience and mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19. Hear from first responders, educators, traditional knowledge holders, and recovery community members as they reflect on challenges, lessons, and culturally grounded healing. Each episode also highlights local resources for Indigenous communities in northern Arizona.

Created by NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) with Hopi and Navajo Tribal members. Funded by Project HOPE.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Darold Joseph for sharing his beautiful flute recordings with us. It brought a meaningful dimension to the podcast and his artistry is sincerely appreciated.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/voicesnativenations

In this episode, we speak with Joyce Hamilton, director of the Hopi Department of Health and Human Services and a dedicated member of the Hopi community. During the pandemic, Joyce led the Community Health Representative Program—one of the few essential services that continued frontline outreach to protect and inform the Hopi people.

This podcast shares Indigenous stories of resilience and mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19. Hear from first responders, educators, traditional knowledge holders, and recovery community members as they reflect on challenges, lessons, and culturally grounded healing. Each episode also highlights local resources for Indigenous communities in northern Arizona.

Created by NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) with Hopi and Navajo Tribal members. Funded by Project HOPE.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Darold Joseph for sharing his beautiful flute recordings with us. It brought a meaningful dimension to the podcast and his artistry is sincerely appreciated.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/voicesnativenations

In this episode, we speak with Beatrice Norton, a frontline worker from the Hopi Reservation. During the pandemic, Beatrice served as the manager of the Office of Aging and Adult Services for the Hopi Tribe and chairwoman of the Oraibi Village Board. She shares her experiences supporting elders and leading her community through a time of crisis.

This podcast shares Indigenous stories of resilience and mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19. Hear from first responders, educators, traditional knowledge holders, and recovery community members as they reflect on challenges, lessons, and culturally grounded healing. Each episode also highlights local resources for Indigenous communities in northern Arizona.

Created by NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) with Hopi and Navajo Tribal members. Funded by Project HOPE.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Darold Joseph for sharing his beautiful flute recordings with us. It brought a meaningful dimension to the podcast and his artistry is sincerely appreciated.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/voicesnativenations

*This episode contains sensitive material relating to the operation of a mortuary. Listener discretion is advised*

In this episode, we welcome Michael Begay, a lifelong member of the Tuba City community. A retired criminal investigator with 30 years in law enforcement, Michael now serves as a funeral director and owner of Valley Ridge Mortuary. He shares his unique perspective and experiences supporting his community before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This podcast shares Indigenous stories of resilience and mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19. Hear from first responders, educators, traditional knowledge holders, and recovery community members as they reflect on challenges, lessons, and culturally grounded healing. Each episode also highlights local resources for Indigenous communities in northern Arizona.

Created by NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) with Hopi and Navajo Tribal members. Funded by Project HOPE.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Darold Joseph for sharing his beautiful flute recordings with us. It brought a meaningful dimension to the podcast and his artistry is sincerely appreciated.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/voicesnativenations

In this episode, we speak with Lee Yaiva, CEO of Scottsdale Recovery Center. With over 20 years in the recovery field, Lee shares his insights on working with Tribal communities, how those connections evolved during the pandemic, and the importance of culturally informed care in healing and recovery.

This podcast shares Indigenous stories of resilience and mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19. Hear from first responders, educators, traditional knowledge holders, and recovery community members as they reflect on challenges, lessons, and culturally grounded healing. Each episode also highlights local resources for Indigenous communities in northern Arizona.

Created by NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) with Hopi and Navajo Tribal members. Funded by Project HOPE.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Darold Joseph for sharing his beautiful flute recordings with us. It brought a meaningful dimension to the podcast and his artistry is sincerely appreciated.

Resources: https://linktr.ee/voicesnativenations