-Navajo Department of Workforce Development Logo-

        The center being, the Corn Stalk, displays our Native essence. The corn pollen, through which our prayers are offered, represents the straight path that we as children of Mother Earth must follow for prosperity and harmony. The powerful symbol of the Feather helps teach and protect our way of life. It originated from the Eagle, a teacher who symbolizes the protection of wisdom, honor and strength of our people and Nation. The Arrowhead symbolizes protection. It is also a tool used for thousands of years for food, protection and ceremonial purposes. The Rainbow shows the prosperity of our people, and the reverence and protection of our four sacred colors. White depicts the Eastern direction for dawn prayers; Blue signifies the Southern direction for mid-day and our daily livelihood; Yellow exemplifies the Western direction for dusk, our family and knowledge; and Black conveys the Northern direction for season’s elements and stages of life. The other icons represent the fields of study in which one can learn. The final symbol in the logo is the American Flag which represents freedom and justice for all the people. The Navajos left the Spirit World with instructions: The world is for you to take care of along with your language, “You are the Five Fingered People. Take of the earth and the language. If you do not, you will self-destruct”. Man learned how to exist and survive by gathering food and hunting. Oral communication and listening were important. The values practiced were teamwork, the k’é relationship, self-determination and spirituality (having faith and a positive attitude).

-Tony Milford, Fort Defiance, AZ-