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James and Mary's experience on the Navajo reservation paints a vivid picture of the hardships many people face in rural or underserved areas. Living without running water or electricity until recently must have been incredibly challenging.
James says “Water wasn't easy. It was about a mile away. We had to carry water back and forth.” It is frustrating to hear how the agencies on the reservation that were supposed to offer support and services did not follow through. Especially when it comes to critical things like plumbing and electricity, as well as snow plowing in the winter.
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James and Mary have made an incredible impact through their work with BRIDGE and the various programs they have been involved with.
James was drawn to the Solidary Farm that began a couple of years ago at BRIDGE. His connection to the farm and the way he's helped bless the earth, the plants, and the community through prayer and ceremony is beautiful. The story of James and Mary’s granddaughter is powerful and moving to all of us. They were told by doctors that their granddaughter would never speak and would have to use sign language for the rest of her life.
James and Mary both talked about their passion for prayer, faith, and medicine which led them to help their non-verbal granddaughter to find her voice. This stuck with me because both my parents are doctors and I have been around allopathic medicine all my life. Growing up surrounded by a practical and scientific approach to health, it’s easy to believe that this is the only way of healing. That is the type of medicine I believed in. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the United States, covering approximately 27,000 square miles across northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah. It is home to a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep historical connection to the land, with iconic landmarks such as Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly showcasing its beauty. The traditions of the Diné people, including their language, art, and ceremonies, remain vibrant and deeply rooted in their ancestral lands.
Medicine people James Etsitty and Mary Blackmountain share their experiences and way of living in the reservation, and shed light on some of the difficulties they face being in a remote area. James Etcitty travels across the country to lead ceremonies in the tradition of the Native American Church. He offers healing and strength in currents that have flowed through his own family.
Mary Blackmountain: Back home, I mean, I was raised with non-educated parents, and our ways were very traditional. No running water, no electricity, just horses and wagons. I had two older sisters, and I'm the youngest one.
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