1966: This is Evelyn Kitseally. She was my dad’s Navajo grandmother (shimá sání – literally “little mother”)

Traditionally the Navajo are matrilineal and the land is passed down through the woman’s family. The daughters live close to the mother, typically in the same camp of hogans (homes). This cultural system is very practical and works well for the families.

Because Evelyn was the matriarch of the Red Mesa area, it was necessary that she give permission for our family to move to Red Mesa. She was the one who designated the exact location where we could live. This arrangement also went before the entire community at the Chapter House for a vote. Due to Evelyn’s desire for us to move to Red Mesa the community agreed.

Evelyn Kitseally was from the Mud Clan. When Navajo introduce themselves they don’t just share their name. The introduction includes where you come from. Where you come from isn’t just about the location, it’s about your clan. Your primary clan is from your mother. Your secondary clan is from your father.

My dad, David Scates, was unofficially adopted into Jimmie Clark’s family. His maternal clan was the Mud Clan.

If my dad was alive today he would introduce himself like this:

Yá’át’ééh (Hello – literally “It is good”.)

Shí éí (my name) yinishyé (I am called … ) David.

I am Hashtł’ishnii – Mud Clan (mother’s clan),

born for Tl’aashchi’I – The Red Bottom People Clan (father’s clan),

my maternal grandfather is ___(?)_____  (maternal grandfather’s clan),

my paternal grandfather is ___(?)______ (paternal grandfather’s clan).