My Heroes: Navajo Rug Weavers

Traditional Navajo Loom

In honor of International Day of the World's Indigenous People (Aug 9), I want to send a shout-out to my clan-relative Bessie Betoney and master rug weaver, Roy Kady.  Both artists are Navajo rug weavers and teach others the craft of weaving too; while preserving and advancing Navajo culture to others.

I laud their efforts to showcase Navajo rug making and to perpetuate the craft, one class at a time. On her own, Bessie teaches ladies how to weave as part of her lifestyle and ministry in Native New Life Church. It may take hours, weeks, and months of weaving, undoing, and re-weaving. But Bessie helps each person complete their small rug.

Roy is a master weaver teaching in places all over the world. He practices his craft and shares its blessings with many others. In fact, he has conducted the 15th annual Sheep is Life Celebration this past June where the sheep and the Navajo are intertwined like warp and woof. Visit his Facebook page to view his photos from the past Sheep is Life Celebration.

My heroes for preserving and enhancing our Navajo culture are Bessie Betoney & Roy Kady Three cheers to you both on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples!

Bessie & Arnold Betoney

Roy Kady