Learning our Worlds through Language - A Conversation with Kevin Belin

Something we often forget is how powerfully language shapes how
we view each other and the world and how we interact as part of
it. For that reason, it is a key part of how we help young people
to understand their experiences, Both as a means of relating and
communicating and as a set of skills that they acquire. This week
it is a huge privilege to be able to welcome Kevin Belin onto the
podcast who is the Director of the Diné Bizaad Institute and
Navajo Language teacher at Navajo Preparatory School, in Navajo
Nation in what is now known as the United States.


Kevin is also owner of Hashké – Hozhó Design and
Collaborative.  Tódích’íinii nilį́įgo,
Tł’ógí yashchíín, Ta’neeszhahnii dah bicheii, Chishí dah
binálí. He is currently serving as Board member for Saad Kidilyé
Language nest in Albuquerque. He also served as Adjunct
Instructor with Diné College Navajo Cultural Arts Program. 


Kevin has been in the education field for over decade
working with fellow teachers, consultants, and language
instructors to perpetuate the Navajo Language and Culture through
curriculum building, trainings, and presentations. Throughout the
year, Kevin is consulted to work with youth and demonstrate hands
on workshops in historical and cultural knowledge. “I don’t
consider myself an expert, but I am the bridge that connects the
knowledge banks that come from our elders, to the young and
discouraged learners, using modern approaches to language
learning and scaffolded instruction, to understanding the complex
concepts of Sa’ah Naaghei Bik’eh Hozho.” 


Kevin has been featured on Native America Calling, American
Indian Republic, 21st Century Native leaders podcast and
Indian Country Today as a cultural representative and is a Billy
Mill’s Running Strong Dreamstarter. 


“Teaching the Navajo Language to our young leaders and helping
them understand the complexity that is the Diné way of life is a
lifelong endeavor” (Kevin Belin).