Kinaalda – Navajo Puberty Ceremony
Kinaaldá: A Navajo Girl’s Journey Into Womanhood follows my daughter’s kinaaldá, the traditional Navajo puberty ceremony which takes place over four days in Kayenta, Arizona. By walking in Changing Woman’s footsteps and following the prayers and teachings of the Holy People throughout the ceremony, the spirit of Changing Woman is awakened within her. On the last morning she is fully recognized as the embodiment of Changing Woman, and the community comes to receive a blessing from her.
Although she has been up for over thirty hours, she must not sleep until the sun sets on the fourth and final day. We take her to Monument Valley to keep her awake, and it is there that this picture was taken. I love the juxtaposition of the modern woman and the traditional Navajo woman sharing the majestic vista of Monument Valley. It filled my heart to see how proudly my daughter stood that morning, still in ceremony as a Navajo woman holding the beauty and power of this time and place. This majestic is land is her birthright and the place of her spiritual power which she now understands. Hózhó náhasdlíí. May it Be in Beauty…
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Brenda Beck
Brenda Kay Beck has walked in two worlds for over thirty-five years as a successful publisher, award-winning author, film producer, and a practitioner of the Navajo Beauty Way. She helps the diné, Navajo people, preserve their ancient stories and teachings, and offers her skills as a cultural bridge in these changing times. Learn More
