AUTHOR’S NOTE

The Navajo Language and Customs

When Navajo words are used in this book, the Navajo-English Dictionary by Leon Wall and William Morgan and Navajo Made Easier: A Course in Conversational Navajo by Irvy W. Goossen have provided the spelling.

Some of the names of Chester’s acquaintances are spelled phonetically. There are isolated cases where he wasn’t sure of some names, but we tried to make a stab at them. I apologize for any inaccuracies.

This is the memoir of one man who, in numerous ways, represents many. It is a book about determination, courage, and knowledge. However, although Chester and I have taken great pains to report his experiences accurately, this book does not purport to be the definitive reference for Navajo customs and ceremonials.

That is another book. Surely a Navajo will write it.

 

 

Judith Schiess Avila, May 2011