A Conversation with Joann Roan, a Diné Elder: The Impact of Relocation, Advocating for and Protecting Diné Lifeways, and Nicole Horseherder on Environmental Justice

This is a very special conversation recorded in person with Joann Roan, who is a Diné Elder and facilitated by the amazing folks at Tó Nizhóní Ání. Joann is originally from Horse Lookout — an area behind Big Mountain, in what's now the Hopi Partitioned Lands. Joann is Dził T'aaí, and today she lives in New Lands, Arizona, where she relocated with her family. She's a water and land protector, and she's been a voice against new helium leasing in New Lands.

We are also joined by Nicole Horseherder of Tó Nizhóní Ání — which translates to 'Sacred Water Speaks.' It's a Diné-led nonprofit from the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation. The organization was formed in the spirit of the Diné elders who fought to protect Black Mesa, and it carries that work forward — mobilizing to protect the region's water sources from industrial use and waste. Today, Tó Nizhóní Ání is working to bring power back to Diné communities impacted by coal, while leading the transition away from fossil fuels. As they say: Tó bee iiná — water is life.

Immense gratitude for Makaius Marks, Tó Nizhóní Ání Media Organizer, who voiced the interpretation from Diné bizaad (Navajo language) to English. Makaius also produced and cocreated the final podcast episode. Thank you to Nicole and Makaius for the interpretation of Joann’s words from Diné bizaad (Navajo language) into English. Thank you to Adrian Herder, Nicole Horseherder, Maikaius Marks, and Joann Roan for the work they bring into the world and for joining me in this project.

Links for more information: https://tonizhoniani.org/

As always, thank you to Trent Jones for sound engineering!