A posting by Crystal Littleben, NCAP Project Coordinator
You are probably wondering, what is this Littleben you speak of? Well, my name is Crystal Littleben and I am the Project Coordinator for the amazing Navajo Cultural Arts Program (NCAP). While I call two places home, Round Rock and Tuba City, Arizona, I am quickly starting to feel at home with NCAP here in Tsaile as well.
I am of the Red House (Kin Łichíi’nii) clan,
born for the Coyote Pass (Ma’ii Deeshgiizhnii) clan.
My maternal grandfather’s clan is the Bitter Water (Bįįh Bitoo’nii).
My paternal grandfather’s clan is the Under His Cover (Bit’ahnii).
I am all about K’é so feel free to let me know how we are related (or not….aye!)!
I started with the NCAP back in September, to be more specific, Wednesday, September 14, 2016! I can confidently say, it was one of the best
decisions I have ever made. Being a 2011 graduate of Diné College, I could not help but feel nostalgia when I returned to Tsaile! But, boy, Diné College has sure changed … let me tell you!
It is mindboggling (in a good way!) to reflect on the little time I have been with NCAP and the amount of growth I gained both professionally and personally!
Growing up, I have always been naturally drawn to my Navajo language, culture, and arts. I am and will always be a lifelong learning of our Navajo language and culture… so, being offered the job as the Project Coordinator for NCAP was a great way to continue my journey of Sa’ah Naagáí Bik’éh Hózhóón.
First of all, I have to say that our Navajo Cultural Arts Certificate (NCAC) students are incredibly talented and dedicated! I can’t wait to see what they produce at the end of the program. Of course, there will be a showcase for public viewing of the student’s work in the Spring. Don’t worry – we will let you know the Exhibit dates as soon as we know. Our NCAP staff, instructors, and interns are also a talented group of people and made my transition to the Tsaile campus a breeze.
Amongst the responsibilities of a Project Coordinator, I had the opportunity to be a part of a Weekend Silversmith Workshop led by Mrs. Martha Jackson. I had only been on the job for two weeks but I was ready for some hands on experience.
I have never tried my hand at any sort of silversmithing work. So, when Mrs. Jackson invited me to participate with the workshop, I was completely caught off guard. I had no idea what I was doing, didn’t know the “silversmith” language, and definitely, didn’t know how to use the tools. But if you know me, inexperience won’t stop me!
Within two days, I produced a copper pendant and earring set as well as a hallow silver bracelet. At the
end of the workshop, Mrs. Jackson encouraged me to continue with this craft: “You have the touch,” she said. Of all the Navajo cultural arts I have tested, apparently silversmithing is my “thing”. NCAP and Mrs. Jackson helped me to see that.
I have tons of NCAP stories to share with you and I hope you all continue to read our blog. So stay tuned! Follow us on our Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
I will end this blog with a quote by Marie Curie: “We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” For me…my cost was a move back home and a reminder that my culture can be created not just spoken.