07/13/2026
GOOD DAY AT TSÉYI/CANYON de CHELLY. Sunday, July 12, 2026.
My journey around Tséyi/Canyon de Chelly (north and south rims) was eventful from beginning to the end. At the start, we ran into a thunder storm at Massacre Cave. Met Shaun Tahua (Maori) and his family from New Zealand. Took a break and got some hearty grub Junction Restaurant in Chinle, AZ, while waiting out the storm. Tore up my moccasins on the south rim (see previous post). At the end and immediately after dropping off my brother Travis, I got pulled over by FPD. Fortunately, I was given a warning.
All in all, my time at Canyon de Chelly was great. The fresh rain were refreshing and the clouds kept the temperature cool.
Tséyi/Canyon de Chelly is an amazing and beautiful place, one of the crown jewels of the Navajo Nation. Full of history (good and bad) and good people. The attraction to the park is global. As such, I believe we (Diné people) need to take better care of the park. There's so much litter along the side of the roads and majority of the litter are alcohol containers. Our ancestors and our leaders fought (physically and verbally), endured and survived harsh treatment, some of them gave their lives, and diplomatically secured the agreement (Treaty of 1868) to return and remain on this land. As a result, we (the current and future generations) need to LOVE, REVERE, and PROTECT this beautiful land.
Thank you Tséyi/Canyon de Chelly and Chinle for the hospitality. Thanks also to my nephew Colton Kellywood and my clan brother Travis Washee for the road crew assistance in the past few days from Lukachukai to Chinle, AZ. ~TURKEYBOY
