In this episode, co-editor Dr. Farina King of COVID-19 in Indian Country: Native American Memories and Experiences of the Pandemic speaks with contributing author Dr. Shaina A. Nez about her chapter, “COVID-19 Memory Dreamscapes.” A Diné writer from Lukachukai, Arizona, Shaina reflects on the meanings of her dreams and memories during the pandemic while navigating the hardships of single motherhood and a child custody battle. Drawing from her deep connection to land and family, she explores how her dreamscapes became a source of guidance and resilience. Shaina, who holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from the Institute of American Indian Arts and a doctorate in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, shares how writing helped her reclaim her voice during a time of uncertainty and upheaval. This episode features a powerful conversation on memory, survival, and Indigenous storytelling.

According to Diné clans, Shaina is ‘Áshįįhi born for Táchii’nii, with Ta’neeszahnii as her maternal grandfather’s clan and Kin łichii’nii as her paternal grandfather’s clan. She is the author of various publications, and her research also focuses on the experiences of emerging BIWOC authors in MFA creative nonfiction programs. She formerly taught creative writing at Diné College and continues to explore themes of memory, identity, and Indigenous storytelling in her work. Her writing often delves into personal and collective narratives, highlighting the resilience of Native communities.

Resources:

Special edition of Diné Poetics available on the Poetry Magazine website

Pre-order Beyond the Glittering World: An Anthology of Indigenous Feminisms and Futurisms (forthcoming November 2025 to be published by Torrey House Press), eds. Kinsale Drake, Stacie Shannon Denetsosie, Darcie Little Badger, et. al.

Shaina A. Nez, "This Land, Our Love," Green Linden Press (2022)

"10 Questions for Shaina A. Nez," The Massachusetts Review, March 5, 2021

Order COVID-19 in Indian Country: Native American Memories and Experiences of the Pandemic (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) edited by Farina King and Wade Davies that includes Shaina A. Nez's chapter "COVID-19 Memory Dreamscapes"

In this episode of Native Circles, Eva Bighorse and Dr. Farina King talk with Dr. Yvette Brown-Shirley, a Diné neurologist specializing in sports neurology and brain injury medicine at Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Brown-Shirley shares her experiences of becoming a neurologist and how her identity as a Diné woman healer informs her approach to medicine. She discusses the urgent need to address health inequities affecting Native communities, such as the lack of access to neurological care for Native American student-athletes facing risks of brain injuries. With a deep commitment to community engagement, she offers insights on fostering well-being and advocating for better recognition of brain health disparities.

Additional Resources:

Yvette Brown-Shirley, MD, Barrow Neurological Institute

"Here Before, Hear Now Podcast: Dr. Yvette Brown-Shirley," Arizona's Family (3TV/CBS 5), March 18, 2024

Boderra Joe, "Elevating neurological care: Diné female sports neurologist bringing light to brain health," Navajo Times, January 25, 2024.

Christine Armer is a Cherokee elder and language instructor of nearly 20 years at the University of Oklahoma who grew up in a Cherokee community where she wasn’t introduced to the English language until she attended grade school. This is the first of a new Native Circles podcast series featuring Native Language Protectors and Carriers, including Mrs. Armer. Listen to her story of teaching Cherokee language and why learning Native American languages at all levels of education is crucial. Dr. Farina King narrates this episode highlighting her distinguished colleague.

Learn more about the efforts to protect and support the study of Native American languages (and all languages) at the University of Oklahoma through the following petitions:

Oppose the Removal of Foreign Language Gen Ed requirements at the University of Oklahoma

Keep Indigenous Languages Alive at OU

For more information about the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair, see the hyperlink.

Learn more about Native American Languages at the University of Oklahoma.

See Christine Armer cited in "Native American, other languages in jeopardy at OU," The Norman Transcript, November 21, 2024.

Special thanks to Brian D. King for editing the Language Protectors and Carriers series.