Navajo President Shelly Receives War Bonnet from Tsuu T'ina Nation

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA -

“I want to congratulate you on your position as the Navajo Nation President,”

Kevin Littlelight of the Tsuu T'ina Nation Presents President Shelly with War Bonnet

said Administrator Kevin Littlelight of the Tsuu T'ina Nation, as he presented a war bonnet to Navajo President Ben Shelly last Saturday at the 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair powwow.

“It is a gift from our people to the President, to show that we honor him being a prevalent leader amongst his people.”

The war bonnet was made of golden eagle feathers, which are sacred to the Plains Indians and is a symbol of stature. The bonnet represents the accomplishment of being a warrior and making a transition from a warrior to a chief.

Warrior to Chief

"I respect and appreciate this grand gesture," said President Shelly. "It gives me the pleasure to lead the Navajo Nation well and with this war bonnet, I will continue to fight for us."

Littlelight began with a prayer and singers then recited traditional songs of the Tsuu T'ina tribe. As Littlelight sang, yellow and red war paint were applied onto the president's face. Littlelight then told president that the war paint was to protect him in his journey as a leader. The war bonnet was then placed on President Shelly's head.

"We always try to maintain our relationship with the leading Nation. We have so much to learn in terms of politics, ceremonies, and culture preservation and we have relied on the Navajo Nation for these things," said Littlelight. "We want to foster that relationship into the future."

posted September 16, 2011 7:00 am edt