TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a community ceremony on October 22 to unveil its new Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) campus sign, affirming the university’s commitment to visibility, respect, and partnership with Indigenous communities.
The event began with a land acknowledgment recognizing that the University of Arizona sits on the traditional homelands of the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui peoples and highlighted ongoing efforts to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Tribal Nations through education, collaboration, and service. The unveiling is part of the Native Languages Campus Sign Initiative, a collaboration between the Office of Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement and the Department of Linguistics, which works directly with Native Nations to bring Indigenous languages into campus spaces.
The new sign displays the Navajo phrase: “Nanise’ Naaldlooshii Bila’ashdla’ii Nihá Nahasdzáán Bikáá’ Niilyéii Baa Hh Hasin dóó Baa’ Ahééh Ílí which translates to “All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small…”
This poetic phrase embodies the heart of Diné philosophy – a worldview rooted in harmony, gratitude, and interconnectedness with all living things. “Nanise’” speaks of the plants that give life.
“Naaldlooshii and Bila’ashdla’ii” refers to animals that walk and share the land. “Nihá Nahasdzáán Bikáá’ Niilyéii” embraces all beings who live upon Mother Earth. Together, the words reflect balance, compassion, and respect – values that beautifully align with the calling of veterinary medicine.
“Today’s sign and unveiling is particularly humbling because it celebrates many of our college’s core values, creating an inclusive space for Native American and Indigenous students, visitors, faculty, and staff; honoring the Navajo Nation; and honoring humans, animals, and all things bright and beautiful,” said Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine Julie Funk. “We’re affirming an inclusive learning environment for Native students and deepening our partnership with the Navajo Nation. From scholarships to early pathway programs, we’re committed to opening doors so more Indigenous veterinarians can care for animals, families, and communities across the Southwest.”
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attended the ceremony alongside students, faculty, and community members, witnessing a moment that tied language, education, and purpose together.
“The need for Navajo veterinarians is tremendous—from our elders caring for a few sheep to ranchers stewarding herds across our lands,” President Nygren said. “Seeing Diné Bizaad honored here is powerful. It tells our students they belong and challenges other universities to follow Arizona’s example—respect the First Peoples of these states, invest in pathways, and help bring our future veterinarians home.”
This milestone builds upon a partnership established in June 2023, when the Navajo Nation and the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen opportunities for Navajo students pursuing veterinary careers. The agreement created seven scholarships for Navajo students, a historic step toward addressing the growing need for Native veterinarians across the Nation.
As the Diné Bizaad sign was unveiled beneath the morning sun, a shared sense of pride and reverence filled the air. Faculty, students, and community partners stood together as the lettering was revealed, reflecting generations of resilience and a living connection between language, people, and place. The moment served as a reminder that language is not only spoken, it is lived.
The College of Veterinary Medicine continues to build on this partnership by supporting Navajo students, promoting One Health education, and expanding outreach across Tribal lands. The unveiling stands as a lasting symbol that when Indigenous knowledge and modern science walk together, healing becomes whole, and the spirit of Hózhó, harmony and balance, endures for generations to come.
You must be logged in to post a comment.