For the Diné people, our sacred mountains are more than silhouettes on the horizon. They are living relatives. They define our homeland, ground our prayers, and carry teachings passed down through generations. They remind us who we are, where we come from, and how we are meant to walk in this world.
From Blanca Peak in the east, to Mount Taylor in the south, to the San Francisco Peaks in the west, and Hesperus Mountain in the north, these mountains form the sacred boundaries of Diné Bikéyah. Within them live our identity, our responsibilities, and our connection to hózhó, balance and harmony.
These mountains are our teachers. They show patience in their stillness, strength in their endurance, and humility in their quiet presence. They have watched over our people for countless generations, witnessing our ceremonies, our struggles, and our resilience. They remind us that everything is connected, the land, the people, the water, the air, and the future we are creating.
Respect for our sacred mountains means more than admiring their beauty. It means protecting them. It means making decisions with care, knowing that what we do today will echo far into the future. Progress must never come at the expense of our beliefs, our traditions, or the sacred places that sustain us spiritually and culturally.
As we move forward as a Nation, may we always remember that these mountains are not resources to be taken, but relatives to be honored. They call on us to lead with responsibility, act with respect, and protect the sacred balance entrusted to us.
Artwork by: LaTalia Peterson
