MOAB, Utah – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren visited the set of the Emmy-winning Navajo Highways as production moves forward on Season 2, highlighting the Navajo Nation’s continued investment in Diné language, culture and educational programming for Navajo children.
Created by Pete Sands, Navajo Highways began as a Navajo-language educational children’s series created to make Diné Bizaad and cultural teachings accessible and engaging for young learners. Season 1 featured six episodes and was made available through FNX, reaching families and classrooms, including Bureau of Indian Education and public schools.
The series went on to receive Emmy recognition, including two Emmy Awards, demonstrating that programming rooted in Diné language and culture can succeed both as an educational resource and professional television production.
The Navajo Nation invested $725,000 in Season 2 through an agreement with Navajo Highways LLC. The educational puppet series is designed for K-3 students and uses storytelling, humor and Diné Bizaad to strengthen language learning and cultural teachings. The broader project is envisioned as four seasons aligned with Navajo Nation language standards.
“We have to revitalize our culture and make sure that our kids are speaking our language,” President Nygren said. “Ten, 20 or 30 years down the road, they have to be able to watch shows and visual presentations that make them feel good, help them understand and allow them to connect. The Navajo Nation has to continue to invest in projects like Navajo Highways. That’s how we make a dent in saving our language.”
Season 2 brings together writers, actors, puppeteers, artists, language speakers and filmmakers. Executive producers include Daryl Ross Begay, Linda L. Miller and Pete Sands, with Lori Tapahonso and Harrison Reynolds serving as co-producers.
Navajo Highways continues to demonstrate the power of Diné storytelling, creating a place where Navajo children can see themselves, hear their language and know their stories belong on screen.
