Bordertown Racism: Remembering Murders of Navajos, Farmington, NM, Sept. 21, 2024

Chili Yazzie sounds out the AIM anthem during the March on Farmington 1974.
Coalition for Navajo Liberation photo by Bob Fitch

"During the hot summer of 1974, we marched on Farmington to protest the murder of three Dine' men. We have lived with the racism and economic exploitation by the border towns around the rez for many decades. there have been many victims of racial violence. We will march again on Sept 21, 2024 to commemorate and honor the victims and their families." -- Chili Yazzie, Dine', Shiprock, Navajo Nation

50th YEAR COMMEMORATION OF THE 1974 PROTEST AND BOYCOTT OF FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO



BLESSING PASTOR JAMES KLOTZ

BACKGROUND STELLA WEBSTER

OVERVIEW CHILI YAZZIE

REFLECTIONS ESTHER KEESWOOD

JOHN REDHOUSE

HONOREES (HONOREES WILL BE REFLECTED UPON BY PRESENTERS)

VICTIMS AND FAMILIES

LUCY KEESWOOD

FRED JOHNSON, SR

JOHN REDHOUSE

WILBERT TSOSIE

LARRY ANDERSON

REV HENRY BIRD

BILLY CLEAVER

JAMES TOULOUSE

JOHN F DULLES

HONOR SONG ELVIN KEESWOOD

COMMENTS CITY OF FARMINGTON

MAYOR DUCKETT

NOTATIONS STELLA WEBSTER

BILL GATES

CLOSING RAYMOND KEESWOOD, JR


TOOHNI’ DINÉ AND THE NEWCOMERS

From the time of the first incursion by settlers along the three rivers, a place to be called Totah, “Between the Waters”, there has been a history of negative relationship between the newcomers and the Indigenous peoples. There does not appear to have been a welcoming, there has not been a time of harmony.

As the settlers took up unceded lands and began developing towns, animosity towards the Indian people transcended into acts of racial mistreatment and unscrupulous dealing in the businesses. There were open acts of violence as in the murder of Desnah Clauschiscillage, a former Navajo Tribal Chairman.

The racial bias and violence increased from the 1950s into the 1970s when white teenagers murdered 3 Diné men John Earl Harvey, Herman Dodge Benally, and David Ignacio, in their game of “Indian Rolling." There have been many other victims. It was imperative that the racial violence be addressed.

The call by Diné community leaders brought the American Indian Movement, NAACP, UNM Kiva Club, and human rights supporters to form the Coalition for Navajo Liberation. In the hot summer of 1974, we marched and boycotted Farmington, protesting the murders and racism. A moment of Diné greatness.

The historic marches brought light to the reality of racial hatred in our midst. US and NM Civil Rights Commissions investigated discrimination. With efforts for understandings of humanity there has been greater tolerance. Though the Indigenous people continue to live with colonialism, patriarchy, quiet racism.

In commemorating the events of 1974, we honor the victims and the families. We call for a future of respectful relationship, as we are fated to be neighbors. In living our lives of preference, our human dignity must be honored. We make strong the fire of justice to grow the radiance of our Creator’s vision of peace.

Farmington 1974 Photo by Bob Fitch

Farmington Protest 1974 photo by Bob Fitch

Farmington 1974 photo by Bob Fitch

Farmington Protest 1974 Photo by Bob Fitch