Dine' John Redhouse's new book: A rare history of bordertown racism

 

Photo The Red Nation 2016

Article by Brenda Norrell, Censored News, June 20, 2025

John Redhouse's new book documents the horrific tragedies, and racism in the bordertown of Farmington, and it gives a detailed history of the resistance movement in the 1970s.

During the march against the Gallup Ceremonial, John writes, "NIYC Executive Director Gerald Wilkinson (Cherokee) spoke for all when he said, “We were not meant to be tourist attractions for the master race.”

It is rare history, seldom written or told, as in the days following the murder of Larry Casuse in Gallup. John writes, "On the other side, there were some poorly disguised agent provocateurs—posing as instant Indian revolutionaries—who tried to recruit us to 'avenge' the death of Larry Casuse. Although it had a certain appeal, we had never seen any of them before and we didn’t trust them. It was obviously a COINTELPRO styled setup and we weren’t going to play into their hands." 

And John shares the rich history of the KIVA Club at UNM in Albuquerque. "On a nomination from Zuni Pueblo-Navajo student activist Marley Shebala, I got elected to the Kiva Club Council (also known as Kiva Klub Kouncil or KKK) and began using the Native American Studies Center and its significant resources as a base for continuing my activist work."

Alongside John were so many who have passed to the Spirit World, like the soft-spoken Larry Emerson of Shiprock.

The Red Nation is launching a tour for the book in July.

Red Media is excited to announce our newest publication, Bordertown Clashes, Resource Wars, and Contested Territories: The Four Corners in the Turbulent 1970s by John Redhouse. The book hits the shelves on July 1, 2025.

Red Media Press and Common Notions announce our second co-publication! Bordertown Clashes, Resource Wars, Contested Territories: The Four Corners in the Turbulent 1970s is a one-of-a-kind lyrical and fast-paced memoir of the frontlines and trenches of Native liberation in the Four Corners and Southwest during the 1970s.

“With extraordinary detail, precision, and humor, Redhouse testifies to the will and spirit of a movement at a pivotal time when there was no ‘I can’t,’ only ‘we must.’ Bordertown Clashes offers a roadmap for contemporary Red Power activists who must confront the present tense of struggle with the fortitude and versatility of their predecessors.”
– The Red Nation

July 1-5, 2025
Book Launch and Tour with author John Redhouse:

Join Red Media with author John Redhouse in person or online

July 1, 2025 – Pyramid Lake, Nevada
Book talk and livestream at the Pyramid Lake Tribe Museum

July 3, 2025 – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Book talk and livestream at Books on the Bosque bookstore

July 4, 2025 – Farmington, New Mexico
Book talk and livestream at Inspired Moments Event Center

July 5, 2025 – Gallup, New Mexico
Book sale and author meet & greet at the Gallup Flea Market

The Red Nation Podcast is proud to provide live-streaming for the book launch tour.

Find links to the book, livestream, and event pages on the Red Media website:
https://www.redmedia.press/events/

Pre-order, ships in July

https://www.commonnotions.org/bordertown-clashes?srsltid=AfmBOorPN3oN78D_aKM07Nz7XQDNIt_BsGktAH1oJXK-aEBuegNi8Fgj

Poisonous Green: Navajo Nation freight rail scam follows atomic bomb industry heading energy transition for Four Corners

Photo Courtesy Shiprock Chapter, Navajo Nation

The freight rail proposal presented in Shiprock on the Navajo Nation, on Tuesday, comes after the atomic bomb industry headed the new energy transition session in Farmington, New Mexico. The United States "clean energy economy" is on track to continue the use of the Four Corners as a sacrifice zone. -- Censored News

Four Corners Freight Rail Study Team Public Info Meeting

By Joseph Hernandez

Censored News

Sept. 14, 2022

NAVAJO NATION, SHIPROCK, New Mexico -- First, It was a good turnout in Shiprock and I want to thank everyone who provided public comments at this 3 hour public info meeting to inform the County, State, Federal and even our own Navajo officials that building a Freight rail is not heavily supported from people who live in the path of this proposed heavy load railroad. 

For this initial process San Juan County is the lead agency who was awarded a $2 million grant for a feasibility study. In yesterday's presentation there were no Navajo Nation officials to explain the MOU, memorandum of understanding, that was signed in February of 2020 by Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer and Navajo Nation Attorney General Doreen N. McPaul. What was mentioned is that this “team” will be looking at designs, railroad alignment and right of way access. 

Navajo Nation reports 14 coronavirus cases and urge Dineh to stay home

Nez-Lizer and health care experts urge public to stay home as total number of positive COVID-19 test results reaches 14

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer
Censored News

Update on Sunday: Navajo Nation has 26 cases of coronavirus

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Thursday evening, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer were informed by the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area IHS that the total number of positive cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus for members of the Navajo Nation has reached 14.

The majority of the 14 cases involve individuals who initially reported their symptoms to the Kayenta IHS Service Unit, and others who either reported to or were transported to or were treated at Chinle Health Care Facility, and Northern Navajo Medical Center. Health and emergency officials are taking every precaution to screen and isolate their family members and others. The Navajo Health Command Operations Center and Navajo Area IHS are in the process of determining if and how the cases relate.

Apache Stronghold Sacred Journey in Shiprock

Apache Stronghold Sacred Journey Caravan was in Shiprock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation with Shiprock Chapter President Chili Yazzie on Thursday.


By Steve Pavey
Censored News

Apache Stronghold Sacred Journey Caravan was in Shiprock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation with Shiprock Chapter President Chili Yazzie on Thursday.
Chili prayed for us and our sacred journey and then provided us with medicine to be prepared for powerful adversaries along the way.
He reminded us that the most important thing we must struggle to protect is the Mother Earth. He said about the importance of our journey — “The body of the earth is our body ... when they hurt and separate the earth, it is separating us.” Our sacred journey seeks to reconnect and heal the earth and all of our connections.

Dr. Larry Emerson Journeys to Spirit World

Gentle Giant, Scholar and Earth Defender Larry Emerson Passes to Spirit World

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

Our friend Larry Emerson, Dineh, gentle giant, farmer, scholar and Earth Defender passed to the Spirit World. John Redhouse, Dineh, said in tribute to Larry Emerson, "Larry was our Navajo National Treasure. We have indeed lost a great man—intellectually, spiritually culturally, in every way. With his loss, our lives in this world, Fourth World, will never be the same."
Six years ago, Larry sent this wish list to Censored News. Larry, always ahead of his time, urged the Navajo Nation to adopt the Rights of the Natural World.
Among his wishes were headlines that he would like to see, including this one: "Navajo Nation adopts democratic measures to include rights of the Natural World. Opening clause reads: 'We, the People and the Natural World…'
"Navajo communities agreed that ancient Indigenous knowledge regarding harmony, beauty, happiness, peace and balance were the real imperatives that sustain a healthy democracy." -- Larry Emerson, 2011.

Shiprock Memorial to be held on Oct. 8, 2017

Larry Waldo Emerson, age 70, passed away August 19, 2017, at his home
at Tse Daa Kaan, New Mexico. He was Tse’nahabil nii doo To’ ‘needlinii, He was
born on July 19, 1947 at Rehoboth, New Mexico. Larry was a scholar and social
activist concerned with language revitalization, environmental issues,
decolonization, and healing with Diné traditions. Larry completed his
undergraduate work at Fort Lewis College and the University of New
Mexico and earned a PhD from San Diego State University. As a veteran
he had been based at Seoul, Korea.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Grace Martin
Emerson and his sisters Patsy W. Emerson and Carol Ann Weahkee. He is
survived by his son, Marc Aaron Emerson; his sisters, Gloria J.
Emerson and Elayne G. Lowe and husband, Art Lowe; Larry's nieces and
nephews Laurie Ann Shirakawa, Sonny Weahkee, Bryan Banyacya, and Sean
Lowe; and many beloved aunts, cousins, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren.

Dr. Larry Emerson lectured widely at institutions of higher learning
in California, Oklahoma, Illinois, and New Mexico and held seminars at
his farm at Tse Daa Kaan. At the time of his death Emerson was
collaborating with Diné College faculty member Herbert Benally on
topics related to Navajo philosophy and healing. He also collaborated
with many other scholars, youth groups, and community action groups
for wellness.
(Published in Navajo Times)

Shiprock Memorial Oct. 8, 2017

THE FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES OF THE LATE DR. LARRY EMERSON WILL BE HAVING A MEMORIAL EVENT IN HIS HONOR ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 08, 2017 FROM 9AM TO 2PM AT THE SHIPROCK CHAPTER HOUSE. WE ARE INVITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF LARRY TO COME CELEBRATE LARRY’S LIFE, TO SHARE STORIES, SONGS AND MUSIC. TO COMPLETE OUR CELEBRATION WE WILL HAVE A POTLUCK DINNER, YOU ARE WELCOMED TO BRING FOOD TO SHARE. EMAIL JANENE YAZZIE AT Janene.y@sixth-world.com OR CHILI YAZZIE AT chili_yazzie@hotmail.com FOR QUESTIONS.

Larry Emerson, always ahead of his time, wrote this wish list in 2011, which included his wish list that the Navajo Nation adopt the Rights of the Natural World, and set new principles for self-governance, healing and transformation

By Larry W. Emerson
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

Dine' farmer and scholar Larry W. Emerson shares his wishlist for 2011 with Censored News. "It is a wishful thinking - and I hope thought provoking - article regarding five Indian news headlines I'd like to read in 2011," Emerson said. He is a farmer, artist, activist, and scholar.

Five Navajo Times headlines I'd like to read in 2011

1. Navajo Nation Council sets new principles for self-governance: healing, decolonization, transformation and mobilization. Leaders agreed that the days of blind-faith assimilation and modern world seductions regarding power, greed, control, conquest and egotism were the true evils of colonialized Navajo self governance. In a related action, leaders agreed to restore the sacred circle and to reject the unhealthy political hierarchy copied from western politicians and bureaucrats.

2. Navajo Nation adopts democratic measures to include rights of the Natural World. Opening clause reads: “We, the People and the Natural World…” Navajo communities agreed that ancient Indigenous knowledge regarding harmony, beauty, happiness, peace and balance were the real imperatives that sustain a healthy democracy.

3. Navajo Nation adopts principles of hozho and k’é as the truest measures of family, clan and community sustainability. The new Navajo leadership declared that colonization was destructive and useless to contemporary Navajo society. The new Council also rejected notions of the American dream if it means more fossil fuel burning, more environmental degradation, more environmental refugees, more water shortages, & more exploitation. ”The ‘Dream’ is really a self-destructive candle burning at both ends and a terrible nightmare,” the leaders declared. “One can squeeze just so much juice from an orange and the Navajo Nation refuses to participate in ecocide of this sort.”

4. Chapter governments agree to collaborate under new districting system. In a historic set of local meetings, the Navajo people elected to begin formal collaboration between communities by restoring and regenerating age-old principles of identity, place, kinship, community, respect and generosity. Chapters also agreed to adopt Navajo principles of decision-making because of the need to be accountable to and respectful of all people and all life forms.

5. Navajo Nation sets new economic priorities to empower informal private sector. Leaders cited this layer of society as the truest expression of Indigenous–style economic thinking. The new Council declared this layer of Navajo society to be the best experts regarding needs to build strong local economies. “They speak the Navajo language and understand how to integrate principles of k’é and economics," one leader was heard to say.

So sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Larry Emerson. He leaves a gentle footprint on the world. -- Brenda Norrell, Censored News

Chili Yazzie 'Mineral Extraction Hurting the Earth Mother'

Dunae Chili Yazzie, Dine' Shiprock, Navajo Nation

Editor:

Stephen Hawking, regarded as one of the greatest modern day scientific thinkers on the realities of earth and space says the human race has only 100 years to find a new planet and to relocate. He suggests that life on this planet will come to an end because of climate change, nuclear war and viral genetic diseases.  So according to Hawking there are only 4 generations left.

Going to a new planet sounds so far-out-there, science fictional and unrealistic, but science and technology say it’s possible. Who will be on the spaceship to the new world? It is not going to be us “regular folks”, if it happens, it will be the billionaires and millionaires.

America as much of the civilized world is hooked on extractive energy development, the addiction is fatal as it is killing the planet. And just like with any addiction, it craves more and more. The physical addiction is further driven by the gluttony to make more money profit. The Navajo Nation as an energy state is also hooked and contributing to the reality of climate change. Our Navajo leadership demonstrate that addiction by frantically looking for ways to keep Navajo Generating Station running and also appearing to be to be in favor of the dastardly business of fracking.

I understand that the current level of extractive energy development around the globe is already beyond the limits of what was considered “safe” in terms of realizing the opportunity for extended life of the earth. And that any new development will only accelerate the end of life of the earth. The advocacy to oppose new development is not to be against the livelihood of people, but to advocate for the extended life of the planet.

From a traditional Native perspective, we have some understanding of the actual physical and spiritual damage that is being done to the earth with massive mineral extraction. We willingly take part in hurting the earth, then we talk about honoring the Earth Mother and how we should walk in beauty on her. Makes me wonder how those who pray with the corn pollen or sit at the sacred fireplace justify their support for hurting the earth….for those that do. The other great contradiction is, we say the future belongs to our grandchildren and generations to come; by participating in killing the earth, we are also killing the future of our children.

Chili Yazzie

Shiprock, Navajo Nation

505.860.4436

Dine' Chili Yazzie: 'We must get our land back, we belong to the land'

'The Creator placed us here for a purpose'

By Duane 'Chili' Yazzie
Censored News

We must get our land back. For too long we have been told by the United States Federal Government that it is the Trustee and we are the wards; that they own the land and that we are just “being allowed to live on the land”. 

We unequivocally reject the idea. We may not own the land, but the federal government does not own it either. It is a pathetic statement to say you own land, any land. The idea of owning land is an illogical concept, it contravenes the Original Intent.
We are more correct when we say “this is our land”, that is not the same as saying we own it.

This is our land by virtue of the fact that we were here first. It is our contention that the Creator placed us here for a purpose, it was not coincidence; the Creator is not coincidental. Our concept is we belong to the land and the land belongs to us, we belong to each other. The same way we belong to the mother who brought us into the world, we belong to each other, we don’t own each other.

The Federal Government holds a piece of paper called the Title to the Land; in the context of the Original Intent of the Creator placing us on this land, that piece of paper don’t prove nothing. However, if that piece of paper is to be regarded as sacred and to have value in the halls of Congress, the bench of jurisprudence and the desk of the President, then we want that piece of paper.

The United States Federal Government determined that it would be the Trustee, that it would hold the land “in trust” for us. At the time it declared us to be incompetent to have land, ignoring the fact that we had been in a life sharing co-existence with the land for centuries prior to the Great Intrusion.

Our reality is our present circumstance, we are the wards and the Federal Government is the Trustee with control of our land. Our best option is to work to get control of the land that has our name on it. I believe it is doable, the thought of us getting title to our land is not a futile dream. 

We need to appeal to the magnanimity of the United States Federal Government and prove that we no longer need to be wards and that we are competent to take care of our lands in all respects. We need our scholars of law and political scientists to think outside-the-box of their American academia training, while honoring Indigenous thought principals on land and chart a course for us to get our land back.

Thanks Chili for allowing Censored News to share your statement.

Chili Yazzie was an original member of XIT, the voice of the American Indian Movement in the 1970s, and later served as Navajo Council Delegate and Shiprock, N.M., Chapter President during his ongoing lifetime of service.

Please share this Censored News link, located in your browser:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2013/12/dine-chili-yazzie-we-must-get-our-land.html