Home

Welcome

The Department of Diné Education's vision is to ensure that any Navajo child regardless of where they reside on the reservation will have equal standards and will enjoy a strong curriculum that highlights Diné language, history and culture. These standards will be central in educating all of our children across the Navajo Nation.

"We want a world class education system for our children and future generations. Our responsibility as a sovereign Nation is to challenge our young minds to reach their highest potential, as they are our future leaders. It will take everyone from our parents, teachers, administrators and legislators working together to achieve our goal of a world class education for our Navajo youth,”

—Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye

NEWS

On behalf of the Department of Diné Education and the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance, we express condolences to the family, relatives, friends and students of Michael Begaye, a powerful advocate for Native Americans in education. We were saddened to learn of his passing last week.

Michael knew the challenges of Native American students and worked tirelessly to find additional support so students could succeed and complete their educational endeavors through the Native American Achievement program. Michael was passionate about providing students access to resources that promoted their academic and emotional well-being. He acknowledged that he had an important role in empowering Native American students to attend and stay in college.

As a steadfast supporter of education, Michael recognized the challenges faced by first-generation college students and developed a team of advocates to help them find their way through the college application process and apply for financial aid. To this end, he created partnerships with the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance and the Navajo Department of Behavioral Health to provide emotional and spiritual support services to students. Michael worked hard to extend awareness of the Native American community and heritage at ASU and created an environment of involvement, inclusion and identification with the ASU community. He leaves behind a legacy of an increased enrollment and retention rate of Native American students at ASU. He will be missed by all.