198-8 The Importance of Siihasin: Completing the HOZHO Cycle

Session: Geoheritage Without Borders: International Perspectives on the Conservation and Celebration of Geodiversity, Part II

Presenting Author:

Author:

Abstract:

Shi eii Louis Williams yinishye. Biihbitoniih nishli, Chippewa bashaahchiin adoo

Tobaazhniazhi eii shi cheii adoo Nalani da shinali. Teehindeeh nasha. I was born and raised on the Navajo Nation, currently residing in Blanding, UT. I am the owner of Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures, a guiding outfit operating along the San Juan River and within the Bear Ears National Monument. Our tours are focused on culture-sharing and educating guests about the natural landscape. We promote the preservation of the Indigenous languages, geoheritage and cultural stories passed down by our ancestors.

The San Juan River and Bears Ears National Monument are ancestral lands to the Ute, Paiute, Diné (Navajo), Hopi, Zuni and other Pueblo groups. These tribes each have unique origin stories that explain the creation of Earth. These stories need to be heard before they are lost forever. Ancient Wayves is our platform to share the cultural connections the Indigenous people have with the landscape and shine light on the geoheritage of the region with guests and our fellow tribal members. We promote taking care of the lands and water sources.

HOZHO is a concept that is important to the Diné (Navajo). That concept can be demonstrated using the Hogan diagram. A hogan is the traditional home for the Diné (Navajo). The hogan’s exterior is dome-shaped and has an interior with a circular perimeter. It is constructed using juniper logs and sediment (mud). Each direction in the hogan (East, south, west & north) represents an aspect of life. The Northern direction represents Siihasin. Siihasin represents the important aspect of “knowledge sharing”. Without Siihasin, the HOZHO cycle is not complete. If we can complete the HOZHO cycle, balance between human life and nature is achieved.

As a Diné (Navajo) guide, I strive to complete the HOZHO cycle each tour. It is my mission along the river and landscapes to encourage HOZHO and celebrate geodiversity in hopes to promote sustainability of the lands, Indigenous cultures and water sources.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10990

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