Betty Ojaye
A retired educator and grandmother born and raised in Shiprock, Betty spent her childhood working on her family’s 16-acre farm. Her farmland, an allotment on the Navajo reservation, holds her family’s history and resilience.
“I have come to truly appreciate the “art” of regenerative gardening far more than I did as a young girl when my family relied on conventional farming across 16 acres for food subsistence. Those days of farming were hard labor. Now in my retirement years, I can still grow food through small-scale backyard container gardening. This type of gardening provides me with a creative approach that is both rewarding and sustainable. Through regenerative practices, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of soil health, plant diversity that supports pollinators, water conservation, natural pest control, and reducing our carbon footprint. I have learned to appreciate gardening not as a task, but an art to be enjoyed, especially during moments of visitation by a beautiful ladybug, butterfly, or hummingbird that brings awe and inspiration, reminding us of the harmony and balance of our ecosystem that must be protected.”
Old Man Tree - End of an Era
A few days ago, Old Man Tree, our 100+ year-old Cottonwood tree, fell to the ground after standing tall and proud in our backyard for generations. He had watched over our home with the San Juan River and the mighty Tse’Bitai (Shiprock) behind him. When I saw him lying there, I felt sad. During my walks, I always stopped and admired him and talked to him of his greatness. He had a steadfast presence through time, weathering storms, the heat, the cold, and even a fire. As I stood in silence beside him, I couldn’t help but see more than a fallen tree. He was home to the eagles and hawks who perched high on his branches, and to the little birds who built their nests and raised their families there. Whenever we walked to the river, we could always spot him in the distance—our guide, showing us which way to head back home. Now that Old Man Tree has fallen, it feels like the end of an era. But even in his rest, he gives back—his wood will keep us warm through the cold winter nights. Though he can’t speak, Old Man Tree taught us resilience, to stand firm through life’s storms, and to give back, even after we’ve done our part. I will always remember Old Man Tree with this little bird feather [pictured above] as a symbol of life, hope, and quiet beauty.
