ABOUT DINÉ COLLEGE INSTITUTES AND GRANT PROGRAMS
Diné Policy Institute
Through Sa’ah Naaghai Bik’eh Hozhoon, Diné Policy Institute provides quality research to facilitate and analyze issues and educate all people, enhances and ensures that well-reasoned policies are developed to protect thesovereignty and cultural integrity of the Ni’hooka’ Dine’e’, in order to renew the principles and values of Sa’a Naghai Bik’e Hozhoon. The Diné Policy Institute is established under Diné College as a research institute to “mesh” Western research practices with traditional Navajo values, Natural, Traditional, Customary, and Common laws (as found in the CN-69-02) and principles to advise (by recommendation) the Navajo Nation law and policy-makers. Learn More
Diné Environmental Institute (DEI)
DEI conducts environmental studies through field and laboratory research and analysis, culturally relevant curriculum development, educational instruction, data collection and data management, including repository archiving and sharing, policy formation, community outreach and training, and environmental project management. Learn More
Uranium Education Program
NST – TCUP
Diné College’s Uranium Education Program is partnership project designed to examine health issues arising from the environmental impacts of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation. Partners include Diné College, IHS physicians, the Navajo Division of Health, Saccomanno Research Institute of Grand Junction, the University of New Mexico Center for Health Promotion for Rural American Indians, Northern Arizona University’s Environmental Outreach Program, the EPA, the US Army Corp of Engineers, and researchers with expertise in radiation and environmental health issues. The program’s purpose is to assess local information need, plan mitigation actions, evaluate educational efforts, and empower local community members. For more information, call (505) 368-3515. Learn More
Land Grant Office (LGO)
NST – TCUP
LGO offers education, research, hands-on activities, and community engagement in agriculture, food, and environmental sciences. It also provides extension services, professional development, and rural community support. Current projects include the Navajo Textile Project, Animal Care, Native Landscaping, Nutrition for Young Children, Tsaile Watershed Research, and Sheep is Life. LGO plans to expand into GIS, youth development, small farms, and invasive plant studies. The office is located on the second floor of the Hatathli Center. For more info, call (928) 724-6941. Learn More
Navajo Language Immersion Institute
Accelerated Engaging Relevant Understand Speak. Perfect for college students & adult learners wishing to improve their ability to speak Navajo. Questions? To discuss details of the classes, please contact: CDS (Navajo Language), Navajo Language Immersion Institute: rljim@dinecollege.edu or call (928)724-6977
Programs
Adult Education and High School Equivalency Credential
Summer Research Enhancement Program (SREP)
This program prepares American Indian students for careers in public health research, including diabetes and cancer prevention. It is also designed to strengthen the research capabilities of Tribal Colleges and Universities. The 10 week summer program is available to sophomore level and above college students who are interested in developing research skills and participating in community-based health improvement projects within the Navajo Nation or other American Indian communities. For more information, call Linda Garcia (505) 368-3592, Mark Bauer at (505) 368-3589 or Nesbah Kahn at (928) 724-6936.
Initiatives
Diné Language Planning Committee
The purpose of the Diné Language Planning Committee is to promote Diné language learning at the College and in community and family settings. The Committee organizes immersion camps and other cultural events to accomplish this goal. For more information, call Barsine Onyenedo (928) 724-6816.