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.
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.
Uranium Education Program
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.
Land Grant Office (LGO)
LGO develops and implements education, research, student orientated hands-on activities and community participation, to promote and provides a learning environment in agriculture and food science, and environmental science. LGO also provide services in extension services, community education, professional development, curriculum development and rural community and economic development. Currently, LGO has the Navajo Textile Project, Animal Care and Management, the Native Landscaping Project, Nutrition for Young Children, Tsaile Watershed Research Project and the Sheep is Life Project. LGO will be extending its educational services into GIS, youth development, small farms and the invasive plants field to expose students and community members into these various areas. LGO office is located on the second floor of the Hatathli Center. For more information, call (928) 724-6941.
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
The Adult Education Program provides instruction to students, who want to prepare for the High School Equivalency tests(either GED® or HiSET®) then continue onto college or enter employment. For more information, call (505) 368-3563.
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.
