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Akilah Martinez 

The 2024 Fall Diné College Nits’ą́ą́dóó Ídahwiil’aah Fellowship, led by Akilah Martinez, offers a unique series of artist talks, workshops, and community-based projects designed to empower individuals through a Diné-based approach to success and self-determination. This fellowship centers on the intersection of traditional knowledge, contemporary art, and innovative technologies such as augmented reality (AR), creating an environment where participants can explore their creative potential, develop entrepreneurial skills, and engage in meaningful cultural storytelling.

Enjoy a message from Akilah and Diné College's BFA students

who participated in the Augmented Reality Project. 

Fall 2024 

The fellowship begins with two artist talks—one on September 3, 2024, at the Tsaile campus and another on September 26, 2024, at the Shiprock campus. Both talks introduce Akilah Martinez’s artistic journey and her exploration of AR technology. These sessions showcase a Diné bizaad video and an AR project, highlighting how these mediums can be used for social impact and economic equality. In particular, the artist talks emphasize the importance of empathetic storytelling and the potential of XR technology to promote social change. Students and faculty are also invited to collaborate on a community-driven AR project that incorporates Navajo culture and language. The workshop series, titled "Create A Life You Truly Want: Self-Determination Through Diné-Based Approach to Success Consciousness," runs from September to December 2024. This series seeks to empower participants by connecting them to Diné philosophy and success consciousness to cultivate financial freedom, emotional intelligence, and creative self-expression. The first workshop, held on September 17, 2024, introduces the alignment of the subconscious and conscious mind with Navajo philosophy. It explores the importance of self-determination through a Diné-based approach, offering participants tools to begin creating their desired lives. The event will also feature a catering menu that includes Frito pies, with both vegan and non-vegan options, iced Navajo tea, and blue corn cookies, further embedding the local culture in the experience. The second workshop, on October 1, 2024, focuses on social and emotional learning from a traditional perspective. Dr. Joseph Chee, a guest speaker, will discuss emotional self-regulation and how emotional intelligence can be used as a tool for success. This workshop will provide participants with practical methods for emotional and social growth, important for both personal and professional development. The meal for this event, prepared by Deano’s Eatery, will offer an Asian-inspired dinner, giving participants the opportunity to experience different culinary traditions. On October 22, 2024, the third workshop will explore Indigenous entrepreneurship and personal branding. The guest speaker, Jake Foreman from New Mexico Community Capital, will discuss creating a personal brand and strategies for growing with Google tools. This session aims to inspire participants to create sustainable businesses rooted in their cultural values. The meal for this event, also provided by Coyote Food Services, will include tamales (both regular and vegetarian), enchiladas, beans, rice, and flavored lemonade, all prepared in a way that honors traditional Navajo dietary practices. The fourth workshop, held on October 29, 2024, will delve into the power of goal setting and changing paradigms through the recognition of harmony within. This session will feature Lyle Harvey, a traditional educator and storyteller, who will guide participants through an interactive workshop on goal planning and business modeling. A business model canvas will be introduced as a tool for participants to develop their entrepreneurial ideas. The menu for this event will include vegetable stew, beef stew, frybread, and flavored lemonade, all prepared with consideration for both meat and plant-based dietary preferences. In November, the series continues with a roundtable discussion on November 12, 2024. This session will offer participants an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned in previous workshops and engage in a deeper conversation about self-determination and success. The roundtable will include a catered meal of meat and vegan lasagna, fettucini, salad, and garlic bread, encouraging community-building through food and conversation. The final workshop, on December 3, 2024, will focus on shifting perspectives regarding money and diversifying income streams as an artist. Guest speaker Sherri Brueggemann from the City of Albuquerque will offer insights into managing finances and building multiple sources of income. This session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to create sustainable financial futures through their artistic endeavors. The meal for this event will again be provided by Deano’s Eatery, featuring Asian-inspired dishes. The fellowship will culminate in a Diné College Film Screening and Community-Based AR App Showcase Party on December 3, 2024, at the SUB Activity Room. The event will feature the completion and exhibition of a community-based AR project that incorporates the Navajo language and contemporary Diné art. The showcase will include a variety of films created by local Diné filmmakers, such as Yiskáagoo, Ko', and Cleaning's A Cakewalk, offering participants a platform to display their work and engage with the wider community. The event will be catered by Ma’ii Gohwhee, with a charcuterie board designed to complement the creative and communal atmosphere. Through this fellowship, Akilah Martinez fosters a space where Diné culture and technology intersect, providing participants with the tools to navigate their creative and entrepreneurial journeys while remaining grounded in their cultural heritage. By integrating storytelling, traditional knowledge, and modern technological tools, the fellowship empowers individuals to build a future defined by self-determination, economic equality, and cultural revitalization.

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