Language Is Sacred: Reclaiming Identity with Elton Naswood

What does it mean to reclaim who we are while creating space for others to do the same? In this episode of Real Native Roots: Untold Stories, Vickie reconnects with longtime friend and fellow Window Rock High School alum Elton Naswood, a Diné advocate, storyteller, leader, and Executive Director of the Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ Center for Equity. Nearly four decades after their school days on the Navajo Nation, Elton shares the people and experiences that shaped him, from the love and teachings of his grandparents and mother to the loss of his brother and the unexpected path that led him into decades of advocacy. Together, Vickie and Elton explore Two-Spirit identity and responsibility, the sacredness of Indigenous language, resilience, belonging, and the importance of reclaiming our place in the circle. And, of course, we meet Eartha Quake, Elton’s fabulous drag persona who brings culture, storytelling, advocacy, and plenty of laughter to another stage. 💃🏽 At its heart, this is a conversation between two old friends about who shaped us, who we’re becoming, and how we use our lived experiences to help others. Because our stories carry lessons. Our stories carry medicine. Poem featured in this episode: “Ownership” by Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons, from Wisdom Lessons. #RealNativeRoots #EltonNaswood #TwoSpiritCenter #NativeLGBTQ #IndigenousVoices