Restoring & Celebrating Family Wellness Workshop "Parenting from Bilingual & Bicultural Perspectives" presented by Mr. Tom Chee May 26, 2009

Doors Open at 5:30 p.m. for Registration & Light Dinner
Free Workshop 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Door Prize Drawing at End of Workshop

Mr. Chee was born in Leupp, AZ, at the family summer sheep camp in the dusty windy Little Colorado River valley on western Navajo Nation. He grew up herding sheep, riding horses and ranching. His first day at boarding school was a new adventure since he only knew his Navajo language and all instruction was done in the English language. Tom and wife Dr. Janet Slowman-Chee have 4 boys, 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, and extended family members – horses, sheep, dogs and cats. He is very fortunate to be born and raised by parents and grandparents who demanded responsibility to one’s self, family and community. Tom’s early childhood experiences reflect his life work, his family and his community as an educator and an advocate for young people and elders. Mr. Chee taught high school for 15 years and was head basketball coach at 2A and 3A schools. His formal education includes Bachelor of Arts degrees in Religious Studies and Education. He is well versed in the language and culture of the Navajo people. Tom is the Fatherhood Coordinator for the Navajo Healthy Marriage Project in Kirtland, NM, and provides a weekly presentation to couples interested in developing healthier relationship skills. In this workshop, parents and community members will get some perspectives on the advantages children can have if they use more than one language. Mr. Chee will examine cultural skills necessary in two cultures to be successful in school, work and opportunities. We will explore ways to promote bilingualism and bicultural skills in our families and communities, as well as discuss and examine the cause and effect of not having bilingual and bicultural skills. Please join us!

For more information, contact Kerlena Silverhatband, 505-368-1081.

Sponsored by the Restoring & Celebrating Family Wellness Committee: Northern Navajo Chapters & Community Members, CHR-Outreach, Arizona Public Service, Health Promotion, Department of Behavioral Health Services, Community Organizers, Office of Youth Development, Teen Life Center, Public Health Nursing, Christ the King Church, Program for Self-Reliance, Shiprock Anti-Meth Task Force, Social Services Family Violence Prevention, Navajo Healthy Marriage Opportunities Project, Shiprock Law Enforcement & Criminal Investigations, San Juan County Partnership, Shiprock Navajo Peacemaking Program, Central Consolidated School District #22 Office of Indian Education, Shiprock Branch Library, Navajo Health Education & HIV Prevention Program.

We are committed to strengthening families and nurturing positive changes in our communities.