Hi there! WELCOME to our NAU Giving Day page. We are glad you’re here! We are conducting research as part of NAU’s Occupational Therapy program to support the Indigenous people of Arizona and WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Our Research Team
Dr. Cindy Ivy- Clinical Professor in NAU’s Occupational Therapy Program. 30+ years as a Certified Hand Therapist and 20+ years as a researcher
Dr. Ramona Yazzie- Registered Occupational Therapist and member of the Ramah Navajo Community
Drema Goodrich- NAU Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student
Braiden Solomon- NAU Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student
As current and future Occupational Therapists it is OUR MISSION to help people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures participate in the activities that are important and meaningful to them!
Our Project
Our research will be a starting point for healthcare providers to better support Diné weavers and provide insight into culturally sensitive changes so weavers can carry on this ancient tradition for many years to come. With our research we are hoping to answer the following questions:
- What are the physical, perceptual, social, environmental, and cognitive requirements of Diné rug weaving?
- Is there a possible risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders among Diné rug weavers?
Our study will provide the Diné population with improved resources to decrease the number of injuries related to the occupation of rug weaving. This study will also provide increased evidence for further research on Diné occupations and guidelines for healthcare for the Diné people. Our research project will additionally aid in providing healthcare workers with supporting evidence to refer to when working with Diné rug weavers.
Our in-person data collection is happening SOON. We hope to be able to make the trip to the Diné reservation in Teec Nos Pos, AZ on May 16th, 2025, and collect data in person with Diné rug weavers until May 18th, 2025. We need your help to get there!
HOW CAN YOU HELP
What we are raising funds for:
- Gifts/Honorariums for Diné Rug Weavers’ time
- Costs to print flyers and recruit Diné Rug Weavers for the study
- Travel costs for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Teec Nos Pos, AZ
- Food
- Shelter
- Gas
- Costs to use data analysis software to compile data collected during the study
- Costs for publishing our research to bring about REAL change.
Your support will allow us to make this research possible and you will be part of taking a step toward improving healthcare for the Diné people. If you choose, we would love to keep you updated on the progress of our research as we move forward, but we cannot do so without your help :)
THANK YOU DONORS!!
From all of us we thank you for your time and support! Your donations are what will make our research project a reality!
And even if you can’t donate yourself, one of the best gifts you can give is sharing our cause with your friends, colleagues, and families. We thank you in advance for helping us make a difference!
With gratitude and warmest regards,
Braiden Solomon, Drema Goodrich, Cindy Ivy, and Ramona Yazzie
From Braiden (OT student): Because of donors like you, Drema and I have the opportunity as students to make a difference, gain research skills and prepare to continue to support and better those around us for the rest of our careers.
GO JACKS!!
Additional information about our research project:
Our main research objectives
1. To test the hypothesis that Diné rug weaving could contribute to upper extremity injuries.
2. To better understand the biomechanical demands of Diné rug weaving on the Navajo reservation. This could lead to interventions of prevention and healing.
3. To contribute to the practice of occupational therapy to include culturally relevant occupations such as weaving as a meaningful activity when analyzing daily activities in their clients.
4. To better understand the culturally relevant task of Diné rug weaving
Teec Nos Pos, AZDiné vs Navajo
In our study you may see us use the word Diné instead of Navajo. This is out of respect for the Diné people. The term "Diné" is the self-given name of the Navajo people in their own language, meaning "the people," while "Navajo" was a name given to them by outsiders, specifically Spanish missionaries and historians.
Diné Rug Weaving
One of the most ancient and culturally central traditions of the Diné people is rug weaving. Rug weaving is an ancient tradition of the Diné people and even now is a main source of livelihood for many. However, weavers are at an increased risk of developing injuries that keep them from weaving.
Red Mesa, AZ (Near Teec Nos Pos)
