San Juan College hosts Késhjéé Navajo Shoe Game workshop and play

San Juan College’s Native American Center will welcome the public for a two-night Késhjéé (Navajo Shoe Game) workshop and traditional-game evening, offering residents a hands-on way to learn a Navajo cultural practice. The workshop will take place Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., followed by a game night on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., both in the SJC Suns Lounge above Mary’s Kitchen on the Farmington campus.

Kevin Belin, a Navajo language teacher at Navajo Prep, will lead the workshop, explaining the game’s history, rules, strategies and cultural significance. The events are free, family-friendly and open to anyone who wants to observe or participate. Food and refreshments will be provided. For more information, the Native American Center can be reached at (505) 566-3311.

Community and cultural preservation are at the heart of the programming. Hosting a language teacher to frame the game underscores the role of immersive, intergenerational activities in language revitalization and in passing traditional knowledge to younger residents. For San Juan County, where cultural institutions and education providers often collaborate to sustain Indigenous languages and practices, this event is a practical example of community-based cultural work anchored on campus resources.

There are modest economic and civic spillovers from events like this. Free campus events that draw families and students tend to increase foot traffic on campus and nearby businesses, and they can strengthen ties between the college and local residents. For San Juan College, the Native American Center’s programming also signals institutional support for Indigenous cultural education, which can influence future funding priorities and campus-community partnerships.

Policy relevance is straightforward: local higher-education programming that centers Indigenous languages and traditions complements broader efforts to support cultural continuity and educational access. Workshops led by educators from the community can serve as models for grant applications, curriculum integration and collaborative programming between schools and tribal communities.

The practical takeaway for residents is simple: bring family members and an open mind, and expect an evening that mixes history, strategy and social connection. Our two cents? If you want to learn a part of Navajo culture from a language teacher and enjoy free refreshments, call (505) 566-3311 to confirm details and plan to arrive early to grab a seat.