Bert benally

Board of Directors, Member

Yá’át’ééh shik’éí dóó shidine’é!  Shí éí Bert Benally yinishyé. Dzil niłtsilí nááshashí nishłį́. Bitááni báshishchįįn. Haníghánii éí dáshíchei. Tóbáhi éí da shí nalí. Ákót’éego diné hosteen nishłį́.  Sweetwater (Tółikáán) déé’ naashá dóó kééhasht’į́. 

I am currently on a hiatus from my doctoral studies in Art Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where my dissertation explores creativity from the Diné perspective. I consider myself a versatile individual, primarily drawn to art and music. I have extensive experience teaching art to students from early education to college, fostering their creative aspirations in a safe and supportive environment. 

Additionally, I have a strong background in spiritual customs and events. I enjoy deepening my understanding of Diné culture, particularly ceremonial songs. Family and close friends are essential to me; I cherish our time together, whether it’s enjoying meals, collaborating on projects, or participating in ceremonies in a hogan. I view myself as a seeker of moments when chaos transforms into order, pursuing the enlightenment that arises in these instances. I also love reading and exploring diverse philosophies, especially those from non-Western cultures.

I love music, art and philosophy.

I am presently studying green technology and farming techniques, music styles and techniques which aid in my live performances as a DJ. I also enjoy learning Chinese ink painting and Japanese wood block printing. 

If I could choose to be something different than human for one day, I'd be an annoying fly, totally oblivious to the stresses of life other than procreating and finding food.  You could travel from place to place by entering vehicles (or even planes), just make sure you avoid the occupants attempts to kill you.  But mostly I think it cool to see the world in a 4-pt perspective where the world looks like you are looking through a fish-eye lens. Everything is in focus.. no blurry background but still having some depth.  Plus, it would be nice to just sample everything at a fancy restaurant as you fly from plate to plate.. 

If I could have dinner with any two people, it’d be, the older brother (Monster slayer) of the hero twins and Quetzalcoatl.  I think the conversation would be epic.  But for “real” people, it probably be my Cheii, since I never met him… I just heard a lot of stories and my great, great, great grandmother who escaped enslavement from Mexicans and came home with two children who were both born for Mexican.  I have lots of questions.