Navajo Peacemaking: Using Deep Cultural Values To Restore Harmony and Reduce Violence

The Navajo Peacemaking and Safe Schools Project based at The STAR School in rural northern Arizona combines a culturally based approach to building character among Native American students in the schools with a culturally based system of resolving conflicts as an alternative to juvenile justice in the courts. This presentation will discuss the way we teach the values of respect, relationship, and responsibility, which are the foundation of a centuries-old Navajo system of Peacemaking, and how we blend the community-based values of this ancient system with the values we practice in schools. We will also discuss how our approach integrates with the juvenile justice system and how we are using Peacemakers to involve parents and family members in resolving disputes. We will have opportunities at the end of our presentation for discussions among participants on how to build relationships through difficult situations with families that have values that are somewhat different from the dominant culture.

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