Red Hoop Talk EP 107: Daniel W. Vandever, Navajo Nation

Daniel W. Vandever, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, is an author, educator and communications professional from Haystack, New Mexico. Coming from a long line of educators and as the grandson of Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever Sr., Vandever’s connection to family, education and culture has shaped the stories he tells and the work he does.

Vandever is the author and illustrator of Fall in Line, Holden!, which follows a young Navajo boy through his day at boarding school as his imagination transforms the rigid world around him. Through the story, Vandever encourages creativity and originality while creating space for conversations about the history of Native boarding schools and their lasting impacts on Native language, culture and identity.

Through storytelling and education, Vandever explores how creativity can help Native Peoples stay connected to who they are, where they come from and the experiences of those who came before them. His work offers an opportunity to talk about how stories can carry culture forward, strengthen identity and help the next generations stay close to culture.

Written by Association on American Indian Affairs