A Study of Diné (Navajo) Traditional Sheep Butchering

FAIN: HB-282314-22

Christine M. Ami
Dine College (Tsalie, AZ 86556-9998)

Research and writing a book and development of two undergraduate courses on the practice of butchering in Diné history and culture.

This proposal requests twelve months of funding to support the completion of my first book that re-writes the significance of sheep and the practices of traditional sheep butchering in Diné history and culture from Diné perspectives. Grounded within the Diné practice and philosophy of Dibé éí Diné be’ iiná át’é (Sheep Is Life), this project explores the nuances of sheep butchering techniques, stories, and philosophies in order to understand how dibé actively co-construct Diné identities, histories, and ways of sensing the world even during the dismembering process of traditional butchering. This award period will be spent (1) preparing and submitting a book proposal to a top tier academic press, (2) completing the first full draft of the manuscript, and (3) developing two new course syllabi derived from the book project, which will contribute to the growth of the growing Native American Studies program at Diné College in general and food sovereignty initiatives of the Navajo Nation.

Media Coverage

Diné College Professor Receives NEH Faculty Award (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Christine Ami
Publication: Diné College Press Release
Date: 8/15/2022
Abstract: This announces the award.
URL: http://https://www.dinecollege.edu/dine-college-professor-receives-neh-faculty-award/

Associated Products

Dismembering the Book Manuscript Process (Blog Post)
Title: Dismembering the Book Manuscript Process
Author: Christine Ami
Abstract: This is an introductory blog that will follow my process of transitioning my dissertation into a book manuscript (primary goal of this NEH award). In this initial entry, I cover starting points of the book manuscript as a Native American Studies junior scholar. The blog then works through suggestions as presented by my attendance at "Workshop: Studies in Indigenous Community Building" hosted by Dr. Lloyd Lee and Dr. Wendy Greyeyes.
Date: 8/13/2022
Primary URL: httphttps://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/dismembering-the-book-manuscript-process
Blog Title: Dismembering the Book Manuscript Process
Website: Dismembering: The Blog

Picking a Publishing Press: Just Like Checking Tails (Blog Post)
Title: Picking a Publishing Press: Just Like Checking Tails
Author: Christine Ami
Abstract: In this second blog of the Dismembering : The Blog series, I approach the next step in my grant award, selecting a press to submit my proposal. The blog compares the checking tails process of butchering to my analysis and elimination of possible publishing presses that I should submit my manuscript to.
Date: 9/1/2022
Primary URL: http://https://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/picking-a-press-like-picking-a-sheep-to-butcher
Blog Title: Picking a Publishing Press: Just Like Checking Tails

No wool over our eyes: Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board Process (Blog Post)
Title: No wool over our eyes: Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board Process
Author: Christine Ami
Abstract: This blog presents guidance on how to submit a socio-cultural project to the Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board.
Date: 9/23/2022
Primary URL: https://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/no-wool-over-our-eyes-navajo-nation-human-research-review-board-process
Blog Title: No wool over our eyes: Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board Process
Website: Dismember: The Blog

Holding the Leg in the Publishing World: Book Reviews (Blog Post)
Title: Holding the Leg in the Publishing World: Book Reviews
Author: Christine Ami
Abstract: Thoughts on writing book reviews, where to start, templates to follow, and writing reviews on friends' books
Date: 2/1/2023
Primary URL: http://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/holding-the-leg-in-the-publishing-world-book-reviews
Blog Title: Holding the Leg in the Publishing World: Book Reviews
Website: www.christineami.com

YDL: Acronyms and Indigenous Ways of Knowing (Blog Post)
Title: YDL: Acronyms and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Author: Christine Ami
Abstract: Thoughts on the acronym trend in academia and Indigenous ways of knowing.
Date: 3/23/2023
Primary URL: http://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/yaadila-ydl-acronyms-and-indigenous-ways-of-knowing
Blog Title: YDL: Acronyms and Indigenous Ways of Knowing

Teaching More than Sheep: Building an Indigenous Animal Studies Curriculum (Blog Post)
Title: Teaching More than Sheep: Building an Indigenous Animal Studies Curriculum
Author: Christine Ami
Abstract: Thoughts on creating curriculum that supplements inherent Indigenous approaches to reengaging animal relationships.
Date: 5/16/2023
Primary URL: http://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/teaching-more-than-sheep-building-a-curriculum-for-indigenous-animal-studies
Blog Title: Teaching More than Sheep: Building an Indigenous Animal Studies Curriculum
Website: www.christineami.com

Sheep Is Life: Stepping out in the Dust of COVID (Blog Post)
Title: Sheep Is Life: Stepping out in the Dust of COVID
Author: Christine Ami
Abstract: Thoughts about Sheep Is Life, the 2023 Window Rock Celebrations, and my first public presentation with the edits of my NEH book manuscript.
Date: 6/18/2023
Primary URL: https://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/sheep-is-life-and-stepping-out-in-the-dust-of-covid
Blog Title: Sheep Is Life: Stepping out in the Dust of COVID
Website: www.christineami.com

Hey, 2nd Reader, Thanks for "Some Merit" (Blog Post)
Title: Hey, 2nd Reader, Thanks for "Some Merit"
Author: Christine Ami
Abstract: Thoughts about 2nd reader feedback and the completion of my NEH Award objectives
Date: 7/31/23
Primary URL: http://https://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/hey-2nd-reader-thanks-for-some-merit
Blog Title: Hey, 2nd Reader, Thanks for "Some Merit"
Website: Christine Ami

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