# @nauflagstaff on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DRNo4xPk7Sm
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/37132639-nauflagstaff-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b06b0a267c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-18T21:36:11.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Northern Arizona University (@nauflagstaff) — https://gondola.cc/nauflagstaff

## Caption

#FacesofNAU 👋🏼 Meet Lionel Begay (Diné) | Junior ⁠& Indigenous-Peer Mentor with oiss.ipms 🪶⁠ ⁠
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What does being Native mean to you?⁠
🗣 "Being Native means carrying forward the stories, songs, language, ceremonies, and traditions that my ancestors have passed down."⁠
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🌅 "It’s about having a connection to land, community, and identity as I continue to honor those teachings and moral values while making space for the next generation to learn and thrive."⁠
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Can you share a favorite tradition from your culture(s)?⁠
🗣 "My favorite tradition from my culture is participating in Navajo ceremonies such as the Kinaaldá and Yeii Bi Cheii dances." ⁠
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❤️ "These ceremonies are important to me because they bring family and community together to honor our teachings and way of life."⁠
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What is your favorite cultural dish?⁠
🗣 "My favorite cultural dish is Navajo cake. It is made from cornmeal and baked in the ground during the Kinaaldá ceremony." ⁠
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📌 "This traditional food represents growth, strength, and blessings, and I enjoy how it connects us to our ancestors and the land.⁠
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What impact do you hope to make within your community?⁠
🗣 "As an education major student, I hope to make a positive impact in my community by teaching future generations about the importance of Navajo culture, language, and traditions. I want to create a learning environment where Native students feel seen, valued, and inspired to take pride in who they are.⁠"⁠
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(📸: _its_l10n3l_)⁠
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#NAU #NAUNAHM #NAUIndigenous #IndigenousExcellence #NorthernArizonaUniversity #NAUFlagstaff #NorthernArizona⁠

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## Tags

nau, indigenousexcellence, northernarizonauniversity, northernarizona, nauflagstaff, naunahm, facesofnau, nauindigenous

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