Teepee ready for trip to peace conference

By Sararesa Begay
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Francis Nez Sr. had chills up his spine when he talked about his family's contribution to world peace by hand-sewing the largest known teepee for the upcoming New York City World Peace conference.

Nez who is originally from Pinon couldn't hold back his tears when he thought about his family's part in spreading world peace where mankind's fundamental darkness seems to taint everyone's lives.

Nez and 11 family members that include his grandchildren, sons, a son-law, a daughter-in-law and his daughter, Marita, have been hand sewing the 44 feet by 45 feet canvas teepee with a circumference of 88 feet for 14 hours a day since a week ago last Tuesday.

They needed a big space to sew the teepee, and they sewed at the Fort Defiance Chapter House, Window Rock Civic Center and the St. Michaels Chapter. This past weekend they moved their big project to at a vacant spot at the Navajo Nation Shopping Center managed by the Navajo Nation Shopping Center, Inc. where Navajo holiday vendors were showcasing their arts and crafts.

"The feeling is really strong," Nez said. "It's touching when I think about all the different tongues that will be spoken in this teepee."

Nez's grandson Dylan Dixon, 7, and another child laughed and played tag on the white-colored teepee canvas.

Nez who learned to make teepees about six years ago was asked to sew the teepee when he was recommended by a South American Native to conference organizer Barry Tilleman of New York City. Nez said he met the person during a spiritual conference in Tucson.

He said that he learned how to make four-band and six-band teepees with the guidance from his Otoe friend, Johnny Whitecloud, from Black River Falls, Wis.

"He's the guy who showed me how to make teepees," Nez said, adding that they know each other from the Native American Church way of life and prayer. "A couple of years ago, I was diagnose with cancer and I lost my right kidney. I try to participate in traditionals and ceremonials ... I've been in prayer with other tribes."

"Being an NAC Roadman, we pray everyday for peace," Nez said. "Everyday we pray for peace; we lost a lot of people of North America to this war (in Iraq)."

"We thinking of all the families who lost loved ones," Nez said. "We read it everyday in the newspaper."

Nez's deadline to complete the teepee was Monday. He and his family are going to pack the teepee, and drive to the NewYork City to deliver the teepee.

If you'd like to send a donation to Nez and his family for their selfless work and travel to New York City to present the teepee to conference organization, call (928)871-4753.

Sararesa Begay can be reached at venisondine@hotmail.com or by calling 505-371-5443.