Candidate's liason believes in her work

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

PAGE — Sara Begay is busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest.

In the past few weeks, Begay's job took her to the Lupton, Kaibeto, Tuba City and Bodaway Gap chapters. She's on a hectic schedule, but the resident of Page, Ariz., feels that her work is important to her and the Navajo people.

Begay is the Native American outreach liaison for the Ellen Simon campaign. Simon, whose parents survived the Holocaust, is challenging U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi for the District 1 seat in Congress.

"This is my first campaign," Begay said. But stepping up to try something new is old hat to her. In addition to being an award-winning print journalist she once worked for the Navajo Times Begay also has impressive credentials in broadcasting.

She worked for National Public Radio, where she developed, produced and sometimes hosted Native programs. She coordinated the first-ever Native Radio Theater Project. She ran KGHR-FM at Greyhills Academy High School as an interim general manager, where she also taught journalism to grades 9 through 12.

She hosted "Drum Song" for WOJB-FM in Wisconsin and spent time in Anchorage, at Alaska Public Radio.

"What I want to achieve in life is to use my career focus, skills and training to lessen someone's burden in the Native American community," Begay said.

The oldest of four children, she is the daughter of Reuben Begay Sr. and Bernice Austin-Begay. Her siblings include sisters Laurel and Kym, and "baby" brother Ben who stands about 6'6".

Her family is important to her, not just her immediate family, but all of her extended Navajo relatives. Equally important to Begay is her spirituality.

"I am spiritual. I believe I am brave, and I seek knowledge and self improvement," Begay said. "I like people who are optimists and spiritual. Definitely spiritual, not religious. That's another thing." She stressed the difference between being spiritual and religious, noting that one does not have to sit inside a church to find and offer prayers to the Creator.

As a child, Sara thought of becoming a lawyer, but by high school, her interest in journalism deepened. She found it a way to present the stories of Native people to a public that may not have noticed them.

Writing is still a part of her life. She pens a journal, and though she's quite skillful on the computer Begay enjoys taking the time to sit and write "snail mail."

When it comes to TV, she likes watching news and educational fare oh, and "Dog, the Bounty Hunter," too.

Helping to get Simon elected is almost a crusade for Begay.

"(Simon) was a civil rights attorney. She really cares," Begay said. "I'm not a political pers
zon. I have to really believe in her to do what I'm doing. I do believe in Ellen Simon."

What will she do when the elections are over?

"I have no idea," Begay said. "I might like to get my master's (degree) in something, and maybe, if I can find the time, energy and resources, law school just for kicks."

Begay will be back in Window Rock on Oct. 6, when the Simon campaign will sponsor a rally and press conference before Navajo Veterans Park, at 11 a.m. Then, sometime soon, Begay hopes to visit the Inscription House and Navajo Mountain chapters. With about 70 chapters located in District 1, there is more than enough work to keep her busy.

Busier than a one-legged man ...

John Christian Hopkins can be reached at hopkins1960@hotmail.com or by calling 505-371-5443.