Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and The Navajo Reservation
Award-winning writer Nicky Leach first got to know the Navajo in 1992, when she moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, to write and edit books on the Southwest and its cultures. "Flagstaff is blessed with many Navajo residents," she says, "and its proximity to the Big Rez means there are always Navajo families visiting relatives, shopping, and taking part in the life of town." Having grown up in Britain, Nicky particularly appreciates dry Navajo humor, evident in everything from wry joke about "biligaanas", or outsiders, like herself to folk art poking fun at Navajo subculture. "On the reservation, its best not to take yourself too seriously," she laughs. "Relax and just enjoy yourself."