Did you know that the Navajo Nation is 27,000 square miles of land, includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, and is actually larger than 5 US states? Free-roaming cat and dog populations are an issue in many parts of the US, and the Navajo Nation is no exception.
Keith Slim-Tolagai, calls the Navajo Nation home. He is bringing his passion for helping animals and people, and his knowledge and experience as an educator to the Navajo Nation as Best Friends Animal Society Program Specialist. He recently spoke with Maddie’s Fund/Maddie’s Pet Forum as part of their weekly Community Conversation national call. The call focused on Inclusive Leadership, Cultivating Trust and Building Relationships with Indigenous Communities.
Keith has his work cut out for him. Numerous puppies and kittens roam the area, as well as unvaccinated and unaltered animals. There are only four animal shelters, with four animal control officers and four kennel officers who serve the shelters. The Navajo Nation also employs one veterinarian who also serves to provide equine field services. Additionally, there are a few private veterinary clinics, but with the broad landscape and limits of transportation for many clients, there are several obstacles to animals receiving care.
Keith says that while these obstacles are certainly a challenge, there are many community members that really do want the best outcome for their animals and can serve as advocates for this initiative.
Keith works a lot with transport organizations to move animals out of the area, educating local community members on the importance of spay and neuter, as well as vaccinating pets and establishing groups or “hubs” of people to act as resources for one another.
The Navajo Nation considers animals to be sacred, our 4-legged brothers and sisters, protectors of the doorway, and earth listeners. “We need to bring back awareness of kindness to animals (including other animals — horses and cattle), just remembering that they’re part of us on earth. And we need to remember that they have a special place,” says Keith. This cultural and spiritual perspective informs Keith’s passion for animal welfare.
To learn more about the work the Navajo Nation is doing, Keith Slim-Tolagi, and his role with Best Friends Animal Society, an article can be found here.
