#KleeBenally, #CulturalAdvocate and #LandDefender, dies at 48

By Kianna Joe | Dec 31, 2023

KINŁÁNÍ-DOOK’O’OOSŁÍÍD – "Klee Benally died the morning of Dec. 31, 2023. He was 48.

"Benally’s family will be having a family meeting later today to share a formal announcement of Benally’s life, according to an #IndigenousAction social media post.

"Benally was from #Dziłyíjiin, Arizona. He was from the Tódích’íi’nii and #WanderingPeople clans. He relocated to #Kinłání, where he proudly stood tall with Dook’o’oosłííd.

"In his last interview with the Navajo Times on Dec. 7, Benally credited his father, #JonesBenally, a respected and known #hataałii, who shared the #Diné traditions and culture with him.

"Klee Benally’s teachings growing up laid a foundation for who he was as a Diné and led to him fighting for the sacred Dook’o’oosłííd.

"'For Diné people, it represents a part of our cosmology and being,' Benally said on Dec. 7.
'Each mountain is a part of our creation account set forward for our boundaries, Diné Bikéyah, where we walk around.'

"Benally described the mountains as leaders that hold and share teachings for Diné.

"Countless comments from people who knew and followed Benally shared their sudden sadness but described Benally as a 'one-of-a-kind' wise son, brother, uncle, or grandpa.

"Along with fighting for sacred elements, Benally was an #artist in many mediums, writer, musician, and filmmaker.

"On Thursday, Dec. 21, Benally launched his book, '#NoSpiritualSurrender,' released in November.

"The book delves into Benally’s experience fighting for sacred places and why he does it to protect #nahasdzáán.

"Benally recounted the many times he had been #arrested in the Dec. 7 interview, along with tying himself to heavy machinery to send a message that he wasn’t going anywhere for the land’s sake.

"Benally’s work reflected his dedication and understanding of fighting for land and its #IndigenousPeoples.

"Benally worked endlessly for the community and land, which are grateful to have been protected by a dedicated Diné."

https://navajotimes.com/reznews/klee-benally-cultural-advocate-and-land-defender-dies-at-48/

#Dineh #BigMountain #IndigenousActivist #NativeAmericanActivist #FirstNations #IndigenousAnarchist #Resistance #ClimateJustice #ClimateWarrior