From Chief to Code Talker

Join us for a talk about a group of young Navajo men who enlisted in the Marines during World War II without knowing that they would be called on to develop a secret code against the Japanese military. This select group of Code Talkers devised a Navajo language code that was accurate, quick, never broken and saved many American lives.

This talk, made possible by Arizona Humanities, profiles four Code Talkers who reflect on their lives growing up on the Navajo Nation homeland before and after the war, including the presenter Laura Tohe's father. They returned home without fanfare to continued poverty and lack of economic opportunity, yet persevered and overcame obstacles that helped change the Navajo Nation and their communities. They tell their stories with poignancy that reflect their resiliency and self-determination.

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Laura Tohe

Laura Tohe is Diné. She is a Sleepy Rock people clan born for the Bitter Water people clan and is the daughter of a Navajo Code Talker. A librettist and an award-winning poet, she has written three books of poetry, edited two books and wrote an oral history book on the Navajo Code Talkers. Her commissioned libretto, Enemy Slayer, A Navajo Oratorio, world premiered for the Phoenix Symphony and her latest libretto, Nahasdzaan in the Glittering World was performed in France in 2019 and 2021.

Among her awards are the 2020 Academy of American Poetry Fellowship, 2019 American Indian Festival of Writers Award and the Arizona Book Association's Glyph Award for Best Poetry. She is a professor Emerita with Distinction from Arizona State University and is the current Navajo Nation Poet Laureate.

Want to Update Your Tech Skills?

Do you need to refresh your tech skills to become more comfortable using your devices? The library is offering several classes that are a free and easy way to get tips and tricks to use your devices as efficiently as possible.

iPhone /iPad: Productivity
Do you use your mobile Apple device for work or just want to increase your productivity? In this class, learn how to get the most out of the apps you use every day to get thing done. We'll also share some tips and tricks and answer any question you have. This class is great for all skill levels. REGISTER

Computer Basics
Learn the basics of using a computer, including terminology, turning on a computer, using the mouse and keyboard and simple computer navigation. This class is held every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. REGISTER

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