Plant Project interns facilitate a community interview in Hardrock
Artrisha Charley, Kaya Dickson, Raeanna Johnson, 2026 DYN Summer Interns, Tó Nizhóní Ání
HARDROCK, AZ – On July 8th, 2026, the Dził Yíjiin Nanise’ (DYN) Project interns facilitated a community event in Hardrock where they welcomed locals from all experience levels to open discussions about local plant species. The DYN interns interviewed participants while presenting detailed photos of plant species collected from the Hardrock community in 2023. The goal was to engage the community to share their knowledge and relationships with plants. Interns connected with residents, sheep herders, ranchers, and farmers; including medicine people and herbalists.
“We wanted to not only learn about the plants, but about our people’s connections and relationship to them as well.” – Raeanna Johnson, 2026 Summer Intern
DYN Interns adapted and took on initiative in conducting group interviews and leading one-on-one interviews. In the one-on-one conversations, Interviewees shared intimate childhood memories with local plants, learning about the plants’ powers and personalities, or singing traditional songs when using the plants.
Tables were set up to seat a few participants and one intern, eventually everyone was combined to include all participants and interns together. The group interview fostered greater depth and comfort, while encouraging openness and collaboration. A small total of 11 participants gave more intimate discussions and personal stories. There was a difference between the dynamics of the community interview and the prior interviews conducted by the interns.
“There is trust that is built when engaging with people through k’é, which opens up a world full of stories and knowledge.” – Kaya Dickson, 2026 Summer Intern
Participants expressed their hope for young people to ask questions, spend more time with elders, and practice Diné language to better understand the cultural significance of plants. They encouraged the DYN interns to continue seeking traditional knowledge about the native plants from their community.
The 2026 Dził Yijiin Nanise’ Project Interns extend their gratitude to those who participated in the Community Interview Study at the Hardrock Chapter, and the Hardrock Chapter staff, for allowing the use of the meeting hall for the group interviews and the kitchen for preparing a meal for our participants.
For more information about this event and the DYN project, contact the lead intern at Raeanna@tonizhoniani.org.
