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Honoring ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’: A Legacy of Caring

Monday
Erin Robbins
Navajo Sign Unveiling

Last week, the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine joined representatives from the Navajo Nation to unveil a new campus sign featuring Diné Bizaad (Navajo language). In partnership with the Office of Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement and the Linguistic Department, the Native Languages Campus Sign Initiative reflects our enduring commitment to representing, uplifting, and including Native American communities within our physical and cultural spaces. The project aims to create a welcoming and inclusive place for Native American students, faculty, staff, and visitors, while honoring the Native Nations whose ancestral lands are in the Southwest.

New Sign in Oro Valley featuring Navajo language.

The new CVM sign located at our Oro Valley Campus displays the Navajo phrase: “Nanise’ Naaldlooshii Bila’ashdla’ii Nihá Nahasdzáán Bikáá’ Niilyéii Baa Haa Hasin dóó Baa’ Ahééh Ílí which translates to “All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small…” These words were created by one of the first Navajo veterinarians and reviewed by a Dinè Language and Cultural Advisor.

The unveiling represents a humbling and celebratory occasion to reinforce our college’s core values:

  • Fostering an environment where all students, faculty, staff, and visitors feel welcomed and supported.
  • Honoring the heritage and living traditions of the Navajo Nation, whose presence and contributions are integral to our campus identity.
  • Recognizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the natural world, inspired by the phrase, “All things bright and beautiful…”
  • Building a stronger future through community collaboration and partnerships

Displaying the Navajo language on our campus sign is a distinct honor and a powerful symbol of our respect for the Nation’s culture and gratitude for their ongoing partnership. Such acts deepen our sense of place and strengthen our identity as a land-grant institution dedicated to serving all communities.

Commitment to Native Student Access

In June 2023, the College made a significant stride in accessible education by partnering with President Nygren to offer seven full-tuition scholarships for Navajo students. This essential step supports the next generation of Native veterinary professionals and broadens the reach of veterinary care in Native communities across Arizona and beyond.

We are equally proud to offer pathways that spark early interest and sustain engagement in veterinary medicine among Native students, including:

  • Outreach and mentorship beginning at the K-12 level
  • Partnerships with Tribal and community colleges
  • Hands-on learning through the League of VetaHumanz
  • Interactive campus visits for middle school students

Since our program’s inception, 30 self-identified Native American/Indigenous students have enrolled, and 19 have graduated to date. Each is or will embark on an impactful career and make a difference in their communities. 

Looking Ahead

As this new sign becomes a part of daily campus life, it will act as a constant reminder of this celebration and the enduring connections we share with our Navajo friends and Native American/Indigenous peoples. We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this milestone possible, especially the Navajo Nation, for your trust, partnership, and inspiration. We also acknowledge various people and their stories and histories that brought us to this moment, as we value community engagement.