Howard Yazzie, a Diné Vietnam Veteran and a Navajo Elder from the Indigenous Wellbriety program in Cortez, Colo., shares his lived wisdom and that of his ancestors to support people enrolled in the program. Generously, he uses cultural knowledge to help fellow veterans, community members and local youth better their lives. “I am very interested in working with veteran’s families and connecting with their loved ones,” says Yazzie. He is a revered and loved individual who deserves to be hailed as a hero.
For his compassion and lifechanging acts, Howard Yazzie will receive the first-ever Lifechanging Hero award at the American Red Cross Heroes Soireè on Saturday, March 18, 2023.
Yazzie, a member of the Dinè Nation, was born and raised at Emmanuel Mission just south of Sweetwater, Arizona. He is of the Ma’ii Deeshgiizhinii – Áshįįhnii (Coyote Pass (Jemez)-Salt Clan) born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the-Water/Among the Red Waters/Red Soil/Red Streak) his maternal grandfather’s clan is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House People) and Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People) his paternal grandfather clan.
Yazzie was a Commander for the Navajo Veterans Organizations with Tohlikan (Sweetwater) Chapter and currently is a commander for the Shiprock Agency Veteran’s Organization. He still cares for his community as part of the New Mexico Native American Church Incorporation. He is a member of Azee be na anishi with the District 9 Four Corners Native American Church.
Howard Yazzie will receive his award on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Rocky Mountain Heroes Soireè. The event celebrates incredible heroes, like Howard and benefits the Red Cross.