Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

10/21/05
Story by Peggy Graham

Navajo Storyteller Speaks at JCCC

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Lori Tapahonso will present Stories of Dine’ Lifeways from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 8, in the Corner Lounge of the Commons Building, Johnson County Community College. The event is free and open to the public.

Tapahonso, a Dine’ (Navajo) from Shiprock, N.M., is currently the public
information officer and executive assistant to the president, Haskell Indian Nations University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Kansas and an associate’s degree in theater from Haskell, where she began telling stories. As a student, she was a member of the Thunderbird Theatre’s traditional storytelling and dance troupe called, “Songs of Life.” It was during her time with the group that she realized the stories from her childhood had come full circle.  

“I see the impact the stories have – the amazing way they teach people. Stories from my earliest memories impact others in a way that history from a textbook cannot do,” Tapahonso said.

The stories that Tapahonso tells are a combination of personal family stories, creation stories and Dine’ animal stories. She helps others understand that the ability to “tell stories” is not given only to a chosen few; rather, everyone has the ability to teach with stories and, in fact, many do it everyday, without even knowing. 

Tapahonso’s presentation is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and the Diversity Committee. For more information, contact the Student Activities Desk,
913-469-3807.