The story
Herizon is a book dedicated to the voiceless with the hope for a more inclusive, empowering future. The story details the journey of a girl as she helps her grandmother retrieve a flock of sheep aided by a magical scarf. Within the scarf’s powers is the ability to transform, which changes the girl and the world she knows.
In an age that has seen the election of the first female vice president in U.S. history and Deb Haaland being appointed Secretary of the Interior, Herizon speaks to the power of the moment and not a distant idea of what could be. It is a story that honors progress and persistence, and can relate to audiences from any background. Herizon is a wordless book as an ode to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR).
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
Females are at the center of Navajo worldview as identity is determined through one’s mother. As such, females are sacred beings that bear life, nurture growth, and provide safety and security within the home and community. As the Navajo Nation moves forward, it is our mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmas, wives, and daughters that will help us thrive in the modern world.
INTERGENERATIONAL
STRENGTH
The role of nurturer was taught by Changing Woman, who passed on the wisdom and teachings of being a matriarch. Changing Woman's teachings were systematically attacked with legislation and policies after the Long Walk in attempt to dismantle the family unit and force Navajo people into the wage economy.
But we are resilient and have persisted, backed by the strength and knowledge set forth by Changing Woman: love, compassion, and hard work.
MORE THAN ILLUSTRATIONS
Herizon was written on the onset of COVID as the world would indefinitely change. Out of tragedy came beauty as the first female was elected Vice President in U.S. history and Deb Haaland was appointed Secretary of the Interior. Each leader was an example of hope for a more inclusive future and a lot of the thought behind Herizon.
As we build on these stories of hope we rebuild a more inclusive society that is grounded in the teachings of our ancestors. Herizon is a resource for this movement.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
INTRODUCTION TO COREY BEGAY
Corey Begay is a Navajo artist and graphic designer from Cedar Springs, Arizona. Corey graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications and currently doing contract work and collaborating with different organizations.
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Corey’s current works involve murals, graphic design, illustration, and canvas paintings. Corey likes the idea of seeing his work in as many places as possible and working with others who have the same passion in art, graphic design, and movements as he does. He's inspired by culture, education, nature, expressionism, and hard workers.