Guided by the Mountains: Navajo Political Philosophy and Governance

What do traditional Indigenous institutions of governance offer to our understanding of the contemporary challenges faced by the Navajo Nation today and tomorrow? Guided by the Mountains looks at the tensions between Indigenous political philosophy and the challenges faced by Indigenous nations in building political institutions that address contemporary problems and enact "good governance." Specifically, it looks at Navajo, or Din�, political thought, focusing on traditional Din� institutions that offer "a new (old) understanding of contemporary governance challenges" facing the Navajo Nation. Arguing not only for the existence but also the persistence of traditional Navajo political thought and policy, Guided by the Mountains asserts that "traditional" Indigenous philosophy provides a model for creating effective governance institutions that address current issues faced by Indigenous nations. Incorporating both visual interpretations and narrative accounts of traditional and contemporary Din� institutions of government from Din� philosophers, the book is the first to represent Indigenous philosophy as the foundation behind traditional and contemporary governance. It also explains how Din� governance institutions operated during Pre-Contact and Post-Contact times. This path-breaking book stands as the first-time normative account of Din� philosophy.

About the Author :
Michael Lerma is Associate Professor of Politics and International Affairs, and Applied Indigenous Studies at Northern Arizona University. Avery Denny is Professor of Din� Studies at Din� College. Robert Yazzie is Associate Professor of Law Advocate, School of Din� and Law Studies, Navajo Technical University.

Review :
"This creatively organized volume focuses on a version of Dine (Navajo) philosophy that has been understudied, adding yet another dimension to the vitality, dignity, and utility of Dine values, principles, and landscapes. This world view, according to the author, may guide us to a more humane and sensible approach to good governance." --David Wilkins, McKnight Presidential Professor of American Indian Studies, University of Minnesota "In this important book, Michael Lerma explores the complexities of Din� knowledge and philosophy and their practical value as principles of governance. Lerma's skill as a scholar is unequaled. I can think of no other study of Indigenous peoples that has explained the intricacy of Native American, particularly Din�, relations with the spirit world, the elements of place and their political implications as well. It is truly a book like no other." --Tom Holm, Professor Emeritus, University of Arizona