Albert Laughter, a name synonymous with tradition and healing, is a fifth-generation medicine man belonging to the Diné, commonly known as the Navajo, tribe. For much of his life, he has dedicated himself to mastering the ancestral healing practices and harnessing the power of natural herbs to care for his people. Today, his expertise extends beyond the borders of his community, as he also works with the Federal Government, offering solace and healing to military veterans grappling with the profound psychological wounds of combat.
Laughter’s roots run deep in the heart of Diné ancestral lands. His family’s history diverges from the tragic narrative of many Navajo who were forcibly held captive at Fort Sumner. Instead, his lineage thrived within the expanse of what is now known as the Canyon Lands, a testament to their resilience and connection to the land. Over the years, Albert Laughter has embraced opportunities to share his rich cultural heritage and engage in reciprocal learning with scholars and researchers from various universities. He embodies a spirit of openness, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and contemporary understanding.
Laughter navigates the complexities of living in two distinct cultural spheres. He is fluent in his native language and deeply immersed in the traditions of his people, yet he also participates fully in the broader Anglo society. He currently works as a contractor, specializing in the construction and sale of traditional Diné dwellings known as hogans. These homes, often crafted in even-sided octagon shapes or the traditional dome shape, are more than just structures; they are tangible representations of Diné culture, built from the very earth that sustains them. The hogans he builds are a testament to his commitment to preserving and sharing his cultural heritage.
The Diné culture operates on principles that differ significantly from those of many Western societies. It is primarily an oral tradition, where knowledge is passed down through generations through spoken word and symbolic representation rather than written texts. The Diné are renowned for their ability to use symbols and colors to convey complex concepts. A core tenet of their teaching emphasizes the power of the initial hearing. A teaching is shared only once; repetition diminishes its potency and alters its meaning. This is why symbols become so important, they embody the message and preserve its integrity.
Within the Diné tribe, the wisdom and guidance of elders hold paramount importance. Family elders serve as the primary source of knowledge and tradition. Their voices are revered as conduits for ancestral spirits, offering answers and direction to younger generations. When elders speak, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors speak through them, providing invaluable insights and perspectives. This reverence for elders underscores the Diné culture’s deep respect for the past and its enduring connection to its heritage.
The Meaning of "Navajo"
Albert Laughter sheds light on the loaded term "Navajo," a word he has grown accustomed to hearing. However, he explains that "Navajo" is a Spanish term carrying the unflattering connotation of "renegade." He emphasizes that his people refer to themselves as Diné (pronounced dee-neh), which is also the name of their language. Diné, he asserts, represents their true identity and heritage, a term far more meaningful and respectful than the externally imposed label. For Albert Laughter, the distinction is crucial to reclaiming cultural ownership and promoting self-determination.
The Significance of Ceremonies
Within his family, Albert Laughter is a respected figure, sought after for his ability to interpret and explain Diné traditions to younger relatives. He actively participates in ceremonies, often chanting alongside his father throughout the night, assisting the Medicine Man in his prayers and rituals.
Diné ceremonies are deeply rooted in the cycles of nature and the movement of celestial bodies. They incorporate a vast repertoire of sacred songs, estimated to number around two hundred. However, only a select few, typically between twenty-four and thirty-six, are appropriate for use at any given time. The selection and duration of these songs are dictated by the position of "the big morning star," a celestial marker that signals the end of nighttime ceremonies. Songs are categorized by the time of day for which they are appropriate, including songs for the morning, midnight, and the rising and setting of the sun.
Healing Practices: A Holistic Approach
Healing within the Diné tradition is a multifaceted process that encompasses prayer, offerings, and the use of natural remedies. Specific prayers are recited by the shaman and repeated by the patient, intended to address the root cause of the ailment, whether it stems from natural forces like thunder or from imbalances within Mother Earth. These prayers are often accompanied by special offerings, demonstrating respect for the spiritual forces involved.
Herbal remedies play a vital role in Diné healing, akin to the prescriptions of modern medicine. Herbs are meticulously gathered for each individual and their specific ailment. Prayer bundles, carefully assembled collections of prayers tailored to specific conditions, are also employed. During healing ceremonies, the shaman often holds corn pollen in one hand, a symbol of life and sustenance, and the prayer bundle in the other.
The prayer bundle, like other sacred objects such as prayer sticks, holds profound significance and is treated with utmost reverence. Revealing details about these sacred items is considered taboo, as the "god people" do not wish for them to be carelessly disclosed. It is believed that divulging sacred knowledge can lead to the loss of cultural memory and identity, a warning passed down through generations. Albert Laughter is currently in the final stages of his apprenticeship, honing his skills in the art of creative singing, an integral component of Diné healing ceremonies.
Singing plays a crucial role throughout the Diné life cycle, with specific songs designated for pregnant women, babies, and children. Corn pollen is often offered as a blessing for babies, with gestures always directed towards the child, never from the back or side. This practice reflects the continuity of tradition, passed down from father to son, grandfather to grandson, in an unbroken chain of knowledge.
Diné ceremonies are not scheduled according to a rigid calendar. Instead, they are performed when needed, guided by the specific circumstances and the needs of the individual or community. Time is measured in relation to events, such as "in two days" rather than by specific days of the week.
Family and the Preservation of Tradition
Albert Laughter expresses a deep concern about the future of Diné traditions within his own family. Despite having a large family with many young members, none are currently actively pursuing the traditional path. He fears that this long and storied tradition may end with him. While his children are adept at navigating Anglo society, they do not speak the Diné language, a critical component of cultural transmission.
However, Albert Laughter remains hopeful. He shares stories of his own experiences, including his time living away from the reservation, and how his children, despite initially embracing the outside world, ultimately feel a strong pull to return to their ancestral lands. They express a deep connection to the area, claiming to have seen it in their dreams. This desire to return, even without fluency in the language, suggests a deep-seated yearning to connect with their heritage. Albert Laughter views this as a mission, emphasizing the importance of learning the language and carrying on the traditions for future generations.
After Death: A Continuum of Life
The Diné perspective on death emphasizes continuity and the enduring presence of ancestors. Even after someone passes on, their memory lives on through stories and shared experiences. Relatives may recognize traits and mannerisms of deceased loved ones in younger generations, affirming the cyclical nature of life. In this way, the deceased continue to be a part of the living world, residing in memories, thoughts, and even tears. Ultimately, all return to the earth, becoming part of the natural cycle, perhaps even returning as the rain.
It is believed that the voices of those who have passed on can still be heard in certain places, such as ancient pueblos and ruins. By closing one’s eyes, one can hear their conversations, laughter, and the sounds of daily life. These echoes of the past are carried on the wind, the only true messenger. According to Diné tradition, dawn is the time to connect with the ancestors, to make offerings and speak to them. They are seen as living gods, having passed on to the other side but remaining present in the world. Their presence may be felt through thunder, the emergence of a new plant, or a fleeting glimpse. They are real, they are guides, and they are accessible through morning prayers.
Offerings of corn pollen, accompanied by heartfelt words, serve as a way to communicate with the ancestors. This practice mirrors other spiritual traditions, such as addressing "My Father in heaven" in Christianity. However, in the Diné tradition, one speaks to the ancestors as family, as great-grandchild, grandchild, or child, expressing a desire to communicate in beauty. Albert Laughter learned this practice from his father, who learned it from his grandfather, underscoring the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and the enduring presence of ancestors. They have "passed on," not "passed away," signifying the continuation of their life through those who remain.
History, Tradition, and the Importance of Self-Identity
Albert Laughter expresses concern about the distorted portrayal of Native American history in popular culture, particularly the "cowboys and Indians" narrative perpetuated by Hollywood. He recounts an experience on a John Wayne movie set, where Diné actors were instructed to fall to the ground whenever Wayne drew his gun, highlighting the demeaning and inaccurate representation of his people. This misrepresentation is particularly harmful to young Native Americans, who internalize these false narratives and develop a distorted sense of self.
Albert Laughter’s message to Native children is to first learn about their identity and then to embrace it with pride. He encourages them to find a quiet place, connect with their inner spirit and the world around them, and to resist shame or self-deprecation. He urges them to let nature be nature and to allow themselves to be their true selves, resisting the pressure to conform or conceal their identity.
He also cautions against the commodification of sacred traditions, particularly the sale of sacred items as souvenirs, which he believes diminishes the culture. He emphasizes the importance of preserving certain aspects of the culture for the Diné people themselves. Albert Laughter acknowledges the diversity within the Diné community, noting differences between the "East and West Navajos."
He identifies television as a harmful influence, exposing young people to ideas and behaviors that are difficult for elders to comprehend. He believes that television contributes to problems such as school shootings, drug abuse, and alcoholism, which are prevalent among some Diné youth.
Albert Laughter also expresses reservations about intermarriage, fearing that it can dilute the cultural heritage. He stresses the importance of learning the language as a means of preserving the traditions and hopes that his own children will embrace this path. His mission is to encourage them to listen, to learn, and to carry on the ways of their ancestors, ensuring that he is not the last to preserve his family’s and his people’s heritage. He finds encouragement in their recurring visits and their growing curiosity, which he sees as a positive sign. Only time will tell if these efforts will bear fruit. The title, Interview with Albert Laughter, Medicine man of the 21st century is important.
The Earth and the Balance of Nature
Albert Laughter has observed changes in the environment over time. He notes that the sun’s intensity has increased, causing sunburns that were once uncommon. He believes that humans often make the mistake of trying to improve upon natural processes that do not require intervention. He uses the example of replacing a natural beauty walk with a paved road, arguing that the road disrupts the natural environment. He cautions against unnecessary interference with nature and suggests that true progress does not always involve alteration.
Albert Laughter, medicine man of the 21st century is a role model for the Diné community. The title, Interview with Albert Laughter, Medicine man of the 21st century is indicative of the importance of this article.