Wołí bee: Diné Cultural Arts Amid Pandemics

Wołi bee is a Diné survivance mode and resurgence in households of late, holding teachings from an older generation that experienced struggle and continued to push through it. It is stronger than yéego (keep going), accompanying action with a challenge to continue an endeavor, even in the face of failure. This mindset became the mantra of the Navajo Cultural Arts Program during COVID-19, resulting in the T’áá wołí bee Exhibit at Diné College in Tsaile. The exhibit showcases 20 photographed pieces of Diné student, staff, and faculty cultural arts. The weavings, moccasins, silverwork, and pottery do not merely align with considerations of visual Diné aesthetics or art therapy to cope with COVID-19. Rather, the story of each piece exudes Diné resilience; they breath wolí bee. This chapter highlights several of the pieces and the author’s journey as the Navajo Cultural Art Program grant manager. Reflecting upon the pieces illuminated the inner workings of cultural arts grant work through one of the deadliest periods in recent Diné history. Wolí bee not only served as the fog lights in the clouds of COVID-19, guiding Diné cultural arts and Diné into an unknown, yet brilliant future, it also provided an understanding of their endurance fought for at all costs.