We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebekah Roanhorse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebekah, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My humble upbringings were falling asleep to the smell of chizh (wood) burning from the fireplace. We would have to haul water every week because we have yes running water. My pants always had brown stains because of the dirt I was found playing in. My shoes were taken off by the front door because they had sheep po*p on the bottom it from riding Grandma Lucy’s sheep. Yes, I grew up on the Navajo reservation, 15 miles east of Chinle. SpiderRock, AZ will always be my forever home. I believe having the background of how I grew impacted me by giving me deep appreciation of the land. Not only for the beautiful views I woke up to everyday but how it provided for our way of living. It was also my playground, which drew my curiosity of bugs and plants!

What should our readers know about your business?
I established Walking the Holistic Way in March of 2020. This was during the beginning of COVID. I was heartbroken of how it impacted my community on the Navajo nation. It definitely was not easy navigating a small business during those times during quarantine and lockdowns. I did my best to ship packages and meet people who needed the herbal remedies for immune boosting and cough syrups. When I reflect on those trying times, I remember how much I learned in such a short time span and how much my passion did as well. Money is what finically keeps the business going but I learned it also your heartbeat of your art that does too. My remedies carry the language and knowledge of my ancestors. I hope they are proud!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to the flea markets in Shiprock where they will find an abundant of delicious mutton stew, frybread and iced Navajo tea. We would get to the witness some of the beautiful art people create with so many different kind of materials. I almost always leave with no money and a full satisfied belly. You need an appetite, cash in hand, a sun hat and comfortable shoes for all the walking you will do.

Website: https://www.walkingtheholisticway.com

Instagram: Walkingtheholisticway

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