The University of Arizona Press
Critical Diné Writings
Diné-focused writings in creative genres and scholarly fields are growing and evolving rapidly. The Critical Diné Writings Series—building upon the University of Arizona Press’s already rich holdings and the exciting future for writings on, with, and by Diné people—uplifts scholars and writers from diverse perspectives and experiences who center Diné people, and enrich the fields of Diné Studies, Indigenous Studies, history, literature, law, ecology, education, and creative arts. This series invites works by scholars and creative writers that broaden and deepen our understanding of Diné people, including, but not limited to, governance, culture, sovereignty, education, gender, and sexuality.
The guiding perspective of the series focuses on two interrelated understandings of critical. The first is the body of scholarship that urges a critical study of Diné people that shifts the analytic lens from Eurocentric, outsider-driven anthropology toward a Diné-centered, self-determined framework. Critical Diné Studies applies the tools of decolonization, critical theory, and intellectual sovereignty to examine the lived realities, political challenges, and future trajectories of the Diné people. And in the second meaning, critical is a recognition of the history and future of Diné writing and writings about Diné people. This recognition urges us to consider the importance of Diné writing and take responsibility for the direction of knowledge, sovereignty, and education.
This series continues a strong tradition of Diné writings and honors those who carefully shaped the direction of Diné people’s future based on what needed to be written and published. The series moves beyond strict and limiting disciplinary boundaries and seeks out writings that are interdisciplinary, genre bending, paradigm shifting, public-facing and accessible, and strengthening and restorative for community.
Our series pursues the path of Si’ąh Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhǫ́, affirming our commitment as we talk, write, and walk in beauty.
Hózhǫ́ǫgo yádeeltʼí, ákʼédaʼííłchí, dóó nídéékái.
