Nikyle Begay (Diné , Todích’ííníí - Bitter Water, Totsohní - Big Water, Deeshchiinii - Red Streak People, bįįh bitoodni - Deer Springs People) is a shepherd, weaver, and teacher based in Naabeehó Bináhásdzo (the Navajo Nation) in Sunrise Springs, Arizona.

Begay was destined to work with sheep from the very beginning. Following their birth, their grandmother buried their umbilical cord in the family’s sheep corral, a tradition that is said to shape a child’s future path. She prayed that Begay would be the descendant who maintained the family’s sheep flocks and carry her knowledge forward for generations.

Her prayers were answered.…