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Show --4- your dictionary. We are not supposed to call it a hospital, clinic is equivocal, dispensary and infirmary are unwieldy - how do you like nosocome? For some reason there has been less than fiery enthusiasm for the term, but it is still a good one - lneans "sickness being taken care of" and that's just what we have here!) Several hundred Navahos, Federal and State officiaJs, Tribal officials, and representatives of medical centers in Utah and Colorado were gathered for the occasion, and it was in every way a gratifying experience. We had debated whether or not to try to "make something" of the occasion - after all, our achievement was very small compared to the need - but we had been encouraged to do so, and we were grateful for the response. The Governor even sent a personal representative when he found he could not come. After the blessing, the Bishop addressed the group; Fr Liebler did his best to put the gist of his message into Navaho; then numerous speakers took the stand, one after another. Especially we felt honored in having Annie Wauneka, Tribal Council Member, and daughter of the late Tribal leader Chee Dodge, who spoke on the subject of Navaho health, which has been her specialty for many years past. Luncheons had been prepared by Navahos - ' mutton and fried bread in true Navaho style, and, of course, coffee. Can you, who have not seen it, picture our "nosocome" in your minds? Brother Juniper will take you on a "personally conducted tour" : You see before you a long, low building of native red sandstone, protruding pine log rafters support the roof; attractively arched "French doors" from the east side and large windows allow light on all other sides. We enter by the ambulance door at the south end and find ourselves in a long fight green hall running the full length of the eighty-odd foot building. On our right are the aforementioned French doors, on our left the doors leading into the various rooms. Do you see some wavy lines in the structure? Be not too critical. Nearly all the work has been done by Navahos, many of them without previous skill in any branch of the building trade. The master mason, to be sure, had laid up stone before, but we had to teach him how to throw an arch over a wooden form, |
