• Dr. Jennifer Nez Denetdale is a professor of American Studies at The University of New Mexico and teaches courses in Native American Studies.
  • As the first-ever Diné/Navajo to earn a Ph.D. in history, Denetdale is a strong advocate for Native peoples and strives to foster academic excellence in the next generation of students interested in Native Studies.
  • Denetdale's research interests include Critical Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Feminisms and Gender Studies, Native Oral History, and Southwest Studies.
  • Her book, Reclaiming Diné History: The Legacies of Navajo Chief Manuelito and Juanita, was published by the University of Arizona Press in 2007 and has received positive reviews.
  • Denetdale’s book for young adults, The Long Walk: The Forced Exile of the Navajo, was published by Chelsea House in 2007.
  • Her most recent publication was an article, "Securing the Navajo National Boundaries: War, Patriotism, Tradition, and the Diné Marriage Act of 2005," for a special issue on Native Feminisms in Wicazo Sa Review. She was the co-editor of this special issue.
  • For the summer of 2010, she was guest curator for the exhibit, "Hastiin Ch'ilhajíní dóó Diné bi naat'áanii Bahane': Chief Manuelito & Navajo Leaders," at the Navajo Nation Museum.
  • Denetdale’s current research project is a history of Navajo women.
  • In 2017, she was awarded the UNM Presidential Award of Distinction.

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