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How to Have a Rug Show 

 
Weavings From
Big Mountain 

Arlene was a
 Hero

This Page is Established

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
ARLENE HAMILTON-BENALLY

ARLENE AND FRIENDS AT THE 1999 WITNESS CAMP L to R: Student; Arlene; Sheila; Sheila's mother, Roberta Blackgoat

Founder of
DINEH WEAVING COLLECTIVE
BIG MOUNTAIN, ARIZONA

PRESERVING SACRED LAND, CULTURE
AND TRADITIONAL ART

These are just a few of the lives that Arlene Hamilton-Benally touched
and dedicated her life to helping.

We are building our SOUL force to non-violently
stop mining on Indigenous Land.

REMEMBERING A WARRIOR

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, 03 April 2002, the world became a dimmer place when Black Mesa activist and warrior for freedom, Arlene Hamilton-Benally, wife of Dine'h Leonard Benally, was take from us in a tragic car crash. Although nor Dine'h herself, Arlene worked for years opposing attempts to forcibly relocate Dine'h residents of Black Mesa, Arizona. During the course of severe persecution, human rights violations, and imposed dependency, Arlene stood with Dine'h in opposition to the Beast in America and its minions. She has set a shining example of what can be accomplished through non-violent opposition to bigotry and injustice. 

Arlene leaves us with a legacy and a challenge. Her legacy is her blueprint for effective, non-violent activism and an example of how self-sufficiency and determination can effectively counter imposed persecution and dependency. Her challenge is to take up the gauntlet thrown down by the Beast In America and to fight bigotry and injustice tooth and nail, with every resource available. Arlene was living proof that, indeed, "Where there is a will there is a way."

Arlene did not stand alone. Other Dine'h supporters joined her in the continuing struggle. Whenever a new support organization or individual came onto the scene and made the  commitment to the cause, Arlene never failed to contact the new warriors with expressions of gratitude and words of encouragement. She was a friend to all whose hearts cherished freedom and justice. 

This page borrows from the design and links to Arlene's own web pages. We cannot think of a more fitting tribute to that brave warrior than to showcase a small portion of the work she did on behalf of Dine'h weavers and their families, who stood in resistance to forced relocation and persecution at every turn.

Arlene Hamilton-Benally gave hope to Dine'h and  helped them be more self-sufficient, by helping them realize the potential of their beautiful artworks.

Arlene Hamilton-Benally's work with Dine'h was certainly a labor of love.

By linking to these pages and presenting them to the world in her memory, we hope to return a portion of the love she so freely gave and say, "Thank you, dear sister, for all that you have done to help others and for making a difference in their lives. You have made a difference in all our lives."

May your journey into Creator's arms be swift and blissful. We will do our best to live up to the strong and beautiful example you have set for us. May we each do as much with our own lives.