Medicine and Miracles in the High Desert: My Life among the Navajo People

The author, Erica Elliott, spent time living with the Navajo people as a teacher, sheepherder, and doctor, having profound experiences with the people, animals, and spirits. She learned the Navajo language to bridge the cultural divide and witnessed miracles, including her own healing from a tumor. She also had fearsome encounters with a mountain lion and a shape-shifting "skinwalker" and fulfilled a prophecy by returning as a doctor. Elliott's story showcases the transformation possible from immersion in a spiritually rich culture and the power of reaching out to others with joy, respect, and an open heart.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear and Company

Erica Elliott's journey to the Navajo reservation in 1971 was filled with challenges. As a newly minted schoolteacher,she struggled to communicate with her students and understand their culture. But her love for her students and her determination to learn the Navajo language opened doors that she never thought possible.
As she immersed herself in Navajo life,Erica had a series of profound experiences with the people,animals,and spirits of Canyon de Chelly. She learned how to herd sheep,make fry bread,and weave traditional rugs,experiencing for herself the life of a traditional Navajo.
One of the most significant experiences of Erica's time on the reservation was her miracle healing. After the elders prayed for her healing,a tumor on her neck disappeared without any medical intervention. Erica was amazed by the power of prayer and the healing abilities of the Navajo people.
But Erica's journey was not without its dangers. She survived a fearsome encounter with a mountain lion and a shape-shifting "skinwalker." The "skinwalker" was a malevolent spirit that could take on the form of any animal or human and was believed to be responsible for causing harm and destruction.
Despite these dangers,Erica fulfilled a prophecy by returning to the Navajo reservation as a doctor. She worked tirelessly to provide medical care to the people of Canyon de Chelly,often traveling long distances to remote villages.
Erica's memoir is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of the Navajo people. It shows how their culture and traditions have survived despite the challenges of colonization and modernization. It also highlights the importance of cross-cultural understanding and the power of love and compassion to bridge cultural divides.
In conclusion,Erica Elliott's memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the Navajo people,their culture,and their traditions. It is a powerful story of resilience,love,and compassion that will inspire and uplift readers.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781591434191
Edition number: 2nd Edition, Revised Edition