Beyaja Notah

Professor Notah is a member of the Navajo tribe. Her family comes from St. Michael's, Arizona. Beyaja's family was one of many Navajo and Hopi families that moved to the Colorado River Indian tribes reservation in the 1940s. Beyaja's parents met in California and settled in the San Bernardino area in the late 1980s. Beyaja's passion for Native American culture came from her parents. Beyaja has always been involved in the promotion of Native American culture and traditions. As a youth Beyaja's family and she would give performance to demonstrate various traditional dance styles. In high school, Beyaja would dedicate additional time to studying the histories and traditions of Native peoples. This is where she developed a passion for Native American Studies. It was the missing element of her public school education. In addition to school, Beyaja has worked in the local tribal community as a program assistant and teacher. Beyajas hobbies include photography, arts and crafts, and hiking.