[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARVIN YELLOWHAIR

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                          HON. TOM O'HALLERAN

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2022

  Mr. O'HALLERAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Marvin Yellowhair, a beloved Navajo community leader who 
passed away in March.
  Throughout Marvin's life, he made immense contributions to numerous 
fields, and is remembered as a devoted son, brother, father, husband, 
uncle, nephew, grandfather, coach, author, musician, actor, 
storyteller, runner, carpenter, politician, Council Delegate, and 
School Board Member.
  After graduating from Rough Rock High School and attending Mesa 
Community College, Dine College, Northern Arizona University, and the 
University of New Mexico, he dedicated his life to the advancement of 
Navajo language, culture, and history developing bilingual and 
bicultural curriculum materials and publishing several books of his 
own.
  He continued his efforts developing Navajo language materials and 
books throughout his career, translating for notable artists, authors, 
and craftsmen. Among many accomplishments, he was the voice actor for 
Darth Vader from the Navajo version of the movie Star Wars, and worked 
with Oxford University out of New York to develop an English and Navajo 
picture dictionary and Rosetta Stone audio recordings to support the 
teaching and learning of the Navajo language.
  Throughout 30 years at Rough Rock Community School, as both a teacher 
of Navajo language, and a beloved basketball, football, and baseball 
coach, Marvin was well-known by colleagues and students for his passion 
for Navajo culture and history, and his gift for storytelling and 
leadership.
  A devoted advocate for Navajo self-determination in education and 
strong supporter of Navajo Nation veterans, his legacy in the Rough 
Rock and Black Mesa communities will live on for generations to come.
  The Navajo Nation and the state of Arizona have lost a great leader. 
My wife and I are keeping his many loved ones, friends, students, and 
colleagues in our hearts as they mourn his passing.

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