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Navajo Highways

NAVAJO HIGHWAYS follows the journey of young Sadie during her summer vacation on the Navajo Reservation.

Sadie, raised in an urban environment, embarks on a transformative experience as she immerses herself in Navajo culture and language, guided by her family and her warm community in Mitten Creek. Through interactions with her grandmother Sally, Cousin Ash, Uncle Al, and various local figures like the trader, burrito vendors, and a local teacher, Sadie discovers the richness of Navajo traditions, both past and present.

NAVAJO HIGHWAYS serves as an educational tool aimed at Navajo children from Pre-K to 3rd grade, encouraging language acquisition and cultural understanding. Led by puppets representing Sadie and her family, each episode features encounters with Navajo role models and community members (guest stars), fostering connection and learning among our young viewers.

With a total of 6 episodes, each ranging from 15 to 20 minutes, NAVAJO HIGHWAYS aims to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the Navajo language and culture.

  • Pete Sands
    Director
  • Pete Sands
    Writer
  • Macedonio Salvador Elias, III
    Key Cast
    "Sonny"
    Horizon: An American Saga
  • Katrina Begay
    Key Cast
    "Grandma Sally"
  • Drew Yvhvce Wilson
    Key Cast
    "Ash"
  • Tyra Mvhavy Wilson
    Key Cast
    "Sadie"
  • Pete Sands
    Key Cast
    "Uncle Al, Joe Denny, Old Storm"
  • Cameron Johnson
    Key Cast
    "Charlie"
  • Lori Tazbah Tapahonso
    Co-Producers
    Lloyd Kiva New: Art is Culture, Culture is Art, Fry-Roti
  • Harrison Reynolds
    Co-Producers
    War Dogs, True Blood
  • Daryl R. Begay
    Executive Producers
    Pure Grit, Lloyd Kiva New: Art is Culture, Culture is Art
  • Linda L. Miller
    Executive Producers
    Loren & Rose, Black Cloud
  • Pete Sands
    Executive Producers
  • Jacques Thelemaque
    Associate Produers
  • Kristen Sands
    Associate Produers
  • Project Type:
    Television
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    June 15, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Navajo
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Pete Sands

PETE SANDS - Host & Executive Producer

Pete was born and raised on the Navajo Indian reservation in southern Utah, and studied Criminal Justice at Weber State University. It was during this time that Pete developed a fascination for creative writing, which resulted in Pete writing several plays, poems and short stories, that would lead to Pete’s first publication of collected poetry. In the fall of 2014, Pete released his debut album, “Dirt Dance Floor”, which garnered the attention of renowned artists and filmmakers alike. Pete’s “big-break” in the film industry came in 2017 when he was cast in the season premiere of the hit television show, “Yellowstone”. Pete would catch the attention of the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, and he soon became Pete’s mentor. Since then, Pete developed a COVID relief program for the Utah portion of the Navajo Nation, which helped handout food and supplies to the Navajo community - which would lead to Pete being named as a “Person of the Year” in a 2020 TIME magazine spotlight. In the last year, Pete has turned his attention back on his creative projects. He recently wrapped shooting on a children’s television show, “Navajo Highways”, which is focused on revitalizing and preserving Navajo culture and language.

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