Navajo Code Talkers honored at National Finals Rodeo



U.S. Marine and Navajo Code Talker Association President, Peter MacDonald, joins 9-time NFR qualifier Derrick Begay in an honoring ceremony Dec. 11 during the 2021 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo/Navajo Nation Council)

Kolby KickingWoman, Indian Country Today
Originally Published: December 21, 2021 10:06 a.m.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The National Finals Rodeo (NFR), one of the largest rodeo events of the year, took place in Las Vegas last week. On the last night of the 10-day competition, the event honored Navajo Code Talkers.

Navajo team roper and NFR contestant Derrick Begay, escorted U.S. Marine, and one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers, Peter MacDonald onto the arena floor in Las Vegas to be honored and recognized.

MacDonald, 92, serves as the Navajo Code Talker Association president.

The Navajo Nation Council praised the Wrangler Patriot Program and the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association for recognizing the code talkers and MacDonald.

“We are proud that millions of rodeo fans honored our Navajo Code Talkers during the National Finals Rodeo and this elite rodeo organization has acknowledged many Indigenous veterans this year. The Navajo Nation commends the Wrangler Patriot Program for supporting the families of our fallen soldiers and wounded warriors,” Navajo Council Delegate Wilson Stewart, Jr. said. “My community was honored Saturday night because we have two grandfathers who served as Navajo Code Talkers - Mr. Jimmy C. Begay and Mr. James C. Begay - from Fort Defiance, Ariz.”

The program was founded in 2009 and raises funds to support veterans and their families.

{snip}