Eileen Quintana | Carrying Forward Tradition and Community

My name is Eileen Quintana, and Utah is my home. As a proud Diné (Navajo) woman, my roots stretch deep into the Four Corners region, where my ancestors have lived for thousands of years. My story of Utah has been one of carrying deep cultural connections to the land, bringing forth my community, and the preservation of Indigenous knowledge. I was born in Bluff, Utah, and raised in Dennehotso, Arizona, on Navajo land, I grew up surrounded by the language, traditions, and teachings of my people. From an early age, I understood that culture is not just something you inherit—it’s something you carry forward.

My path led me to Utah County, where I attended Brigham Young University. While raising my five children, I found my calling in Indian Education. For the past 27 years, I have served as the Title VI Indian Education Program Manager for Nebo School District, a role that has allowed me to be a bridge builder for Indigenous students, preserve cultural teachings, and create spaces where Native youth feel seen, valued, and can connect. My work isn’t just about education; it’s about honoring the past while preparing the next generation for the future.

I grew up in a hogan without running water and electricity. I was raised caring for livestock, gathering edible foods and medicines in the desert, growing a garden and hauling wood and water for daily living.This molded me and shaped my perspective. I have always believed deeply in a holistic approach to education—teaching not just the mind, but also nurturing the spirit, body, and community ties that connect all of us. I work with students and families, integrating Native perspectives into school lesson plans, organizing cultural events, supporting Indigenous elders, and making sure that Utah’s first inhabitants Native traditions remain a thriving part of our shared community for all to enjoy

My connection to my heritage runs deep. I come from a lineage of medicine people, individuals who understood the balance of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It has shaped how I approach life, education, and community building. My grandfather, referred to as  “Old Man Bob”, by early pioneers of Grayson, (now known as Blanding, Utah) was a healer, a leader, and seen as a bridge between worlds. He welcomed early settlers to that area, helped them clear brush to build homes, find medicinal plants, water sources, where to hunt so that they could survive in that environment. My mother, though she never attended school or spoke English, was my hero, one of the strongest people I have ever known. She raised me with the understanding that our culture is a gift—one that must be shared and protected.

Their lessons shaped my path. As a mother, grandmother, educator, and community activist, I strive to pass down the wisdom of my ancestors. In Navajo culture, every person has a role, a talent, and a responsibility to contribute to the greater good. I carry this belief into everything I do—whether it’s working with students, supporting Indigenous elders, or making sure that Native traditions remain a vital part of our collective story in Utah.