GUIDES: Dr. Leon Chartrand

ACTIVITIES: In order to preserve the uniqueness of this experience, to respect the Navajo people, and to minimize impacts to sacred places and stories, specific locations of hikes and activities will only be given to the finalized roster and will not be listed here. Students and participants will be expected to avoid tagging locations of activities on social media as well unless given permission by your Navajo guides. Also, we will respectfully not take pictures of people, animals, land or “property” without first receiving permission to do so.

We begin with three nights in the Grand Canyon after flying into Phoenix. From our lodge in Grand Canyon, we will adjust to altitude, explore the Grand Canyon and hike down into it. From there we will visit some historic sites on the Navajo Nation including a few nights stay in Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly. While at these locations, we will meet our Navajo guides who teach us about the relationship between story and landscape, the relationship between land health and human health, and the communal and unifying role of ceremony. There will be abundant opportunities to see Ancestral Pueblo pictographsm petroglyphs, and dwellings. There will be opportunities to gaze at the Southwestern nightsky by fire. And there will be some opportunities for reflection, song, prayer, story and ceremony. While others are having a different kind of spring break, this expedition is one that defines spring in that the focus is on renewal—of perspective, of connection, of self.

The expedition concludes with a return to Phoenix for at least one full day of warmth in the sun.

FACULTY: Dr. Leon Chartrand, Sarah McGrath

COURSES: 6 Credits

THEO 332 (Chartrand), 3 Credits, CORE Theological Perspectives, ER/S, Gen Humanities Elective, Environmental Sci Elective, Peace Studies Elective, Free Elective

NURS 444 (McGrath), 3 Credits, Health Elective, Free Elective

PROGRAM FEE: $3,600 includes roundtrip airfare, all lodging, ground transportation, ceremonies, Navajo guided hikes/experiences, Grand Canyon National Park permit, Navajo Tribal Park permits, meals, snacks, beverages.

TUITION: Included within Spring Semester Course Load

DEPOSIT: $400 Nonrefundable deposit secures student’s spot. Deposit deducted from Program Fee.

LIMIT: Maximum 16 Students

VALUE: Attempting this program on one’s own would cost ~$5,140/person. For THIS expedition, a student’s total cost is $3,600 (Program Fee) + (tuition included in Spring Course load). For questions on payment plans, contact Xavier University’s Office of the Bursar. For questions on grants and scholarships, contact Xavier University’s Office of Financial Aid.