Bozeman Magazine

"Zonnie has become the foremost Code Talker scholar in the world...and her lecture reflects this!" - Judy Avila, Best-Selling author of Code Talker This is a touching and riveting multi-media story about the original famous Navajo Code Talkers. This very first group – the First Twenty-nine – was the pilot project in 1942 who created the first Navajo code. As a recognized historian and the daughter of the oldest Navajo Code Talker, Carl Gorman, Zonnie Gorman expertly weaves her personal connection and intimate knowledge with thirty years of archival research and collected first account stories. Attendees will experience the Navajo reservation of the 1940s, the federal boarding schools, and learn about the devastating U.S. Government policy of Assimilation designed to destroy Indian lifeways and languages. Most importantly, attendees will discover how the First Twenty-nine created the initial Navajo code and how their life experiences, cultural upbringing, and sheer ingenuity helped secure America’s freedom in the Pacific. At “Growing Up with Heroes: A Daughter’s Journey with the Navajo Code Talkers,” Gorman will share her father’s story as a Code Talker who worked to develop the code that helped shape the outcome of World War II. The lecture will include seldom heard stories of the first 29 Navajo Code Talkers. Gorman will also discuss the importance of role models and mentors for Native American communities as well as the importance of fostering cultural pride and educating both Navajos and non-Navajos about the history of her tribe. Gorman earned a master’s degree in history from the University of New Mexico and is currently working on her doctorate. A recognized historian of the Code Talkers, Gorman has appeared in documentaries and spoken extensively on the topic. She is also a project coordinator for the Circle of Light Navajo Educational Project. Doors open at 7 p.m. A reception will follow the event. Free tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/Zonnie-Gorman-at-MSU . Gorman’s lecture is hosted by the MSU Leadership Institute. MSU Native American Studies Department, American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Services, MSU Veterans Services Office, MSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, MSU College of Letters and Science, MSU Office of the President, Murdoch's Ranch and Home Supply, First Interstate Bank, MSU Office of the Provost and ASMSU are sponsors.For more information call the MSU Leadership at 406-994-7275 or visit www.montana.edu/leadership or www.facebook.com/MSULeadershipInstitute.