Yeiibicheii - The Foundation of the Northern Navajo Fair

Healing and celebration.

That’s what happened at a nine-night powerful traditional Navajo ceremony called the Yeiibicheii that occurred here on the Navajo Nation in Shiprock, New Mexico more than a century ago.

Traditional Navajo stories vary so there is no one story.

Moreover, many traditional Navajo stories were oral and there is no written record of very early Navajo history.

So the true origin of the Northern Navajo Fair may differ depending on how one was raised and heard stories from their grandparents.

But there are stories that say there was a nine-night ceremony called the Yeiibicheii Ceremony that was conducted.

It is said that many Navajo people from throughout the area showed their support and brought their harvest for the ceremonial participants and visitors.

The Yeiibicheii is a very enduring ceremony that involves a medicine man, the patient, the Yeii dancers, other singers, and people who provide wood, food, cooks, and a host of other individuals to make it possible.

Conducted in the Navajo language, it is one of the longest and most difficult traditional Navajo ceremonies that still remains.

It is held for a variety of reasons to help heal a patient and bring back harmony.

It marks a new season for fall and winter ceremonies to begin. And is so sacred that no recorders or photos are allowed.

Today that healing ceremony continues at the 113th Annual Northern Navajo Fair.

The Yeiibecheii will begin on Friday, September 25, 2026 and end on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Many Navajo people will attend to watch the masked dancers called the Yeiis who only dance at night. Again, no cameras or recordings are allowed.

Regina Lee of Little Water is the patient this year.

Visitors can assist by donating food such as flour, coffee, tea, bottled water, fruit, vegetables, wood, paper plates, and related items. And there’s always room for someone to help butcher, make dough for tortillas or frybread, haul wood and chop wood.

So you want to make a difference and help someone heal, roll up your sleeves and volunteer your time to assist.

Who knows, you may find healing for yourself too.

It is difficult to say how many people attend to watch or just to eat, but it takes a team of volunteers and donations to conduct a ceremony of this magnitude.

For more information about you can help, contact the Yeiibicheii Ceremony Coordinator Aaron Taylor at (928) 456-4159