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Traditional Sheep Consumption by Navajo People in Cameron, Arizona

Author

Listed:
  • Tommy Rock

    (School of Earth & Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA)

  • Ricky Camplain

    (Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA)

  • Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone

    (Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA)

  • Jani C. Ingram

    (Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA)

Abstract

Over 500 abandoned uranium mines are located on the Navajo Reservation. Different pathways of environmental uranium exposure have been studied with respect to the Navajo people including water, soil, and plants; however, uranium exposure from traditional Navajo food, specifically mutton (sheep), has not been reported. This study focuses on mutton consumption in the small community of Cameron, Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the Navajo Nation and initiated after community members expressed concern with the uranium exposure of their sheep. Preliminary investigation into the presence of uranium in sheep raised near Cameron showed elevated uranium levels in the kidneys the sheep tested. The goal of this study is to investigate mutton consumption among the Navajo living in Cameron. Mutton is a traditional food of the Navajo, but consumption practices are not well documented. An important aspect of determining the extent of exposure through food consumption is to assess the frequency of consumption. The results of this study indicate the Cameron participants consume mutton most commonly at family gatherings or celebrations. The survey suggests that less mutton is consumed now compared to the past, and there is concern that contaminated mutton may change traditional ceremonies.

Suggested Citation

  • Tommy Rock & Ricky Camplain & Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone & Jani C. Ingram, 2019. "Traditional Sheep Consumption by Navajo People in Cameron, Arizona," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:21:p:4195-:d:281557
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lauren Hund & Edward J. Bedrick & Curtis Miller & Gabriel Huerta & Teddy Nez & Sandy Ramone & Chris Shuey & Miranda Cajero & Johnnye Lewis, 2015. "A Bayesian framework for estimating disease risk due to exposure to uranium mine and mill waste on the Navajo Nation," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 178(4), pages 1069-1091, October.
    2. Christine Samuel-Nakamura & Wendie A. Robbins & Felicia S. Hodge, 2017. "Uranium and Associated Heavy Metals in Ovis aries in a Mining Impacted Area in Northwestern New Mexico," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, July.
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