Protect and Preserve
for
The next seven generations!
Respect and protect our celestial environment
(Mother Earth, Grandmother Moon, and Father Sky).
Stop harming our planet; Nahasdzaa shíma and Ya’ásh shít’aa’(Mother Earth and Father Sky) are warning us! We must heed her messages about the increasing global temperatures, extreme weather, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, changing rainfall patterns, water resource issues, threats to food security, health impacts, ecosystem disturbances, and the resulting displacements and migrations.
Cease relocating human remains to Ooljée Shímasani (Grandmother Moon), also known as the lunar surface. No memorials shall be established on the moon. Halt drilling activities for water and minerals that sustain lunar operations. Prohibit the construction and operation of nuclear facilities on the moon. Discontinue the Lunar Express project.
The Outer Space Treaty
The Treaty was opened for signature by the three depository governments (the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America) in January 1967, and it entered into force in October 1967. The Outer Space Treaty provides the fundamental framework for international space law, including the following principles:
- The exploration and use of outer space shall be conducted for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and shall belong to all mankind;
- Outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all states;
- Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, through use or occupation, or by any other means;
- States shall not position nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies, nor station them in outer space in any other way;
- The Moon and other celestial bodies shall be utilized exclusively for peaceful purposes;
- Astronauts shall be recognized as the envoys of mankind;
- States shall be accountable for national space activities, whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities;
- States shall be liable for damage caused by their space objects; and
- States shall prevent harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies.
Indigenous wisdom
Indigenous cultures worldwide have a rich understanding of the stars and the sky, weaving this knowledge into their traditions, spiritual beliefs, and everyday lives. Known as indigenous astronomy, this wisdom encompasses more than just observing the night sky; it reflects a comprehensive worldview that beautifully intertwines people, nature, and the universe.
Our past and present define us, but our future will rely on us starting to protect our celestial environment.
If something were to go wrong
Without the moon to help stabilize the planet, the fluctuation could be much more significant. Experts estimate that without the moon, the Earth's tilt could increase as high as 45°. That means the planet would spin on its side like Uranus, which would significantly impact life on Earth.
-National Center for Families Learning (2024)
Meet the Team
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Janeen Phillips
Founder, Executive Director, Doctoral Student
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Alvin Harvey
President of the Board, Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT School of Engineering, specializing in Indigenous Space Science.
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Zachariah George
Vice President of the Board, Mr. Navajo
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Jai Chowdhry Beeman
Board Treasurer, Paleoclimatologist
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Celeste Tracy
Board Secretary
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Cora Maxx
Tribal Advisor, BPASP & MSW
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Norman Brown
Tribal Advisor, Native Actor, and former AIM member
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Royd Lee
Board member, TCES Navajo Language Teacher, 2023 AZ teacher of the year, ambassador of excellence
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Nicholas Wilson
Board member, Indigenous Diné Researcher & Doctoral Student
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Dr. Moses P. Milazzo
Science Advisor, NASA's First Chief Scientist for Planetary Data Ecosystem, Principal Research Scientist
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Adeene Denton
Science Advisor, Postdoctoral Researcher, Lunar and Planetary Science
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Anne Hamlin
CO-FOUNDER, Board member, NAU, STEM Curriculum Specialist
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Aradhana J. Roberts
Science Advisor, Global Climate Change Scientist
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Landon Biakeddy
Artist/ film maker, Student at Flagstaff High School
Navajo Tea Time with Kelsey Lee
Interview with Janeen Phillips and Anne Hamlin in Flagstaff, AZ
Darrell R. Marks
An Indigenous Diné/Navajo and the Native American Academic Advisor for Flagstaff High School advocates for the rights and works to meet unmet needs of the Navajo and Hopi tribal communities.
See More of what we are up to…
The Earth, moon, sun, and stars belong to no one; instead, we are part of them. Therefore, it's our duty to honor their natural spiritual limits and refrain from disturbing them.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide us.
Vision & Values:
The Níhookaa Diyin Diné Protectors Organization aims to become the leading hub for connecting Western sciences with traditional knowledge. Instead of fostering conflict, we believe that understanding and collaboration are essential—history has shown us that fighting never leads to progress. Embracing Indigenous knowledge is crucial for restoring the beautiful balance of HOZHÓ (Beauty/Harmony) upon our Mother Earth, Father Sun, and Grandmother Moon. Throughout history, Indigenous Science Paradigms have consistently guided the revitalization, renewal, and protection of life, inspiring us to carry forward the spirit of these traditions.
Fundamental values truly shape who we are and influence our decisions. Our focus on Grandmother Moon keeps us grounded in our strategic investments. We are humble, respectful, and dedicated Níhookaa Diyin Diné Protectors, always striving to act with honesty, integrity, and openness. We believe in peaceful approaches and work hard to foster an environment rooted in understanding, consultation, and collaboration, while embracing Indigenous Knowledge along the way.
Initiatives by the Ni’hoookaa Diyin Diné Protectors Organization (NDDPO)
Advocating for a NASA tribal liaison to Native Nations.
Advocating for a NASA advisory committee focused on Indigenous considerations.
Recommending the citation of the White House Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies.
Assert that sending human remains to the moon is a celebratory gesture that could be appreciated differently without the moon.
Consider rephrasing the framing to present arguments from Indigenous knowledge perspectives, rather than referencing religion or making religious comparisons.
Create a youth leadership camp that integrates Indigenous Knowledge with Western science to safeguard our celestial family and environment.
Mission:
To educate and bridge the gap in understanding between Western science and Traditional Knowledge.
To promote awareness of Indigenous knowledge that preserves the balance and HOZHÓ (beauty and harmony), using the Indigenous Science paradigm.
To strengthen collaboration between youth professionals and esteemed elder leaders in advocating for and safeguarding Mother Earth, Father Sky, and Grandmother Moon.
To exchange knowledge and expertise with other organizations.
To create a lasting home for Níhookaa Diyin Diné Protectors, enabling their continuous advocacy and upcoming initiatives.
We do not test our Mother Earth, Father Sky, and Grandmother Moon. The discipline and consequences will be too severe, and human beings will not prevail.
Níhookaa Diyin Diné Protectors Organization (NDDPO) advocates with NASA, Navajo Nation Human Rights Commissioners, the Diné Hatałii Association, and the Center for STEM Teaching and Learning at Northern Arizona University.
Ready to take the next step?
Ready to take the next step? Volunteer your time or donate money to help with the cause. It takes all of us.
Indigenous Knowledge: The celestial environment is highly significant, representing cultural identity, spiritual guidance, and practical knowledge. Stars, the moon, and other celestial bodies are viewed not merely as distant objects but as key elements of a holistic worldview, fundamentally linked to the land, ancestors, and the cycles of life.
Drilling for water and minerals, building a nuclear plant, and constructing the Moon Memorial will create a substantial imbalance between Mother Earth and Grandmother Moon, impacting the core of life. Where will we find another Earth, moon, and sun exactly?
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