A Tenacious Sixth Grader Describes His Long Trek to Go to School From His Navajo Nation Home

Gunner’s Journey“, a short film by filmmaker Jeremy Meek, gives voice to Gunner, an amiable and determined sixth-grader. Part of Gunnar’s daily life includes travelling over 119 miles of unpaved, dangerous road in order to physically get to school from his Navajo Nation home in Black Mesa, Arizona.

Gunner is a student in Black Mesa, AZ on the Navajo Nation. A one-way journey from home to school for Gunner is 119 miles and can take up to 3 hours. His situation is not unique on tribal lands as poor road conditions create extremely long commutes for many native students.

submitted via Laughing Squid Tips

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.