On Her Homeland: Chantal Wadsworth

Sometimes, when we travel, it’s to go back home. And Chantal Wadsworth is traveling back to explore her home in a big way, because she grew up on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. As you’ll hear in this episode, the outdoors hold a special place for Native people, for the Navajo, and for Chantal personally, which is why she and her partner secured remote work, bought a Ford Transit van, converted it into a simple home on wheels, and are currently traveling around the Navajo Nation and 4 Corners area to reconnect with her roots-- the land she loves so much and grew up around, as well as her family who lives in that region.

What we find particularly beautiful about Chantal’s story is not just how much she wants to accept from this experience, but how much she wants to give back-- to the land and her community.

About Chantal:

Chantal Wadsworth is a Navajo woman on the road, traveling the Navajo Nation and Four Corners area, along with her partner and two dogs. On a journey to learn, connect, heal and protect indigenous lands. Follow us as we reconnect to these sacred places.

Sponsored by Outdoor Voices and Otterbox

In this episode, you’ll hear:

The experience that led to Chantal and her partner getting a van
Why Chantal wanted to return to New Mexico, where she grew up
What the transition to living in a van with her partner has been like
Chantal explains what her grandmother thinks about her campervan
Stories from Chantal’s childhood growing up on the reservation
How Chantal views sharing information about Native lands
Where you can find more resources on the Native history of local

lands in the US
A few of Chantal’s favorite places she’s visited in the Navajo Nation

and Four Corners area
How we can all care for the lands we visit
Why Chantal thinks it’s important to reach out to Native youth when

it comes to outdoor recreation

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Follow Chantal on Instagram: @rezroads_sw and @cw__
Natives Outdoors

Come see us in Taos at our first Women On The Road Gathering with Vanlife Diaries!

Join us in our Women on the Road Facebook Group

Sponsor Websites and Codes

Otterbox
Outdoor Voices: use promo code WOTR at check out for 20% off your first order of $100 or more!

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Episodes air weekly on Fridays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Follow along with Laura Hughes on Instagram (@howsheviewsit) and see more of her work through her website, How She Views It.

Music is by Tomo Nakayama.

Music is also by Jason Shaw, Jazzar, and Hyson via Free Music Archive using a CC by A license.

WOTR podcast cover artwork designed by Dani Opal.