The Ralph Johnson Memorial Rodeo Production Team is celebrating its 50th year. Ralph Johnson. Johnson was of the Tsinjikini Clan and born for the Kinyanni Clan. He was born December 3, 1911 in Ganado, Arizona. He was married to Sadie Cleveland Johnson. His parents were Hastiin Chischili/ Johnson and Hazbah. His siblings included Ralph Jones, Mary Todacheenie, Charley Curley, Helen Dalgai, and Ella
Mae Kay. Like all Navajo boys, he tended to the flock for the family. Later this home chore was broken by formal education. First, he attended Fort Defiance and later in Albuquerque Indian School. Like many native men, he was gifted with artistic abilities and skilled hands in various crafts, farmed, loved the outdoors and was a hunter. He loved being with Sadie, she loved to sew and by that - when he wanted to hunt, he would load up Sadie's sewing machine, even if they were gone just for the day. The skill which he was known best for was that of auto mechanics. Of course, most of our older folks will recall his talents in the sport of rodeo the best. He was among the first to have competed both on and off the reservation in timed and rough stock events. Along the same line of interest, he stood for and stressed livestock improvement. After his marriage in 1937, he spent his life in Window Rock area and bought a farm in Red Lake, Arizona. Then World War II interrupted many of his activities from 1943 to 1946 serving with the United States Marines, as a Navajo Code Talker in Japan. After returning from WWII, he spent his life farming in Red Lake. After a lengthy illness, his life ended on January 22, 1960. Ralph Johnson's legacy and beliefs continue each year in the month of May, with the rodeo on Memorial Day weekend. The rodeo is sanctioned by the All Indian Rodeo Cowboy Association (AIRCA) and invites the Central Navajo Rodeo Association (CNRA), and New Mexico Rodeo Association (NMRA) to name a few. Leading up to the rodeo, the production hosts a number of community events, such as Downtown Parade, Health Fair, Horse/Livestock Seminars, Trail Ride, Cowboy Breakfast and a Scholarship for a graduating senior from Ganado High School. A theme is also created to be the focus point for all rodeo week events. The Ralph Johnson Memorial Rodeo Production Team members are volunteers. They comprise of family members and dedicated individuals whom believe in our mission to promote the sport of rodeo, strengthened with wellness and respect for the land and livestock.
