Crossing the Grand Canyon With Diné Runner Brandon Dugi

The Grand Canyon is the ancestral home of several tribes — including the Diné, also known as the Navajo.

In this new YouTube edit, REI Senior Sales Manager Alan Ortega runs alongside Brandon Dugi. Dugi is a local runner from the Diné tribe. 

“In addition to being a photographer, author and sponsored HOKA athlete, Brandon is a high school running coach and passionate advocate for Native runners,” REI wrote for the video. “As someone who grew up on the edge of the canyon and who has a deep cultural connection to the place, Brandon is the perfect running partner for exploring such an incredible and meaningful place.”

Runtime: 22 minutes