Back in time with NAU

Native American Statue

Let Inside NAU take you back in time this summer with tidbits of university history.

History lesson: Talking up history

A World War II Navajo Code Talker sculpture dons north campus in remembrance of the Navajo Nation’s role in the war’s secret military communications.

Sculpted in the image of his code-talker father by renowned Native American artist and NAU alumnus R.C. Gorman, the iconic piece of art was dedicated to NAU in 1995 during the university’s celebration of the Year of the Native American.

The sculpture continues to represent NAU’s commitment to Native American students. Gorman, referred to as the “Picasso of American Indian art,” died in 2005.

Source: Mountain Campus Centennial by Platt Cline