In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we want to share the story of Linda Roanhorse, an Office Assistant with the Civil Division. Learn about her experience and Native American Heritage.

Linda Roanhorse was born in Los Angeles, California but was raised on the Navajo Reservation in Klagetoh and Wide Ruins, Arizona, and is part of a large family. "My grandmother had 14 children, and when she passed away in 2009, our family consisted of 264 people including four generations of grandchildren." Linda speaks fluent Navajo and went to six different high schools in Arizona, Mississippi, and Texas, graduating top 10 in her class.

After high school, Linda went straight to work. Linda worked at a small personal injury law firm as a Legal Secretary for about 12 years where she helped translate for Navajo clients. "I put myself in their shoes. I would want someone to explain the personal injury lawsuit in my language."

Linda started working at MCAO in August 2022, having moved from New Mexico to Arizona to take the job. Her decision to move came after the passing of her father and mother earlier in the year. Linda left friends and family in New Mexico to start a job in the city and be closer to her grandchildren. "I’ve been asked by my friends and family back home if I like my job, and I answer, 'I love my job!'"

For Linda, her heritage is centered around family and tradition. "Being the daughter of a Korean War Veteran, I hold our language, which the Navajo Code Talkers used, with such a high honor. We were always taught to rise before the sun, run, and say your prayers for a long healthy life. The elders saying is 'taa weeh a jii dii’gooh', meaning 'it’s all up to you, nobody will do it for you but yourself.'"

Linda is a mother to one daughter and three sons, and grandmother to five grandchildren. During her time off, she enjoys doing outdoor sports like Spartan races, running, softball, and hiking.