Quality is Life – Hozhó Applied to Engineering

As Native peoples, we have principles of quality in our heritage that has been engrained in us since birth. Our ancestors had methods to ensure survival and leverage innovation. They had a deep sense of what quality meant: they had to ensure they made everything to last. The Navajo people have lived by Hozhó (harmony), which is a complete understanding of cause and effect in decisions, behaviors, actions, thoughts, and speech.  Right actions resulted in desirable outcomes. This sense of harmony includes an understanding of longevity. It guaranteed that the house they built withstood all potential risks because they had to make it right from the start.  In the same way, they made decisions for themselves and their family in light of quality and longevity of life. By understanding and applying the Hozhó way of life, we can honor the past and be the best we can be for our futures.