Saturday May 16, 2009, 6:04 pm
HERE IS THE ARTICLE:

Legendary Diné broadcaster dies at age 57
Radio station KTNN's Ernie Manuelito fought to keep the Navajo Language alive

Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Ernie Manuelito, who participated in the first broadcast on KTNN radio station, died early Friday morning in Albuquerque at the age of 57.

Manuelito was there from the beginning of KTNN as one of “the voices of the Navajo Nation.” He was a DJ, chief engineer and rodeo/sports announcer at the station for more than 23 years.

Marcia Peshlakai of KTNN said that Manuelito will always be remembered as a Navajo radio icon.

His was one of the most famous voices on the Navajo Nation — whether keeping sheepherders company as they watched over their animals or broadcasting the Super Bowl in the Diné language. While television and Internet have not been easily accessible in rural areas and thousands of homes lack electricity on the Navajo reservation, most homes have a radio and batteries, and Manuelito was one of their connections to the outside world.

At KTNN, where Manuelito often said he loved to work, a photograph of him in Oakland, Calif., during a broadcast of a Raiders game is already being displayed at the front with the words “In Loving Memory of Ernest Manuelito.”

He was the first person to broadcast on KTNN AM 660 on Feb. 28, 1986, at 6:30 a.m. He also played a primary role in the planning and construction of the radio station.

On Friday mornings, Manuelito’s Morning Golden Oldies Show was a popular treat and helped add to KTNN’s reputation for its unique mix of country, oldies and Native American music.

Manuelito earned many awards throughout his career. His biggest recognition came when he broadcast Super Bowl 30 in Navajo, which won him the BoJack Sports Award for Announcer of the Year in 1996.

Manuelito told the San Francisco Gate in November 2005 when he and sports/rodeo director L.A. Williams broadcast a Raiders game in Navajo, “That is a part of the mission — to keep the language alive.”

Manuelito worked at KTNN until health problems hindered his ability to continue, Peshlakai said.

Saturday May 16, 2009, 6:33 pm
Thanks! kat noted.He believed the Navajo Culture and lanuage should not be forgotton.He's nick-name was" early bird Ernie"that stuck.Visit the Navajo Times on-line and get the extended story.

Saturday May 16, 2009, 6:41 pm
What a brave man and how wonderful he strived so hard to keep the language alive. I am sure he will be missed by many. I hope he has a follower that will also shine his shoes.
Thanks Kat.

Saturday May 16, 2009, 6:49 pm
Thanks for the story Kat-he's my age

Saturday May 16, 2009, 6:56 pm
HERE IS THE URL FOR THE NAVAJO TIMES ARTICLE:

http://www.navajotimes.com/news/index.php

Saturday May 16, 2009, 9:02 pm
He died much to young my heat goes out to family and friends.

Saturday May 16, 2009, 9:14 pm
Such a sad loss. I forwared on too.
Tx Kat He will be missed by many people

Saturday May 16, 2009, 9:38 pm
WOW ONLY ONE YEAR OLDER THEN ME SO YOUNG BUT WHEN WE ARE NEEDED THE SPIRIT WILL TAKES US

Saturday May 16, 2009, 9:52 pm
noted rest in peace

Saturday May 16, 2009, 10:04 pm
Sad, that is so young! Thank you Kat.

Sunday May 17, 2009, 12:16 am
He was way too young to go. However, he followed a path with heart and that's a lot more than many of us do.

Sunday May 17, 2009, 10:32 am
Thanks Kat, what a great voice for the Navajo nation, so much work yet to do and way tooo young to die!

Sunday May 17, 2009, 11:31 am
What a good hearted man he was and loved doing good for his people, He will be sadly missed, I do hope the radio station will continue on in his name. Thanks Kat.

Sunday May 17, 2009, 4:10 pm
My heat goes out to family and friends God bless.

Monday May 18, 2009, 3:45 pm
noted and hoping his family and friends find comfort soon.

Tuesday May 19, 2009, 12:36 am
Sad to hear another great one has passed. Prayers now go up. Thanks.