In wars past, battles were won by sight—identifying allies and enemies through uniforms, rank, and insignia. World War II used a different strategy.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States needed a new weapon to counter Japan’s tactical prowess. That weapon was a language: Navajo.

Today, Warlance Chee, director of Saad K’idilyé, says, “We’re planting that language seed early, to preserve the culture and traditions passed down by our ancestors.”