The Return of Navajo Boy

A Story of Family, Land and Justice

The internationally acclaimed documentary that solves a real-world mystery involving Hollywood, uranium and a long-lost little boy

Voices from the Land

Our families have carried the burden of uranium mining for generations. See how Navajo stories continue to shape the fight for justice.

Learning & Dialogue

To teach history, environmental health, storytelling and Native American voices in your classroom

Justice & Action

This story isn’t just history – it’s a lesson in environmental activism. Learn how to advocate for your community.

One Family’s Story. A Nation’s Struggle. A Call to Action.

The Return of Navajo Boy is an intimate Navajo-centered story focused on one family’s incredible history in pictures. Pictures voiced suddenly by the photo subjects break stereotypes and reveal a hidden history of abandoned uranium mines, radioactive contamination, and the haunting mystery of a long-lost child taken by missionaries in the 1950s.

Sparking conversations about indigenous storytelling, history, health and healing.

Issues & Impact

Why This Story Matters Today

Generations Affected

Families on Navajo land still live with the legacy of uranium mining in their homes, water, and health.

History Uncovered

This story reveals how a hidden chapter of American history continues to shape lives today.

A Call for Justice

The fight for clean land and safe water is ongoing and it belongs to all of us.

A major legal settlement was reached with corporate polluter, Kerr-McGee, holding the company accountable for decades of uranium contamination.

Bring the Story to Your Classroom

Educators across the country use The Return of Navajo Boy to teach about Native history, environmental justice, and civic action. Jeff Spitz offers screenings with Q&A, master classes in storytelling, Navajo film participants, and Native American environmental scientists, along with a customizable curriculum.

Lesson Guides

Download Curriculum

Classroom Talks

Invite Jeff Spitz

Discussion Tools

Explore Resources

About

Jeff Spitz

A Chicago-based Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and Associate Film Professor Emeritus Jeff Spitz leads workshops in storytelling, documentary, film history and social impact media. He has developed innovative media arts programs with funders, non-profits and academic departments ranging from environmental science and Native American studies to dance and fashion.

Take Action

Be Part of the Movement

Bring this story to your community. Learn how you can protect the environment while connecting with people from this film. The fight for justice continues.

In the News

A film that changed policy and continues to change lives.