Vernita & Travis returned to the Navajo Reservation to seek a life filled with experiences & family over working just to pay the bills. Their tiny home shed conversion is on land that their family has lived on for over 100 yrs! 👉Follow their small biz & tiny rez life: tse-ii-ahi-jewelry.square.site & instagram.com/our.tinyhouse 👉🏡 *Watch a tour of a Retiree's container home on wheels:* ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EPw0goNVqW0.html
wish they would also go to RU-vid. can not use Instagram and would love to order some things from them. maybe you could let them know. saw many people who are having the same problem I am. Tyvm
I’m so proud of my sister and brother in law. I remember her telling me her plans for a tiny house and I’m like “ you’re crazy!!!” They’ve worked their butts off and struggled many days and months of moving back and forth between page and home because 80 miles round trip for work was taking a toll. But they never gave up! I’m so so proud. I’m so happy for her and my son her nephew loves to spend his summers home , exploring the same land we grew up on. No electric no running water , being children exploring herding sheep and connecting with our ancestors and learning from our grandparents. I’m so proud . You’re living and I can’t wait to see you all.
It's so good to see family supporting their family member's. Families need to support each other and that is almost a lost tradition. A lot of families don't even have traditions. There are a lot of people that would say..."oh I would love to live like them." But when it comes down to actually doing it...they probably wouldn't make it. It would be too hard for them. This family has learned from the generation before them. And that generation learned from the one before them...and on and on. I know it must be hard sometimes but they really do have the best way of life to live. Simple. I'm so tired of this fast paced crazy world. Most of it is about making money, having a career and buying big house's,fancy car's, expensive clothes, etc. Most people are spending most of their time working so much to pay for all of those unnecessary "thing's" and don't have time to spend with the family that lives in that big house. It seems like they end up buying their children's love because they either feel guilty for not spending time with them or they give them what they want to keep them out of the way. It's sad. It's so refreshing to see the way your family is living and living on generational land that they never have to worry about losing. God bless your family!! I hope they achieve the goals and dream's that they want in life!!!
What a great idea! Great combination of methods modern and traditional to create a solidly good lifestyle, with extended family and TIME to be happy together! Love the “movable” components!
This couple is a prime example that people DO NOT need all the things this world says you have to have to be content. Keep it up you two, you are a great inspiration, and thank you !!
I'm so over the $50K tiny homes. This was so refreshing and a reminder of what makes tiny houses such a life changer. And how crushing the off-the-reservation building code can be. V & T have a build, add and adjust approach that seems just right. I love how comfortable they seem in their home too.
What a sweet family! Love their little space and how they’ve prioritized their family and peace of mind rather than “grinding” away for the sake of buying more stuff. Thanks for sharing your home, Travis and Vernita!
Some people will look at this and say OMG, how can anyone live like this? I say, and what I am trying to teach my children, this is FINE! You have what you need and what you want. You have water. You have food. You have a HOME. You have contentment. You have family. This modern world does not understand. The best to you.
I wish more people could see this with an open mind and heart and realize how much we are slaves to our possessions, and our expectations of ourselves based on what we're 'supposed' to have and be and do. A delightful visit with this family. Thank you.
@@wombofthevoid Native Americans who choose to stay on the reservation are not a representation of how “crappy” America is. They choose to continue living that lifestyle. They have just as much opportunity as every other American. Not all natives view white people as colonizer’s. Most are able to understand that no living white American is actually a colonizer. It’s unfortunate that people don’t understand how the world evolves and instead choose to call names and play victim. Being an Arizona native, I went to school with many natives and my parents had many native police officers they worked with. Thankfully they do now have the same opportunities as every other American. What they choose to do with those opportunities is up to them. Stop victimizing Native America’s! Many fought and died to make this great nation what it is today.
@@wombofthevoid wow way to ruin a compliment 😒& to go off on a black person of all ppl who certainly know the injustices of this country…I think he was just admiring the ppl & their resilience despite all that has been against them go off on someone who deserves it sheesh
@@tammilutz7955 the reason why it's so crappy living in a reservation is because the United States has made it the way it is. It's kind of like putting sanctions on a country crippling it financially until people give in to the Empire as will. The United States forces people to do it once it does not let them be free
@@tammilutz7955 the United States doesn't respect native people because if they did they would really allow them to be sovereign and to make deals with other countries but they don't they literally control them and have put puppet governments in the place to keep them in poverty
I am stunned by the beauty of the land. Their tiny house is so well designed and organized. Kudos to this couple for creating a paradise. I love the idea of them building a tiny house for their son as he gets older.
I think it is beautiful that they are living on their ancestral land on their terms, and their son gets to enjoy the beauty that is his heritage without the heartbreak you see on other reservations. Growing up with a Full blooded Choctaw father I absolutely loved spending time on the rez and interacting with that side of my family and learning as much as I could!!! ❤️🥰✊🏻
Did you listen to her? The Navajo reservation is not without the heartbreak and hard times that are on other reservations. They just live a little further out. Not having electricity, running water or a running toilet isn't easy living. I'm just surprised by your comment. Are you registered with the Choctaw tribe then? Just wondering because you said your dad is full blooded, which obviously would make you half and eligible for tribal enrollment. And is he Choctaw from Oklahoma? Idk if there are other Choctaw tribes in other states, that's why I'm asking.
Yall crushed it with this tiny home off the grid living tiny house. No bills no stress of working your lives away to make somebody else rich, I love the totally AFFORDABIITY OF THIS tiny I just have two things that would bug the hell out of me, no indoor bathroom and those ladders scare the soxes off of me but it works for you guys and that's all that matters. Besides its an adorable little house and I love the fact that yall don't have to worry about a darn thing but food and travel Money if you want. BLESSINGS AND PEACE TO YOU GUYS. I'm happy to see a real affordable tiny because nowadays these tinies are costing as much as a big or mid sized house which is totally ridiculous.
I'm off-grid too. The boys put a toilet next to my bedroom. It is gross to me to have it inside now. My 1,492 sq. ft home I built with floor plans and local( when real cedar was cheaper than plywood cost, 1991!) lumber and labor cost for around $10K too. Still not finished, but it is so fun to design our space as we begin to see where the stuff goes!!!
If you are going to work, let it be to feed your family by your own hands and dress your family by your own hands. Life is too short. We don't realize it until we are worn out from corporate BD that sucks the life from us. Nothing left at the end of the day to give t your families and to care for them and yourselves. Be happy and never worry about "keeping up with the Joneses"...
"We were trying to keep up with bills, is what we were working for. We weren't living." I say that almost every single day. I think if you're already used to living without things, it's much easier to transition to this kind of living, and can sustain that lifestyle for a long time, compared to those who jump into it, and last only a couple of years. Also, love that practically their entire kitchen is on wheels - great idea.
I don't begrudge anyone for what they envision or consider a tiny home to be, but this couple really hits on many things I hold dear, namely simplicity of life, limiting of collecting things that don't serve a purpose (be it functional or inspirational), and the enabling of other aspects of your life by not being bogged down in debt where you can't afford to live but rather must work to exist. Kudos to them!
I think my absolute favorite part of the build is the modularity of the kitchen. That's so cool to not have things fixed and and to leave yourself options. Your needs change? No problem. Your tastes change? No problem. So great.
It really is great! Not many tiny homes have the ability to rearrange furniture, let alone their entire layout. These two came up with a fantastic solution to allow them to do that ❤️
This family have a generational connection to the earth. I admire them for choosing family time over the city life. I really wish we could arrange a way to provide water for the reservation. That one thing is a huge hardship for the tribe. They have worked around it, but nonetheless it would make a big difference.
@@largemarge1603 100s of generations on a rez? Most tribes were nomadic and could freely travel to water and once forced onto reservations they didn't have that option.
I have heard of a few non-profit companies that help bring water & electricity to the reservations; one NON-PROFIT is DIG DEEP, LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA.
@@largemarge1603 Do you have running water & electricity? Of course you do.. Try going without both for a year, see how that works for you. A country is only as great as it treats their people.. The more people you help the better you will feel about yourself.
I absolutely love this! Makes tiny house living less like an Instagram aesthetic and more like a realistic lifestyle. So much more down to earth than other tiny house videos
Love the simplicity of their life. I mean, how much stuff does one actually need to live? They have what they need without the stress of working and being a slave to their possessions. We could all learn a thing or two from this sweet family.
Lolol I can understand that after growing up using outhouses, having an indoor toilet totally grossed her out! That is so funny and an interesting perspective. Look at how we can learn about a whole new viewpoint that we never considered before. Something so normal to most of us is completely unacceptable to someone else.
I am so moved by your story, and as a native Hawaiian who have Ohana the live on homestead land back home, it's such an appreciation to us to have some of that land to pass on to Future Generations, my parents have already passed on and given the land to the younger grandchildren, which I can still go home and visit, but my husband and I in our golden years now, have decided to sell our home to build tiny home on property in Cal-Nev-Ari in Nevada, may you be blessed going forward brother and sister
I’ve watched so many tiny home videos and it is so phenomenal to finally see an Indigenous family’s home! Aho! Thank you for the Diné Navajo representation!
You're not caught up in the hamster wheel of what others think life is all about. It seems to me like you're living the dream that many of us want but are hesitant to do. Great family, great house and an amazing backyard!
Seeing them made me so happy I truly hope we can turn things around for all our native ppl in this country I'm beyond proud of them I admire them and have the upmost respect for this little family
You are living your live the way you want rather than being trapped in a job to pay for bills to live in an expensive place that doesn’t allow you to follow your creative pursuits. You are all an inspiration!
Absolutely beautiful. I love how she was cooking something on the stove. The tiny house videos where the kitchen cost them $30,000 and you can tell they don’t even use it are really annoying. These people are the real deal. Thanks to them for sharing and to you for making this video.
What a lovely family! I so enjoyed this glimpse into their lives. I admire their decision to give up the "rat race" to return to their ancestral land in order to regain their sense of balance. I envy them their magnificent view!
Woohoo! Love seeing tiny house living from a modern native perspective! As indigenous people we have always lived small, less time in doors means more play and work for the outside. Overall, the tiny house community is very white-washed and materialistic…. So this is quite awesome 👏🏽 especially seeing tiny living from indigenous peoples- the real land owners of this place 🙇🏽♀️
What do you mean white washed? Like white people are overrepresented or they do it more? Cause I'm pretty sure they do it more. Also the whole point of tiny house living is to be LESS materialistic. Not saying no one crams a bunch of crap in their tiny homes but I think the types of people who attempt this tend to want a minimalist life.
“Materialistic” is “emotional conjugation” for aspirational… a home literally IS a consumer item, no matter how upcycled it is. Please don’t use morality to bash others who have more money because you can’t also get rich… If you were rich and you hated materialism that would be different, would it
This is the American Dream to be very frank... Not a slave to anything with little governance. I hope more people realize this sooner rather than later. We don’t need all the excess. Honestly.
And the freedom to be a nonconformist. That’s at stake... if you can’t be a nonconformist in America, there’s nowhere. Never thought Green Day would eventually play at hole in the wall bars. Everyone’s turned happily into an American Iidot I suppose... “Don't wanna be an American iiodt! Don't want a nation under the new media And can you hear the sound of hysteria? The subliminal mind phcuk America! Alright!” A lot has changed, huh? How many people want the opposite today? If the media said it was time to start rounding people up, everyone would comply.
I LOVE this couple and their beautiful home. They know how to laugh! Big respect for taking their traditions and melding them with the tiny house philosophy and for showing us their accomplishments! I’ve watched hundreds and hundreds of tiny house videos. This one makes me happy and hopeful. Thank you. 🥰
I do love the fact that they can rearrange the living and kitchen areas whenever they want. That appeals to me because I get tired of something being in one area for too long. I also like the view from the son's loft. That's got to be beautiful to see the sun rising and setting on the rock formations.
The old ways are being recognized as the best way to go. You all have been living it and it seems many non-Natives are realizing this. I like what you all have done and am willing to learn more. Good job
They call it "tiny" living, but I'd say it's "simply" living. All the basics and a big reduction of "stuff" in their lives. So much less stressful and no neighbors to keep up with! I love it. Many people would love it. BTW, your Navajo earrings are beautiful, and I'd love to buy some of the tree ointment for cracked heals! Where to buy?????? Very nice, young couple. :)
The outdoor living areas are really nice, fire pit, raised bed gardens, grills, outside shower and outhouse….and this home is set in front of one of the most scenic areas in the USA….just beautiful. The good thing about an outhouse is that you’ll never have to deal with plumbing issues and pay big money to have it repaired. This seems like such a peaceful lifestyle.
It is just the long trip in the winter and sitting on the ice cold seat. In summer, there are snakes. I clearly remember my country relatives houses. Even when they got indoor plumbing, the older people preferred outhouses and slop Johns overnight.
Wow this is the way to go , if people can deal with breaking away from the internet this is the life. There is no reason to have so much crap thats not paid for in life. Smart move and a great family . ..I love how humble and quiet these guys are , I totally click with their personalities.
Growing up in NYC I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Now I can’t wait to leave. Seeing this video and hearing what it took to move away. I’m sure I’m not the only that can resonate with that. Working to pay bills has become a lifestyle in a place like nyc where prices are constantly increasing yet the quality of life decreases drastically.
I live in Alabama. I grew up in big cities all my life, Miami Tampa Honolulu etc. I visited nyc 5 years ago. I couldn’t stand it. People too close everywhere you go. It smelled and the trash on the streets in the city was crazy. I don’t see how New Yorkers like living so hard. Nothing is easy there and going anywhere was a job. Move south. You can get a a house here for $140 a sq ft. And I live across the bridge from a city. I have an acre yard. I live in a neighborhood 2900 sq ft and a pool. New York life is hard. Jobs are so easy to come by now you really should relocate and enjoy life.
First time I heard someone explain how they felt about the outhouse and being uncomfortable about going to the bathroom in your space. It was so awesome to hear you share. I to lived on the Rez and lived with my gramma and occasionally my mom would take to the city where she worked and lived to visit her or stay for a while and I would feel (not so comfortable) having the bathroom in where I lived. Thank you for sharing and this was 70 years ago and I’m still around.
A lovely family. They're customizing priorities that work for them and have an inviting, cozy tiny home. I love this younger generation's brave departure from the norm.
It’s absolutely wonderful that they’re happy in their tiny house, and we can learn a lot from them. However the fact that both of them grew up with no or unreliable access to basic plumbing and water demonstrates the absolute failure of the US government for providing basic needs for the indigenous communities across the country. People complain about the price tag, But the cost of Meeting those basic needs is less than what we provide in aid to countries like Israel every year.
@Chelle Bright you know when you suggest America must still be great because people from all over the world want to come here it says you are okay with lowering our standard of living and standards for freedom. Poor from throughout the world want to come here, but people from most Western and free nations no longer desire to as they did until recently. Btw, they want to come here for the taxpayer dollars which subsidize them as well as for American jobs.
I love how versatile they made everything- I’m one of those people that has to rearrange my furniture every 4-5 months just because I need a fresh perspective. Having the ability to do that in a smaller, primary living space is amazing. The landscape there is beautiful, I’m so happy they have it, as they rightfully should. 💜
Wow what a beautiful and happy family !!! Thier location is out of this World so spectacularly stunning. It's lovely to see them reconnect with thier ancestral Land !!! 🗻🏡🗻
Best tiny home vid ever. Captures the true essence of living simply, choosing if they want to work, and living alongside nature. Very humble and thankful family who have found true freedom...
I love that you recognized early in life that paying someone else rent for an apartment was not of benefit to you, and found another better way for your family. That you built it all yourself is something to be very proud of. And what an incredible view!
Never forget this country was stolen from the natives and they deserve so much more.blessings to this family and hope their traditions and heritage will live on.
Their outdoor spaces are so beautiful, there is no need to stay inside. Outside is where the living happens in their lovely garden and fire pit. Their porch, house, outhouse, shower are all so well done and everything is so neat and tidy because they dont have all the unnecessary "stuff" we all think we need to accumulate. Beautiful location, beautiful people, beautiful life!
I admire people like you two. You truly understand the value of self sufficient living. Our Native people have mastered minimalist living. Your son is a blessed child. I just love the bunnies too.
Great to see Vernita and Travis creating a beautiful homesite. Congratulations to the both of you and many years together. We are in Southern Navajo County and would enjoy meeting you someday. Blessings to your family. Mark & Mel ❤️🙏🏽
What a treat to see a young family being so comfortable with each other’s company..no big lights no hustle and bustle just the love for one another in the absolute stunning landscape that God has blessed them with .. and to be a part of such a beautiful culture that something sent them a message to go back to their roots to where times as hard as it may be was in a way simpler.. may this beautiful family be blessed and many thanks for allowing us in your home.. Simple is better ❤️
I wish I could give a 1000 likes - this family is amazing and such a good influence on me! They totally remind me of my childhood growing up in the Bush in Alaska. They are living a real life. Sending so much love and blessings to this beautiful family 🥰❤❤❤
I love their story. I know exactly what they mean about working to pay bills and not living. I remember when I was a kid I had nothing but free time and I was able to look up at the stars and I thought it was so magical to watch the leaves of the trees blow in the wind as the sunlight twinkle off of them. I don't even remember the last time I looked at the stars or trees. Life now is just working as hard as you can and resting your body the best you can so you will have the strength to do it all again the next day.
The interior is so organized and looks charming. This could be convincing if going tiny for effective cost savings and a simple life style. A lot of tiny living appears overkill that I don't see huge benefits that much different from living in space of regular size.
This Family looks like they are very happy with their new living arrangements. They are an inspiration to all young people. Maybe more people on the reservation can do the same.
My sons and I lived off grid in a 10x16 barn when we moved from Alaska to Arkansas. Now they’re grown with families of their own. Best of luck to your family!!!
I think what makes this story great because natives are usually portrayed as dirty, not caring for their property, etc. these people have the ability to make a beautiful place from very little. This is success.
I love your tiny home. I love the energy of your family. I can tell there’s lots of love and unity in your home. Much respect to the First People of this land. Y’all stay strong!
I resonate with this family in so many ways. I’m part Native from my moms side and she has these same quirks of these Natives. She can turn any area we live in to a place of comfort and organization. I took it for granted growing up. I’ve never really met anyone who could make a place feel peaceful like this. Her favorite jewelry is native jewelry. I’m not gonna cry omg. Thank you for showing us this glimpse into Native American culture. Knowing how connected we are to the land and this continent. You can feel the spiritual energy through the video and this family. So peaceful. Watching this video I feel the nostalgic about of my mother and her heritage. Absolutely amazing.
Loved this one so much!!! They're so laid back and grounded. Tried to go on their site to look at their soaps but they're all sold out. Which is a blessing I'm glad they're so popular!:)
I’m half Dine’ from New Mexico and I love seeing my people especially young people living happily, prosperously, responsibly, and cohesively as a family unit. To your beautiful family, blessings of goodness, prosperity, great health, longevity, peace, joy and love abundantly.
I am Hopi, living in California, and your story made my heart feel so good. You are an inspiration and your son has wonderful parents. He looks like a wonderful son. The Lord bless you all. ❤️🙏
Inspiring, refreshing story.... REAL ethos of tiny living and their can-do spirit are truly what this way of life is supposed to be about. I respect and admire what they have created for themselves -- stability, serenity and place that they can never lose to homelessness.
What a lovely couple! They've got a great setup for their first home, and done so affordably. Good to hear about their plans to get a 2nd structure in the future. And I am so happy to finally see a Native American family in their tiny lifestyle! I hope there are many more than we even realize, who are finding ways to make decent housing for themselves on reservation lands. This family really touches me, for some reason. Perhaps it is their inherent gentle nature and seeming kindness. Blessings to them in their continuing exploration of a more fulfilling life. Thanks so much to them both for sharing their personal journey with Tiny House Expedition 💕🙏🌟
I appreciate that you highighted an indigenous family. This life is filled with a variety of different people and cultures and it's important that is depicted in what we consume visually, materially, etc. Thank you.
Happy to share! We always seek to showcase all the different kinds of people who embrace tiny home & simple living because their is a large variety of folks who do and that’s important to share 😊✨
My soul is touched and inspired by this beautiful family. I love their lifestyle, humor and honoring their land. Everything they do reflects hemselves and Creator. Thank you!
Dear Vernita and Travis and your sweet son, You have such a beautiful family and such an amazing home and way of life!! I admire you greatly. You are giving your son so much more than so many parents are able to provide for their children. I know of so many parents who work so hard to pay bills on a huge house, fancy furniture and all the “niceties” in life to hardly ever be able to spend time with their children. Yes, the kids may all have a room of their own filled with expensive toys and game systems but what do those kids really have? Parents that are not available or so tired they never spend time with their kids!! What a beautiful setting your home is in!!! Much better than folks living back to back in cookie cutter neighborhoods where all you can see out your windows are your neighbors garage or backyard. To each their own but I sure like your backyard view much better! God’s blessings for a happy and joyful life!
….the BEST vibes…y’all had me at gnomes/owl at your entrance…what a great vid of a family living simply in a gorgeous place with their animals…lovely 🙌🏼
I grew up in another state in the country. I miss that feeling of liberty and freedom, which I do not feel in the city. I am so happy for you all and for your feeling of completeness and love for one another and the earth. You are a lovely family. Blessings. From Texas.
I love how Tiny House Expedition do their interview style. I love the stories of the Tiny House owners. I love family is put first and pursuing life desires are second. I love how having want you need is more important than just filling your life with managing stuff.
Thank you to Vernita and Travis, for sharing their beautiful homestead and lovely tiny home with us. Such a treat to see! I love all the special touches, like their sweet garden made with items from their wedding, their adorable bunnies (may I suggest, Flower and Sunshine for their names!), and all the design and thought that went into their build. I love the kitchen mobility, and use of wood and currugated steal, and the cozy elegance of their design touches. Their son is blessed to have such caring, loving parents that have raising him on his ancestral lands as their priority. Blessings of joy and abundance to Vernita and Travis, and their families.
The interior of your home is so well organized and you've utilized it beautifully..... making the units moveable is pure genius! Renita and Travis, and son, Thank-you fur sharing your lovely home and the view from your son's loft. Wow! Yes, you were raised off grid .... really off grid .... for generations and it wasn't much of a transition for you..... for those who were raised with all of the amenities, it is a big step but after seeing the interior of your home, it seems easy.
This a success story for this family in that they are prioritizing life over money. The area where they have set up their tiny home is beautiful. I wish them all the best in their new lifestyle.
This is WONDERFUL! They are so ahead of us in many ways... the world is in a crazy state that it makes sense to downsize, live on less and conserve... less worry and work.. time to enjoy life and one another! God bless them!
I got a 12 by 32 shed for 2 adults and 2 dogs and I still thought it was too small. Seeing this made me think I got it way too big. This was so beautiful so watch , I really enjoyed it !
Brilliant idea to have a "mobile" kitchen! It makes so much sense to me. You have a beautiful home and your outdoor set up is wonderful. Thanks for allowing us to see it.
I could listen to you two all day... and into the evening. Your tonality, your thoughtful pauses between words, your living appreciation of family and heritage. I am greater after getting to know you.
Growing up on the Rez was so wonderful & love it. The Dine people have lived of the grid for many years like I did, using the kerosene lamp for light, hauling water, hauling coal /woods, chopping woods, stove in the hogan for heat, to heat water for hot baths, being told to get up early morning for a run, smelling the hot biscuits in the morning & best of all an outside toilet. This is our way of life & I love it & still live of the grid to this day!!
I love this because it's not taking anything away from the land everything blends in with the environment no toxic waste or poison to mess up mother earth I wish I could live this way.
This family is a beautiful example of what it means to live lightly on the land. Think how much more resilient we would all be if we lived without running water and power. Thank you so much for featuring this family and there homestead.🙏🏻❤️