Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to outline the contributions of Smiths legacy in Indigenous methodologies and to show how her interventions encourage and facilitate meaningful research relationships with Indigenous communities. It is also a practical guide for future Indigenous researchers who aim to work with their communities. Design/methodology/approach: This article outlines the legacy and interventions from Linda Smith that have influenced my research and pedagogy work with my community--the Navajo Nation. I weave together a Kejnrj story and theory to show how Smith's predominant legacy has taught me how to create, maintain and safeguard relationships with horses, humans and knowledge while working within a Western institution. Findings: I discuss the navigation of research relationships before, during and after official research and the implications this has for increasing indigenous sovereignty in partnership with research. It also describes the process of researcher reflexivity required for Indigenous methodological work. Originality/value: This paper outlines one Navajo researcher's individual story with research on community. This adds value to researchers who intend to do research/pedagogy work with Native communities.