Oprah Winfrey's production crew told Navajo Nation officials that the mega-celebrity wasn't coming to the reservation in hopes of keeping her visit quiet.

When the talk show host did show up on Wednesday to tape in Window Rock, Arizona, officials were shocked and surprised. "She's here! Oprah Winfrey is here," one said, The Gallup Independent reported.

Winfrey stayed about 45 minutes as a crowd swelled around her. She watched some Navajo dancers, bought some items from the Navajo Arts and Crafts booth and spoke with Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr.

The visit was sparked by an e-mail a chapter house manager sent to the Oprah Winfrey show, asking for a taping on jail conditions on the reservation. The show responded that it was interested in coming to the Navajo Nation.

Get the Story:
Oprah Winfrey Visits Navajo Nation (AP 6/1)
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Confusion surrounds Oprah visit (The Gallup Independent 6/1)

Relevant Links:
Oprah - http://www.oprah.com

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