Navajo Nation

Navajo Woman at waterfall ca 1920

Nn border hist map

2430R Navajo Nation Reservation Locator Map

Navajo boy

File:Chief Manuelito.jpg

Chief Manuelito

Window rock AZ

== Navajo Nation ==

The Navajo Nation (Navajo: Naabeehó Bináhásdzo) is a Native American territory covering about 27,000 square miles, occupying portions of northeastern Arizona, southeastern Utah, and northwestern New Mexico in the United States. It is the largest land area retained by a Native American tribe in the U.S., with a population of approximately 300,000 members.

History

The Navajo people, or Diné, have a rich history that dates back centuries. The Navajo Nation was established in 1868 when the Treaty of Bosque Redondo was signed, allowing the Navajo people to return to their homeland after being forcibly relocated during the Long Walk of the Navajo.

Government

The Navajo Nation has its own government, which includes an executive branch headed by a President and Vice President, a legislative branch with a 24-member Navajo Nation Council, and a judicial branch. The government is headquartered in Window Rock, Arizona.

Economy

The economy of the Navajo Nation is diverse, including traditional activities such as sheep herding and weaving, as well as modern industries like mining, tourism, and gaming. The Navajo Nation operates several enterprises, including the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry.

Culture

Navajo culture is rich in traditions, language, and arts. The Navajo language is one of the most spoken Native American languages in the United States. Traditional Navajo arts include sandpainting, silverwork, and rug weaving. The Navajo Nation also celebrates various ceremonies and events, such as the annual Navajo Nation Fair.

Education

Education within the Navajo Nation is provided by a combination of public schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and Navajo Nation-operated schools. Diné College, located in Tsaile, Arizona, is the first tribally controlled and accredited collegiate institution in the United States.

Health

Healthcare services for the Navajo Nation are provided by the Indian Health Service and the Navajo Nation Division of Health. The Navajo Nation faces various health challenges, including high rates of diabetes and heart disease.

Geography

The Navajo Nation encompasses a variety of landscapes, including deserts, high plateaus, and mountains. Notable geographic features include Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, and Shiprock. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with significant temperature variations between day and night.

Related Pages

• Navajo language
• Navajo people
• Treaty of Bosque Redondo
• Long Walk of the Navajo
• Window Rock, Arizona
• Diné College
• Indian Health Service

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