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The Navajo According to the 2000 census, the Navajo (or Dineh, as they call themselves) are the second largest U.S. tribal group by population. Their reservation is the largest of all the reservations, measuring nearly 15 million acres. Their tribal land sprawls across the Four Corners area, entirely surrounding the Hopi reservation. English and Spanish are second and third languages throughout much of the Navajo reservation, as their indigenous language has endured. In 1863, however, no one could have envisioned the future success of the Navajo. In that year they were defeated by an army led by Kit Carson. Subsequently the tribe was forcibly removed on "The Long Walk" from Arizona to a desolate prison fort in New Mexico. Many Navajo died during this low period in their history. Remarkably the Dineh recovered to flourish. Their rich history and traditional religion is imbedded in their lifeways and arts. Though relative latecomers to the Southwest, they have left an indelible mark on America. To learn more about the Navajo people...
Top illustration: "Mother Earth, Father
Sky," traditional image from Navajo dry painting used in healing
ceremonies.
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