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History

The Navajo people have long been pastoral people since before the first man travel the Bering Strait before becoming submersed in the sea. If they had been more warlike like the Apache maybe the Southwest would not have been so easily overcome by the United States. Through the years they cause the United States many problems. One of which they were cunning and were good at allowing one’s livestock escape and bring them back for a reward or stealing livestock for their own herd. They boast about their thievery and how if they con many Mexicans and settlers out of their belongings. The tribe saw this more of a better way instead of obtaining these things in a more violet way. The military troops were patrolling these areas to reduce the amount of thievery by the Navajo and the Mescalero’s until the Civil War broke out in 1861. The military forces in New Mexico were instructed by the new policy in 1862 to subdue the Navajo and Mescalero’s. They were successful and ended up transferring two hundred Navajo prisoners to the Ft Sumner where they held them as prisoners of war. After the war, in 1868, a treaty was made and the Navajo was sent to Fort Wingate and the government purchased fifteen thousand sheep to replenish their exterminated flocks. They have lived there in peace ever since.

Culture

The Navajo take pride in their family life and the events that surround them. Their seclusion from society is the base of their customs and activities they treasure used to entertain their People. The Navajo culture is rich in past heritage, ceremonies, and rituals. In everything they do whether it be the birth of a child, planting crops, or healing the sick, some type of ritual is done. These rituals and ceremonies can last fro...

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...y half of the twentieth century, the reservation was discovered to be a prime area for mining. The resources that are mined on the reservation include coal, oil, and uranium. These resources are mined and sold to outside industries. Of these resources, uranium and oil have proven to be the most valuable; accounting for more than $80 million in tribal income. In addition to mining, Navajo lumber has become a valuable economic resource as well. About 458,457 acres have been devoted to the harvest of Ponderosa pine for the Navajo saw mills. Despite the modernization that has taken place economically on the reservation, many traditions are still upheld. For example, weaving is still an important aspect of Navajo life, and Navajo textiles continue to in high demand. Although the numbers of herds have been declining over the years, many Navajo women still keep sheep.