Navaho

Cañon de Chelly and Bosque Redondo

The excerpt outlines the tumultuous history between the Navajo and Mexican settlers in New Mexico, emphasizing cycles of conflict, aggression, and the complexities surrounding the institution of slavery. Key events include military skirmishes, particularly the altercation at Fort Fauntleroy, and the subsequent efforts of military leaders like General Carleton to contain the Navajo through relocation to Bosque Redondo. The narrative reveals longstanding tensions regarding land, resources, and cultural misunderstandings, illustrating the devastating impact of forced dislocation on the Navajo people’s traditional way of life.

Los Nabajos

The Navahos, originally called “Apaches de Navajoa,” inhabit northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona, characterized by a landscape of mountains and mesas. They are known for their pastoral lifestyle, raising sheep and crops such as corn and beans. Notable for their unique cultural practices, Navaho women enjoy a degree of autonomy in property ownership and marital relations. Historically, their interactions with Mexicans and later Americans were marked by theft and conflict, yet they are generally less warlike than other tribes, often lacking centralized governance.

Navaho Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

Tribes often consist of various sub-tribes, bands, gens, clans, and phratries, though many remain poorly documented or have vanished. This post highlights some of these groups, specifically within the Navaho context, mentioning the Bithani (folded arms), Dsihlthani (brow of the mountain), and Dsihltlani (base of the mountain) clans. Such clans are crucial for understanding the social structure and history of the Navaho people.

Treaty of September 9, 1849

On September 9, 1849, a treaty was established between representatives of the Navajo tribe and officials of the United States government, including New Mexico’s governor. The treaty affirmed the Navajo’s acknowledgment of U.S. jurisdiction, committed both parties to peace and mutual respect, and outlined regulations for trade and interactions. It mandated the delivery of captives and stipulated protections for both sides against violence. The agreement aimed to ensure the Navajo’s prosperity and maintain stability in relations with the U.S., thus marking a significant diplomatic milestone.

Navaho Indians

The Navaho Indians, part of the southern division of the Athapascan linguistic family, originally intruded upon Tewa lands and were referred to by various names by neighboring tribes. Their historical records date back to the early 1600s. The introduction of sheep transformed their economy, and though they faced conflicts with Pueblo Indians and settlers, treaties with the U.S. government were often broken. Following a period of hardship, they regained their land and prospered, particularly through sheep herding and the production of renowned blankets.

Navaho Indian Clans

The post presents a list of Navaho Indian clans, highlighting the complexity of tribal structures that include sub-tribes and clans. It notes that while much information about these groups is scarce or lost, the following clans are mentioned: Aatsosni (narrow gorge), Bithani (folded arms), Dsihlthani (brow of the mountain), and Dsihtlani (base of the mountain). This entry serves to enhance understanding of Navaho social organization.