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Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation, with more than 250,000 members, about 44,636 of whom live in New Mexico according to Census 2000 figures, is the largest U.S. Indian tribe. The reservation includes approximately 7,400 square miles and its boundaries extend from northwestern New Mexico into northeastern Arizona and southeastern Utah.
The size of the reservation is larger than many states, including West Virginia among others. There are also three smaller bands of Navajos located away from the main reservation, including the Alamo, To'hajiilee and Ramah. Key cities include Crownpoint, Shiprock, Alamo, To'hajiilee, Ramah and Window Rock, Ariz., the Navajo capital.
The Navajo people, who often call themselves the Dine', have endured much in their past, including the infamous Long Walk in 1860, when more than 8,000 Navajos were forcibly marched to and incarcerated at Bosque Redondo near Fort Sumner by the U.S. Army.
Today you will find a nation rich in natural and cultural resources, including the Chuska Mountains, Church Rock visible from Red Rock State Park near Gallup, and 16 fishing lakes and camping and hiking in various areas. Hunting is allowed with a permit. For more information, call the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department at (928) 871-6636, 871-6647, or the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife at (928) 871-6451, 871-6452.
Also, a bounty of Navajo rugs, sand paintings, jewelry and other traditional crafts are waiting to be discovered throughout the reservation at various trading posts as well as at the tribally owned Navajo Nation Arts & Crafts stores, (800) 790-6223, (928) 871-4090, 871-4095. Impressive Navajo silversmithing and dramatically patterned rugs and wall hangings are always available for sale at monthly auctions in Crownpoint and elsewhere, (505) 786-7386.
In early October, Shiprock hosts the annual Northern Navajo Fair and Nightway Chant (Yei-Be-Chai Healing Ceremony). No recordings or photos are allowed at the ceremony. Also, visit the Four Corners Navajo Tribal Park with a visitor center, demonstration center, Navajo arts and crafts booths, picnic tables and restrooms. P.O. Box 9000, Window Rock, Ariz. 86515; (928) 871-6647.
Other places of interest include the Navajo Nation Museum and Library, located in Window Rock, (928) 871-7941, and the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, near Ganado, Ariz., (928) 755-3477.
Navajo Tourism
P.O. Box 663
Window Rock, Ariz. 86515
Phone: (928) 871-6436, 871-7371
Fax: (928) 871-7381
www.navajo.org/