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Chinle

Chinle, near the geographic center of the Navajo Indian Reservation in northeastern Arizona, is at the entrance to Canyon de Chelly National Monument.  Chinle became a center for population growth and trade after 1868 when the United States signed a treaty with the Navajos. The first trading post was established in 1882, the first mission in 1904, and the first government school in 1910.

Canyon de Chelly, a geological and historical wonder, is Chinle’s greatest scenic attraction. The Canyon was a Navajo stronghold during Colonel Kit Carson’s Navajo Campaign and was designated a National Monument in 1931. Evidence of Indian habitation as early as 2000 B.C. is found in artifacts and prehistoric cliff dwellings. As the angle of the sun changes, the colors in the rock formations change from brilliant red-browns to orange, pink, and even purple.

Thirty miles south of Chinle lies Ganado, site of Arizona’s most famous Indian trading post, Hubbell’s. In operation for nearly a century, it has been designated a National Historic Site. At Hubbell’s and other trading posts on the reservation, the famed handcrafted Navajo silver jewelry and hand-woven woolen rugs may be purchased.

Trout, bass, and catfish fishing is excellent at nearby lakes. Other area attractions include Window Rock, headquarters of the Navajo Tribe; the Painted Desert; Petrified Forest National Monument; Monument Valley; and the Hopi Indian Reservation.

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Kaibab-Paiute

Location:
The Kaibab-Paiute Indian Lands is found along Kanab Creek in Northern Arizona, near the Utah border in the Arizona Strip. Kanab Creek runs through the Indian Land on its way to Snake Gulch and the Colorado River. The land also sits on the Markagunt Plateau north of the Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest, making it one of the most remote Indian Lands in the state. In order to reach this area, you must take U.S. Highway 89 from the east through Jacob Lake and Fredonia. The Indian Land is in both Coconino and Mohave Counties. The tribe’s land contains 120,827 acres. Currently, the tribe has 200 members.

History:
The Kaibab-Paiute Indians are members of the Southern Paiute Nation, which is located in the southern Great Basin and San Juan-Colorado River drainage. Their language is Uto-Aztecan and English. The tribe has five villages, Kaibab, Steam Boat, Juniper Estates, Six-Mile and Red Hills.
Today, most of the members live in Kaibab. All of the villages live in a combination of the modern and traditional settings. The traditional ways are shown in language, celebrations, community organization, and values.

Indian Arts:
The Kaibab-Paiute Indians are known for their coiled basket called the “Wedding Basket.”

Attractions:
Pipe Springs National Monument began as two pools of water, which flow from the Sevier Fault on the Moccasin Terrace. Then in 1870, a group of Mormons discovered the springs and decided to build a community. They established a fort and named it Windsor Castle. The Kaibab-Paiute Indians never attacked the settlement. The area was designated a national monument in 1923.

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Kayenta

Kayenta, in the Northeastern portion of Navajo County, is approximately 20 miles south of the Utah border on U.S. 163. It is 148 miles north-northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, and 98 miles west of Shiprock, New Mexico.

Because of its remoteness, in the early days, the Kayenta region was seldom visited by non-Indians. Although in 1874, Mormon emigrants moved their wagons through on their route from Tuba City to Aneth on the San Juan River, the Navajos, and Paiutes of the area were only occasionally disturbed by itinerant traders and wandering prospectors.

In 1910 things changed with the opening of a trading post at Kayenta. In 1914, the March Pass School opened its doors. By 1916, another trading post had opened for business. Since that time, and especially since the paving of roads through the area, Kayenta, at an elevation of 5,660 feet, has had considerably more traffic and has been designated a “growth center” of the Reservation.

Today, its position as a gateway to the tourist attractions of Monument Valley as well as its midpoint location on state Highway 160 between Shiprock and Tuba City have helped establish Kayenta as a major community on the Navajo Reservation. Navajos refer to Kayenta as Tohdenasshai.

The Four Corners area, a junction of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico – the only spot in the United States where four states meet – is less than 80 miles away. Within a 150-mile radius of the community are a variety of parks and recreational facilities. Arizona is the home of Grand Canyon National Park with the Vermillion Cliffs and Paria Canyon. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell are the results of the construction of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River.
The prehistoric Indian dwellings of Canyon de Chelly National Monument and the monoliths and arches of Monument Valley, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, and the Navajo Scenic Area are nearby.

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Navajo

The Navajo Indian Land lies in three states, including the northeast Arizona, the northwest New Mexico, and the southeastern Utah.  A portion of the reservation lies in Apache, Coconino and Navajo Counties.  It is the largest Indian Land in the United States.  The elevation ranges from 4,500 feet to 10,400 feet. Currently, the tribe has 175,000 members.

History:

The Navajo (pronounced “NAH-vuh-ho”) Indians are descendants of the Athapascan speaking people.  They are also related to the Apache Indians, who arrived here from the north.  Navajos do not refer to themselves as Navajo, but as Dineh (pronounced “dee-NAY”), meaning “the people.”

In the beginning, the Navajo were nomadic bands of hunters and gatherers.  They attacked the Hopi Indian villages for supplies.  But as time passed, the Navajo began to change.  They learned farming, weaving and pottery making.  Members of the tribe were living in homes called hogans raising herds of sheep and goats.

During the 1800’s, the Navajo came into conflict with the Spanish colonists.  However, it wasn’t until the United States became involved did war occur.

In 1846, the first treaty was made between the Navajo and the United States government.  Unfortunately, disagreements arose and troops were sent in 1849.  It was also during this time, that Kit Carson led an extensive war against the Navajo.

Carson was able to take charge and captured 8,000 Navajo.  These Indians were led to a reservation called Fort Sumner in New Mexico.  This trek to the fort was later called the “Long Walk.”

While at the reservation, the Navajo suffered.  Disease, crop failure, and other warring Indians all took their toll on the Navajo tribe.  Then in 1868, another treaty was signed allowing them to return to their homeland.  The treaty established the Navajo Indian Lands.   Later, in 1884 additional land was given the Navajo.  Then again in the 1900’s, the land was extended to encompass 4,775,068 acres.

Today, the Navajo Tribal Headquarters is in the town of Window Rock.  An elected chairman, vice chairman, and 87 delegates govern the Navajo Nation.

Indian Arts:

The Navajo Indians are known for their pottery, baskets, silver jewelry and woven rugs.

Attractions:

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a combination of three gorges measuring 100 miles in length.  The gorges were created by a 1,000-foot cut in the sandstone plateau.  The canyon also houses five periods of Indian culture dating from 350 A.D. to 1300 A.D.   It is the perfect backdrop to Anasazi ruins and Navajo homes.  It is located three miles east of Chinle on U.S. Highway 191.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is 23 miles north of Kayenta.  The valley itself lies in the northern section of Arizona and continues into the southern part of Utah.  It contains rolling sand dunes, magnificent mesas, fragile pinnacles, colorful sandstone spires, and arches.  This is a very popular site for many movies and commercials.  Those interested in seeing these amazing rock formations up close will need to take a guided tour off of the road.

Four Corners Navajo Tribal Park is the only spot in the United States where four state boundaries meet.  Visitors can place all fours with an arm and leg in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.  There is a visitor center, demonstration center, and picnic area.

Rainbow Natural Bridge National Monument is along the blue waters of Lake Powell.  It is the world’s largest natural bridge stretching nearly 290 feet high. Visitors can reach the bridge by way of boat, hiking or horseback.  A permit is required for hiking or horseback.

Navajo National Monument includes two of Arizona’s largest Indian ruins.  Betatakin and Keet Seel Ruins are pieces from the Anasazi past that have survived over 900 years.  The monument is 10 miles north of State Highway 564.

Antelope Creek Canyon is one place that has been photographed time and time again.  The canyon has a variety of shades of color that change throughout the day. It is sometimes called, “Cork Screw Canyon.”  This spot is not for the weak at heart, one must hike down to the bottom to see its wonder.

Window Rock Tribal Park is a small park at the base of the huge red rock formation.  The sandstone has a large hole in the middle making it look as though it is a window.  There are trails and picnic areas available.  The park was created to honor all warriors during times of war and peace.  It is located in the town appropriately named Window Rock.

St. Michael Historical Museum is near Window Rock.  The museum is housed in an old mission.  It provides visitors a background on the Franciscan influence on the Navajo people.

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is 28 miles west of Window Rock.  The post is the nation’s oldest known trading post and is still open today.  The adjoining Hubbell home shows the history of the Southwest through paintings and Indian crafts.

Kayenta Visitor Center is filled with information on the Navajo Nation and its spectacular sights.  There is also a museum with exhibits including artifacts and history of the Navajo culture.  Visitors will also find a food court area.

Grand Falls is a spectacular sight.  The falls are located on the Little Colorado River east of Highway 89 between Flagstaff and Cameron.  These falls are a sight to see especially after a big rainstorm when water is sent cascading over 185 feet of rock terraces.

Fourth of July Celebration and Pow Wow                    July

Navajo Tribal Fair                                                      September

Western Navajo Agency Fair                                          October