The people known as the Navajo are properly called the Diné, meaning “The People” in their language. They represent the largest federally recognized Native American nation in the United States, possessing a vast land base that reflects a history of determination and survival. The Diné Nation is characterized by a deep connection to their ancestral lands and a philosophical framework rooted in the concept of universal harmony. This cultural resilience is a testament to their ability to maintain identity through centuries of profound change.
The Navajo Nation and Its People
The territory of the Navajo Nation is geographically the largest reservation in the United States, spanning over 27,000 square miles across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. This area is known to the Diné as Diné Bikéyah, or Navajoland. The Nation’s enrolled population is the largest of any tribal group in the U.S., with nearly 400,000 members as of 2020.
The name “Navajo” was given by the Spanish, but Diné is the preferred self-designation. The seat of government is located in Window Rock, Arizona, though the population is spread out, with many areas lacking modern infrastructure.
A Defining History: The Long Walk
The defining historical event for the Diné is the forced removal of the 1860s, known as “The Long Walk” or Hwéeldi (“the place of suffering”). In 1864, the U.S. military, commanded by General James Carleton and led by Kit Carson, forcibly marched approximately 8,000 to 10,000 Diné from their homeland to an internment camp. The destination was the Bosque Redondo Reservation near Fort Sumner, New Mexico, a distance of 250 to 450 miles.
Conditions at Bosque Redondo were devastating, with contaminated water causing illness and crop failures leading to starvation. Over four years, an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 Diné died on the walk or at the camp.
In 1868, the Diné successfully negotiated the Treaty of 1868 (Naaltsoos Sání) with the U.S. government, allowing them to return to a portion of their ancestral land. This treaty is viewed as a foundational document guaranteeing their sovereignty and survival.
The Philosophy of Hózhó (Walking in Beauty)
The core philosophical concept guiding Diné life is Hózhó, which is often translated as “walking in beauty.” This concept represents the state of ideal balance, harmony, and order between the individual, the community, and the entire universe. The philosophy guides a person’s thoughts, speech, and actions toward maintaining a respectful relationship with the natural world and all living beings.
Traditional Diné ceremonies, such as the Blessingway, focus on restoring Hózhó when it is lost due to illness or misfortune, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances. The traditional Diné dwelling, the hogan, is built with a specific cosmological orientation, reflecting the desire to live within an ordered and harmonious universe. This pursuit of balance promotes wellness and resilience. The concept is also embedded in Diné art and storytelling, illustrating the dynamic interaction between order (Hózhó) and chaos (represented by figures like Coyote).
The Unbreakable Language: Diné Bizaad and the Code Talkers
The Diné language, Diné Bizaad, is a Southern Athabascan language known for its complexity, tonal qualities, and unique grammar, making it virtually unintelligible to outsiders. Historically unwritten, its structure and syntax differed dramatically from European and Asian languages. This complexity proved to be a powerful asset during World War II, when the U.S. military struggled with secure communication.
In 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps recruited 29 Diné men to develop and use a code based on Diné Bizaad. These Code Talkers created a two-part code: a simple alphabet using common Navajo words for English letters, and a complex system of hundreds of terms for military vocabulary. For example, “iron fish” was used for “submarine,” and “hummingbird” represented a “fighter plane.” The code was never broken by the Japanese military and allowed for the secure transmission of messages in less than 20 seconds, a massive improvement over contemporary code machines.
Structure and Sovereignty: Modern Diné Governance
The Navajo Nation operates as a sovereign entity, managing its affairs through a centralized government structured into three branches. The Executive Branch is headed by a popularly elected President and Vice President, who serve four-year terms. The Legislative Branch is the Navajo Nation Council, consisting of 24 delegates elected from the 110 local government subdivisions called Chapters.
Tribal sovereignty means the Nation possesses self-governance rights, allowing it to create its own laws and exercise authority over civil and criminal matters within its territory. This independence applies to areas like healthcare, infrastructure development, and education. The Nation faces challenges in providing services across its vast, rural land base. Since the 1920s, the government has evolved, driven by the need to manage resources like oil and gas, and to achieve greater self-determination for its people.