The Navajo & Hopi in Northeast Arizona - 2027
THE NAVAJO NATION​
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The Navajo Nation extends into the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, covering over 27,000 square miles of unparalleled beauty. Diné Bikéyah, or Navajoland, is larger than 10 of the 50 states in America.
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Visitors from around the world are intrigued and mystified when they hear the Navajo language – so, too, were the enemy during World War II. Unknown to many, the Navajo language was used to create a secret code to battle the Japanese. Navajo men were selected to create codes and serve on the front line to overcome and deceive those on the other side of the battlefield. Today, these men are recognized as the famous Navajo Code Talkers, who exemplify the unequaled bravery and patriotism of the Navajo people.
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Navajo Nation Government
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Today, the Navajo Nation is striving to sustain a viable economy for an ever-increasing population that now surpasses 250,000. In years past, Navajoland often appeared to be little more than a desolate section of the Southwest, but it was only a matter of time before the Navajo Nation became known as a wealthy nation in a world of its own. The discovery of oil on Navajoland in the early 1920's promoted the need for a more systematic form of government.
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In 1923, a tribal government was established to help meet the increasing desires of American oil companies to lease Navajoland for exploration. Navajo government has evolved into the largest and most sophisticated form of American Indian government. The Navajo Nation Council Chambers hosts 88 council delegates representing 110 Navajo Nation chapters.
Reorganized in 1991 to form a three-branch system (executive, legislative and judicial), the Navajos conduct what is considered to be the most sophisticated form of Indian government. While the Council is in session, you'll likely hear delegates carry on the tradition of speaking in Navajo, providing a perfect example of how the Navajo Nation retains its valuable cultural heritage while forging ahead with modern progress.
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The Navajo Veterans Memorial
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The Navajos have built a Veteran's Memorial at the base of Window Rock to honor the many Navajos who served in the U.S. military. Many Navajo soldiers are recognized in the annals of history for their role as Code Talkers, whereby they used the native language to create a code that was never broken by the enemy. Historians credit the Navajo Code Talkers for helping to win World War II.
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The park has many symbolic structures: a circular path outlining the four cardinal directions, 16 angled steel pillars with the names of war veterans, and a healing sanctuary that is used for reflection and solitude that features a fountain made of sandstone. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info call 928-871-6647 or write to Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Dept., P.O. Box 9000 , Window Rock, AZ 86515
THE HOPI TRIBE
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The Hopi are known as one of the oldest living cultures in documented history, having migrated north to Arizona in the 12th century. The Hopi are guardians of the sacred land they call Hopitutskwa. The Hopi Reservation, located on high and dry land, forced the Hopi to develop a unique agricultural practice known as "dry farming," a system of relying on water-retentive tillage methods rather than irrigation.
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The Hopi and Navajo Tribes have a long history of conflict over land. After years of escalating conflict, the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act of 1974 split land across tribes and forced relocation for those on the wrong side of the partition line.
The Hopi Tribe Reservation is located in northeastern Arizona in Coconino and Navajo Counties. The Reservation is made up of 12 villages on three mesas (known as First, Second, and Third Mesa) on more than 1.5 million acres. Each of the older villages is made up of a hierarchy of clans based on the order of their arrival to the area. Modern villages and clan leaders trace their authority and rights in land to these original sources. The Bear clan tends to be regarded as the first and highest-ranking clan in a number of the villages, with the male head of the clan serving as the village leader or "Kikmongwi."
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Hopi Tribal Government
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Kykotsmovi, the seat of the Hopi Tribal Government, is located just below Third Mesa. The oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States is Old Oraibi, located on top of Third Mesa, which is said to have been in existence since 1150 A.D. when the Hopi came to the area. Traditional Hopi houses were made of dried clay and stone, with flat roofs and multiple levels accessible by ladder. The bottom level was underground (called a Kiva), and was used for religious ceremonies. ​
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The Hopi Tribe is governed by a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and 22 Legislative Council members representing six villages: Village of Upper Moenkopi, Village of Bakabi, Village of Kykotsmovi, Village of Mishongnovi, Village of Sipaulovi, and First Mesa Consolidated Villages. Each village has its own separate election of representatives, and council members serve two-year terms. The Tribal Council meets quarterly, the first day of December, March, June, and September.
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Hopi Culture​
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The Hopi are a matrilineal society organized by clan membership. Hopi artisans are known for pottery, paintings, weaving, and carvings. In particular, First Mesa is known for pottery, Second Mesa is known for coiled basketry, and Third Mesa is known for wicker basketry, weaving, Kachina doll carving, and silversmithing. Visitors are welcome to visit the Three Mesas, but photography, video recording, audio recording, sketching, and note-taking are not allowed.
