It is generally thought that the Navajos (they call themselves Dine (Dee Neh) and the Apache were the last to cross the Bering Strait thousands of years ago. They migrated down from Canada to the Southwestern US starting around 1000 AD, completing migration around 1300AD. Apparently they mixed reasonably well w/Ancestoral Puebloans for a while, then started fighting with them. The Navajos were known as fierce fighters. Eventually they inhabited the cliff dwellings and other areas originally developed by the Ancestoral Puebloans (Anasazi). With the entry of the Spainish in 1560, then the settlements by the US, greater problems developed. In 1864 Kit Carson wiped out a major band in Canyon de Chelly (apparently many, if not all, women and children) and the Navajos surrendered and were forced to walk the "long march" (300+ miles) to New Mexico. Many died, family culture was destroyed. In 1868 a treaty was signed to give the Navajo certain land to live on. In the early 1920s, oil and othere valuable minerals (uranium, etc) were discovered. Leases were signed with outside parties, and royalties continue to this day, although most feel the Navajos got the lesser end of the deal. Finally, over cultivation of livestock resulted in the US govt forcing a reduction in livestock in the 1940's, causing, again, major difficulties to the Navajo.
Shots of Canyon de Chelly (Canyon de Shay). Navajos still farm the valley; this canyon was where Kit Carson killed Navajos to force them to submit to US control. Led to the 300+ mile forced march to New Mexico, where many Navajos died.
Dr. Livingston (er, Richardson) I presume
Famous "spider woman" formation in Canyon de Chelly. Spider woman, according to Indian history, taught the Indian how to weave; an important skill. Notice the white top to the left rock. Indians told misbehaving children the white were the bones of children who did not behave. Wonder how effective that was.
Cliff dwelling at the Navajo National Monument Center
Monument Valley was like this; massive formations everywhere. Some of the buttes were so massive it provided a famous backdrop for many movies; there is even a viewing point named for John Ford, the famous director, since he shot so many scenes from there. Unfortunately, it was extremely windy and the self guided tour was on nearly impassable roads for my Acura; didn't get much in the way of pics.
Shots of Canyon de Chelly (Canyon de Shay). Navajos still farm the valley; this canyon was where Kit Carson killed Navajos to force them to submit to US control. Led to the 300+ mile forced march to New Mexico, where many Navajos died.
Dr. Livingston (er, Richardson) I presume
Famous "spider woman" formation in Canyon de Chelly. Spider woman, according to Indian history, taught the Indian how to weave; an important skill. Notice the white top to the left rock. Indians told misbehaving children the white were the bones of children who did not behave. Wonder how effective that was.
Cliff dwelling at the Navajo National Monument Center
Monument Valley was like this; massive formations everywhere. Some of the buttes were so massive it provided a famous backdrop for many movies; there is even a viewing point named for John Ford, the famous director, since he shot so many scenes from there. Unfortunately, it was extremely windy and the self guided tour was on nearly impassable roads for my Acura; didn't get much in the way of pics.
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