Navajo-NationThe Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States with more than 298,000 members. Approximately 106,800 of who live in New Mexico. The Navajo reservation’s boundaries extend from northwestern New Mexico into northeastern Arizona and southeastern Utah and encompass almost 27,000 square miles of land.

Located about 25 miles northwest of Gallup, you can find the capital of the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, Arizona. Found away from the main reservation are three smaller bands of Navajos at Alamo, To’hajiilee, and Ramah.

Diné, meaning “the People,” is what the Navajo people call themselves. It is believed that the Spanish used the term “Navajo”. The story of the Navajo is one full of suffering and endurance. Take, for example, the Long Walk of 1860; the United States Army forced more than 8,000 Navajos to march to Bosque Redondo near Fort Sumner. Once in Fort Sumner, they were incarcerated for four years before returning home. In 1864, the Navajo Nation and the United States Government signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship that outlined the basis for relations between the two entities. This treaty is still honored today.

Natural and Cultural Resources
There are many natural and cultural resources made available by the Navajo Nation. Among these major attractions are:

Chuska Mountains
Church Rock
Chacho Culture National Historical Park
http://www.nps.gov/chcu/
The Bisti Badlands
Shiprock Peak
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park located in Arizona
(435-727-5870)
Canyon de Chelly National Monument located in Arizona
(928-647-5500)
www.nps.gov/cach

A variety of outdoor activities are available with a permit. Take advantage of the many camping, hiking, hunting and fishing opportunities available. For more information, contact the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department at (928) 871-6647, or the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife at (928) 871-6451.

Art
A description of the Navajo Nation’s culture is not complete without speaking of art.
Beautiful rugs, traditional crafts, and jewelry are sure to delight all art lovers. These pieces are available throughout the reservation at various trading posts and at the Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise stores (928) 871-4090, a tribally owned entity. There are also opportunities to purchase Navajo silversmithing and impressive patterned rugs and wall hangings at monthly auctions around northern New Mexico, such as Crownpoint. (505) 786-7386.

Events and Attractions
Every year there are a multitude of entertaining events and attractions to attend. One of these many events takes place during the fourth of July. The tribe hosts the annual Fourth of July Celebration and PRCA Rodeo in Window Rock. The Navajo Nation Fair, one of the world’s largest American Indian fairs takes place during Labor Day weekend. Traditional Navajo food, song and dance, multi-sanctioned All-Indian.

In early October, Shiprock hosts the annual Northern Navajo Fair and Nightway Chant (Yei-Be-Chei Healing Ceremony). No recordings or photos are allowed at the ceremony. Also, visit the Four Corners Navajo Tribal Park, which has a visitor center, demonstration center, Navajo arts and crafts booths, picnic tables and restrooms. P.O. Box 2520, Window Rock, AZ 86515; (928) 871-6647.

The Navajo Nation Fair, usually the Wednesday through Sunday following Labor Day. Billed as “The World’s Largest American Indian Fair,” the event features a multi-sanctioned All-Indian Rodeo, traditional Navajo food, song and dance, an intertribal powwow, concerts, parade, the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant and exhibits. Contact the Navajo Nation Fair Office at (928) 871-6478.

Other places of interest include the Navajo Nation Museum and Library, Ch’ihootso Indian Marketplace, Navajo Nation Zoo and the tribal headquarters, all located in Window Rock. The Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, (928) 755-3475, near Ganado, AZ, is also a fascinating place to visit and shop.

The Four Corners Navajo Tribal Park in Window Rock, AZ, has a visitor center, demonstration center, Navajo arts and crafts booths, picnic tables and restrooms (928) 871-6647.

General information and a free Discover Navajo Visitor Guide are available through Navajo Nation Tourism, P.O. Box 663, Window Rock, AZ 86515, (928) 871-6436.

Things to see and do in Farmington
Aztec Ruins National Monument Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness/Chaco Canyon/Navajo Nation/

Other Farmington links
History/Hotels/Maps/Contact the CVB/