Reva Smith, age 14, of Prescott, Ariz., for her question:
HOW LARGE IS THE NAVAJO TRIBE TODAY?
At the present time the Navajo is the largest Indian tribe in the United States. There are approximately 160,000 members and their population is growing at an extraordinary rate. This growth is likely to put great pressure on the traditional Navajo economy.
The Navajo Indians live on reservations in northeastern Arizona and contiguous parts of New Mexico and Utah. They are closely related to the Apache and originally emigrated from areas north of their present habitat.
It is thought that the Navajo settled in the southwest during the 16th century. By the 17th century they had become a pastoral people, with an economy based largely on hearding and hunting.
In 1846 the Navajo made their first treaty with the U.S. government but disagreements with American troops led to hostilities by 1849. There was chronic warfare until 1863. That year Kit Carson waged an extended campaign against the Navajo, eventually capturing some 8,000 of them. These Indians were sent on foot to a reservation at Fort Sumner in New Mexico. This forcible deportation is know in Navajo history as the "Long Walk."
A new treaty was signed in 1868 and the surviving Navajo were allowed to go back to a reservation set aside in their former territory where they were provided with sheep and cattle. In return, the tribe agree to live in peace with the American settlers.
During World War II many Navajo left the reservation to serve in the armed forces or work in cities in war related jobs.
Today the Navajo reservation lands total more than 15 millions acres, the largest in the U.S. The Navajo also have the greatest tribal income in the U. S. It is estimated at about $50 million from oil and gas leases as well as income from mineral and forest resources.
The tribe is divided into more than 50 clans and descent is traced through the female line.
Navajo economy is based on the sustenance provided by herds of sheep and goats, some cattle and horses, and employment in various jobs. The Navajo also make pottery and baskets and are well known for their silver jewelry and fine, durable blankets.
Although modern housing is available on the reservation, many Navajo still build and live in traditional hogans. These are conical houses of logs covered with earth, which have a smoke hole at the top and are entered through a short, covered passage.
Traditional Navajo religion includes the worship of the winds and water and of a number of gods who are believed to intervene occasional in human affairs. These gods are frequently invoked. Offerings are made to them and ceremonial dances are performed in which they are represented by painted and masked men.
Songs, chants, prayers and sand paintings also form part of the complicated religious rituals and a large body of mythology exists.