NAVAJO HISTORY: The Dineh, or "The People," as the Navajo call themselves, migrated to the Southwest from the North around 15th century. They were first noticed by other peoples between the 14th and 15th century, between the Champa andupper San Juan rivers. The Spaniards brought sheep and horses which the Navajo adapted to their nomadic lifestyle. It is thought that the Navajo originally consisted of four clans and today has expanded to include over 60. The navajo culture today encompasses over 300,000 people, spanning more than 14 million acres of reservation land and nearby cities. Many Navajo children are fluent in both Navajo and English. THe Navajo language has not only helped to preserve the Navajo culture but was also utilzed as a U.S. Army code to disguise transmissions from the Japenses during World War II. Navajo arts continue to be passed on, as daughters and granddaughters learn weaving, basketmaking, pottery making, and jewelry making. Many Navajo children raised on the reservation continue to herd sheep and livestock. Schools are accessible to most families, but sometimes it is necessary that a family living many difficult miles away send the children to boarding school. Differnet types of religion are practiced among the Navajo, a truly spiritual people. There are the traditional Navajos who rely on medicine men, herbalists, ceremonies and other traditions to facilitate their practice. Also, the Native American Church is chosen by some Navajos and is especially known for the ceremonial use of peyote for visions and cleansing. Sweathouses are utized by Navajos and other American Indian tribes, and Christianity is practiced by some Navajos who incorporate the Western religion with their native teachings.
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