Navajo

Who are the Navajo?

The Navajo, or Diné, are one of the largest Indigenous peoples in North America. Their society is held together by a strong clan system and matrilineal descent, meaning children belong to their mother's clan. The Navajo Nation is a sovereign entity with its own government and laws, and its people value their language, traditions, and connection to their ancestral land. Both the terms Navajo and Diné are used among the people, reflecting their history and identity.

Where do the Navajo live?

The Navajo homeland stretches across a vast area of the southwestern United States, covering parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. This land includes high desert, mesas, canyons, and mountains, with sacred peaks marking the traditional boundaries. The reservation, known as the Navajo Nation, is the largest in the country and overlaps much of the people’s traditional territory.

What language do the Navajo speak?

Navajo, or Diné Bizaad, is the official language of the Navajo Nation. It belongs to the Athabaskan language family. The language is still widely spoken and is a key part of Navajo identity and culture. Efforts continue to keep the language strong among younger generations.

How do the Navajo live?

Traditionally, the Navajo made their living through farming and herding, especially sheep and goats. Today, many also work in wage jobs or crafts, including renowned weaving and jewelry making. Houses, called hogans, are built with wood and earth. The land provides food, materials, and spiritual meaning, and livestock remain important to many families.

How is Navajo society organised?

Navajo society is organized around matrilineal clans, with children inheriting their mother’s clan. Extended families and clans provide social structure and support. Clan leaders have played a key role in local governance and maintaining traditions. Decisions are often made through discussion and consensus, reflecting the importance of harmony and respect.

What do the Navajo believe?

Spiritual life centers on harmony, balance, and the concept of 'walking in beauty.' Rituals, songs, and ceremonies are important, as are sacred places in the landscape. Art and crafts, such as weaving and silverwork, express cultural values. Dress and adornment often reflect clan identity and tradition.

The history of the Navajo

The Navajo have a long history in the Southwest. In the 1860s, the U.S. Army forced thousands of Navajo to leave their homes and march to Bosque Redondo in eastern New Mexico, an event known as the Long Walk. After years of hardship, the 1868 treaty allowed them to return to a reservation. Since then, the Navajo Nation has expanded its territory and maintained a degree of sovereignty, despite pressures from federal policies and land loss.

Navajo life today

Today, the Navajo Nation is the largest reservation in the United States. Many Navajo live on the reservation, while others reside in cities and towns. The Nation has its own government and works to protect its land, language, and culture. Challenges remain, but the Navajo continue to adapt and uphold their traditions.

Questions people ask about the Navajo

Sources and further reading

• Navajo Nation on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Navajo themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.