Navajo: Native Americans by Sarah Tieck, Big Buddy Books and imprint of Abdo Books, North Mankato, Minnesota, 2015.
This book indicates that the Navajo originally lived in Canada and moved south to the four corners area of the southwest. The lived in hogans which are circular homes, or octogan or hexagon. They were formers who raised corn, squash and beans and also fruit such as peaches. They also would eat small game, prarie dogs, deer, rabbits and mountain goats. They also raised sheep and goats for meat and milk. Children learned by watching adults. Navajo are experts at making jewelry, rugs, baskets and pottery. Spirit life is very important to them. Medicine men will make sand art drawings as part of healing. Story telling is an important part of their culture. Men and women both tell stories. A common story is of the windwalker but some Navajo feel it is bad luck to talk of them.
In 1864 the government foced the Navajo to a reservation in New Mexico, Bosque Redondo. In the march south, and in the heat in New Mexico, about 2000 Navajo died. Manuelito had to negotiate to get their land back. They now have a reservation of 24,000 square miles. Manuelito stress education as important for the Navajo future and there are many educated Navajo.
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