Exploring Landmarks and Culture of the Navajo Nation

Above, Window Rock is located in northeastern Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is wondering where to go for a summer vacation, they should consider places within the Navajo Nation.

The Navajo Nation primarily is located in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah in the Four Corners region of the U.S. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on places in the Navajo Nation that beckon tourism.

They begin it with:

The Navajo Nation offers a diverse array of natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore Monument Valley’s sandstone formations, hike scenic trails, and join Navajo-guided tours to access restricted areas and learn traditional stories. Across the region, sacred landmarks, ancient cliff dwellings, memorials, and artisan markets highlight the deep connections between the land, history, and living traditions of the Navajo people.

To read more, go here. 

Explore Navajo Interactive Museum

Above, the Navajo Code Talker statue in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a place I'll need to visit the next time I am in Northern Arizona.

It is the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum in Tuba City. Within the museum are exhibits of the World War II Navajo Code Talkers.

RV Travel has posted an article on the museum.

It begins with:

Located in Tuba City, Arizona, the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum offers visitors an engaging and immersive experience of the rich history and culture of the Navajo Nation.

Among its many exhibits, the museum pays homage to the incredible Navajo Code Talkers of World War II. The Code Talkers have always interested my husband and me, so we were excited to include this amazing museum on our RV itinerary. If you’re traveling through Northern Arizona, this interactive museum is a destination you won’t want to miss. Here’s why you should plan a visit.

To read more, go here.

Single Digit Temperatures

Above, Navajo Code Talker statue in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I sure hope it warms up here in Jamestown and Gallup this morning. I have to go see my banker this morning in Gallup

I just took a glance at my two weather apps on my phone and we are down to single digits in temperature and less.

WeatherBug has us (currently) at 1° and the Weather Channel app has us at -8°. A lot of people's pipes are probably bursting if they're not properly insulated. 

WeatherBug has us at at 40% chance of snow showers. Hopefully, that will happen as we need the water here. The National Weather Service says there's a 30% chance of snow showers starting Sunday.

The National Weather Service says it is -11° currently in Gallup. There's an Extreme Cold Warning in effect there.

Here's their forecast for the next several days:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 35. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as zero. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 9. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light northwest after midnight.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 35. Light northwest wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 12.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 51.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Monday

A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

Drug Cartels Ravaging Arizona, Montana Indian Reservations

Above, Window Rock Tribal Park and Veteran's Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris's running mate, appeared at a rally in Window Rock, Arizona. Window Rock is the capital of the Navajo Nation. 

For some odd reason, Native Americans tend to vote Democrat. But in doing so, they are cutting their own throats as the open border policies of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are allowing the drug cartels target tribal reservations.

The Daily Signal reported:

The Biden-Harris administration’s border crisis has had negative implications for all Americans, but one group that has suffered more than most—but received less attention than others—are American Indians living on reservations along the border.

As part of their efforts to smuggle drugs and traffic human beings across the southern border, Mexican cartels have specifically targeted and devastated these reservations.

Jurisdictional issues, insufficient law enforcement, and the open border all allow cartels to exploit tribal land and proliferate deadly substances like fentanyl on American Indian land.

Hopefully, former President Trump's rally in Albuquerque yesterday will do some good in swaying tribes to vote more Republican than in the past. 

To read more, go here.

Japanese Photographer Spotlights WWII Native American Code Talkers

Above, the Navajo Code Talker statue in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, the famed Native American (Navajo) code talkers used during World War II have been receiving much recognition.

It has come to light that a Japanese photographer has been chronicling the code talkers' lives since then.

Kyodo News reported:

Until the 1960s, few knew of a special unit of Navajo code talkers in the U.S. Marine Corps who helped ensure the secrecy of U.S. military communications in the Pacific theater during World War II.

For the past several decades, however, their story has been chronicled by a photographer from Japan, the country with which they were at war, who has not only celebrated their pivotal wartime contributions but also shed light on the complex legacy of cultural suppression they endured.

The young Native American men experienced combat in several battles including the Battle of Okinawa, which raged for nearly three months until June 1945 and is widely considered the war's bloodiest conflict in the Pacific theater.

 To read more, go here.

August 14: Navajo Code Talkers Day

Above, the Navajo Code Talkers statue in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was Navajo Code Talkers Day.

The day is an annual celebration of the work by Navajos during World War II in passing on messages in their native language.

According to AZ Central:

Aug. 14 is Navajo Code Talkers Day, a date President Ronald Reagan dedicated in 1982 to "all members of the Navaho Nation and to all Native Americans who gave their special talents and their lives so that others might live."

Here are some important facts to know about the Navajo Code Talkers and how they are being honored.

To read more, go here. 

Navajo Nation To Host Indian National Finals Rodeo Qualifier

Another rodeo in the Four Corners region has been announced.

It will be in the Navajo Nation capital, Window Rock, Arizona next month according to KNAU.

They reported:

The Navajo Nation next month will hold its first-ever tour qualifier for the Indian National Finals Rodeo. The Navajo-Hopi Observer reports the competition will be held in Window Rock June 17-18.

At least 300 contestants are expected to compete in categories including bull riding, bareback, and team roping. There are divisions for male, female, senior and junior competitors.

To read more, go here. 

Best Things To Do In Window Rock

Above, the sandstone rock arch where Window Rock gets its name. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Window Rock, Arizona is a short distance away from Gallup, New Mexico. Before the pandemic, I paid the town a visit.

It is the capital of the Navajo Nation. It has many things to see and TravelAwaits posted an article spotlighting nine of them.

They begin with:

When it comes to capitals, Window Rock, Arizona, stands out for a number of reasons. First, there’s the magnificent red sandstone arch that the town is named for. And then there is the fact that Window Rock serves as the headquarters and capital of the Navajo Nation, the largest sovereign Native American nation in the United States.

Add in the authentic Navajo culture that is on display virtually everywhere — from museums to monuments to trading posts — and you have a capital-city destination unlike any other.

To read more, go here. 

Home During The 4th

Above, in Six Mile Canyon yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As things yesterday turned out, I ended up staying home. 

We got some rain yesterday afternoon. I don't know if it rained or not during the evening or during the night (I wouldn't be surprised if it did), but I didn't feel like venturing out. So I ended up enjoying the quiet neighborhood and went to bed at around 9:15. 

I must've fallen asleep right away because I didn't hear a thing, so I am assuming nobody around my area shot off fireworks. 

Last year was different. I was at Martin Link's and the view from his hilltop backyard were great for viewing fireworks all over Gallup. It was so clear last year that we were able to see fireworks from Window Rock, Arizona. Last night was decidedly cloudy. It was also warmer last year. It was jacket weather last night.

Still, I enjoyed my Independence Day as I drove the Jeep into Six Mile Canyon.  

Rain In the Distance?

Above, looks like downpours might be happing west of us. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This evening, Clint, one of the guys from our Whispering Cedars community, was here working on the Jeep's brakes until the temperature started dropping with windy conditions.

As he was packing up his tools, we noticed clouds in the direction of and north of Gallup or, possibly, Window Rock, Arizona. They looked like possible downpours going on over there. Or, maybe these are scud clouds.

It would be nice if some of those clouds came over in our direction. We could sure use the rain.

November Is Native American Heritage Month

Above, during the summer months, the city of Gallup holds nightly Indian dances. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

November is Native American Heritage Month, in case you didn't notice.

It is well noted here in New Mexico as there are several tribes within the state. The Navajo Nation is checkered across Interstate 40 from me and many Navajos work in local businesses.

According to the Fort Hood Sentinel:

In August 1990, President George H. W. Bush declared November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Since 1994, presidents have issued similar proclamations naming November “Native American Heritage Month” or “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month” and have set aside this month as a time to celebrate the culture and traditions of our Native Americans and Alaska Natives.  

As of January 2021, the United States recognizes 574 Native American Tribes, three of them located in Texas. Throughout our history Native Americans have made significant contributions to our armed forces, serving at the highest per-capita rate of any demographic in our country.  

During World War I, approximately 12,000 Native American men volunteered or were drafted in support of the war effort. Native American women supported the war effort at home as well, volunteering with the Red Cross and donating time and money. Four Native Americans received the Croix de Guerre from France.

During World War II, more than 44,000 Native Americans served in our armed forces, about 12% of the Native American population. Many Native Americans served as cryptologists, or “code talkers”, who used their native languages to send coded messages between units, creating an undecipherable communication method. During this time, Native Americans distinguished themselves by earning Air Medals, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Stars, Silver Stars and Medals of Honor.  

Above, the Navajo Code Talker statue in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Today Is National Navajo Code Talkers Day

Above, the Legendary Navajo Code Talkers statue in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Today, we remember the Navajo code talkers who played a big part in the Allied victory over Germany and Japan during World War II.

From Six-String Soldiers Facebook page:

On this day in history in 1982, National Navajo Code Talkers Day was established as a yearly holiday by President Ronald Reagan. This special day celebrates the Native Americans that used their native Navajo language to create unbreakable codes against the Axis Powers in World War II. Roughly 25 percent of all Native American men served in World War II. These code breakers played a crucial role in many individual battles, including D-Day and Iwo Jima. Today we ask you to take a moment to honor and celebrate their service and sacrifice.

Above, the Navajo Code Talkers statue at the Gallup Cultural Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

From the National Park Service:

Fort Wingate, with its earthen, igloo-like storage buildings visible from Route 66, became a major storage center.  Most famous of Fort Wingate’s World War II contributions, however, were the Navajo code talkers who trained here.  The code talkers baffled Japanese forces in the Pacific using a code based on the Navajo language. 

Above, some of the remaining buildings of Fort Wingate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

Navajo Nation Lifts Some COVID Restrictions

Above, Totem Pole in Monument Valley Tribal Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's some good news from Window Rock, Arizona.

KRQE reported:

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez signed legislation Tuesday to rescind an order that closed the reservation to outside visitors. It lifts several COVID-19 restrictions that will allow tribal parks to reopen at 50% capacity with safety protocols in place as early as Thursday and also allow schools to eventually reopen under a required safety plan.

This means that tribal parks such as Monument Valley will be reopened to visitors at 50% capacity with safety protocols in place..

To read more, go here.

4th of July In Gallup

Above, a burst from the Gallup fireworks program. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last night, I spent the evening of fireworks-watching at the Gallup home of historian Martin Link. The attendees were the monthly dinner group members.

Above, the group getting some munchies before nightfall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

His hilltop home overlooks the western section of Gallup, which gave us a good view of the city's official fireworks display. Link has a gazebo in his backyard and that is where we congregated.

Above, the gazebo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Interestingly, we were able to see the fireworks display of Window Rock, Arizona, which is 25 miles from Gallup. The fireworks from Window Rock were just at the horizon.

Above, a fireworks burst off in the distance from Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most of us were concerned over possible wildfires caused by careless people. Some were also concerned over the welfare of their pets and livestock from the explosions. 

Above, Martin Link had some fireworks in his barbeque, but it was
 decided to not use them due to the dry brush. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We had an enjoyable time at Link's and on our way back to Jamestown, we saw more fireworks along the way (some originating from odd places).

Above, another burst from the Gallup show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Navajo Nation: Delta Variant and Reopening

Above, the northern Navajo Nation from U.S. Hwy. 64. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A variant of the coronavirus, called the "Delta variant", has surfaced in the northern area of the Navajo Nation.

According to KOB Channel 4:

WINDOW ROCK, A.Z.- Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said the first case of the Delta variant was identified in the northern part of the Nation.

"It is a concern right now, we're monitoring the individual who did get the virus. To my understanding, was vaccinated and not that much sickness, and we will see that in the next couple of days how that individual is doing," said Nez.

President Nez said the symptoms and sickness could have been worse without the vaccine. He encouraged the Navajo people to get the vaccine.

Besides that, KOB reported that a resolution passed calling for the 50% reopening of Navajo Nation parks and recreational areas. It has yet to reach Nez's desk.

To read more, go here. 

Navajo Nation President Considering Reopening At 50%

Above, Window Rock, from which the capital city of the Navajo Nation gets its name. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Navajo Nation Tribal Council is contemplating reopening its tribal parks at 50% capacity after its resolution to fully reopen them was vetoed by President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer. A special session was requested by Nez to reopen Navajo Nation roads and allow tribal parks to reopen at 50%.

According to the Navajo-Hopi Observer:

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer are requesting the 24th Navajo Nation Council hold a special session to consider rescinding its order that in March 2020, closed all Navajo Nation roads to visitors and tourists.

The order would also allow Navajo Nation parks to reopen at 50-percent capacity.

The request for the special session was issued in a letter addressed to Navajo Nation Speaker Seth Damon June 18, in which Nez and Lizer outlined their reasons for vetoing Resolution CJN-33-21, which was approved by the council June 3 requesting Navajo Tribal Parks to reopen at 100-percent capacity.

“The health and safety of our Navajo people has been the number one priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Nez said. “Based on the data and recommendations of our public health experts, we feel that opening parks to everyone at 50-percent capacity is feasible. That will allow us to monitor the impacts of reopening parks at limited capacity and consider gradually increasing that capacity level from there.”

Nez said one concern is possible COVID-19 variants on the reservation.

The Navajo Nation extends into the states of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. New Mexico is to fully reopen on July 1. Monument Valley Tribal Park is currently closed to visitors and would be included in the plan for a 50% reopening.

To read more, go here. 

Navajo Nation Council Votes To Fully Reopen Parks and Recreation Areas

Above, Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The tribal parks and other recreational areas within the Navajo Nation may be reopening soon, if the Navajo Nation Council gets its way.

These include such places as Monument Valley Tribal Park and Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, Arizona.

According to the Farmington Daily Times:

FARMINGTON — The Navajo Nation Council has backed a bill to fully reopen parks and recreation areas managed by the tribe's parks and recreation department since the tribe's COVID-19 infection rates have slowed.

The council voted 23-0 in favor of the measure at a special session on June 3.

Despite the support, reopening the locations is not a done deal, a department official said.

"Navajo Parks and Recreation Department cannot unilaterally reopen tribal parks without approval from the Navajo Department of Health and the Office of the President and Vice President regardless of the council's action. If the president approves the legislation the tribal parks would reopen the next day," Department Manager Martin Begaye, said in a June 4 statement to The Daily Times.

That is a big IF. We shall see.

To read more, go here. 

Navajo Nation Reports First COVID-19 Fatality In 11 Days

Above, a map of the Navajo Nation at the Navajo Museum in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Navajo Nation has done a good job with their anti-COVID-19 program of social distancing and vaccinations.

They have gone 10 straight days without a death until now.

The Daily Independent reported:

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported its first COVID-19 related death after 10 consecutive days of no such fatalities.

The tribe also reported eight new confirmed coronavirus cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

The latest numbers bring the Navajo Nation’s pandemic case total to 30,388 with the known death toll now at 1,263.

Tribal health officials said more than 16,500 people have recovered from COVID-19 thus far.

The tribe had been easing into reopening but that slowed somewhat after coronavirus variants were confirmed on the reservation. Tribal officials urged residents to stay vigilant.

To read more, go here. 

National Code Talkers Day Now An Arizona State Holiday

Above, the Navajo Code Talkers statue at Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are two statues in the immediate vicinity (that I am aware of) that honors the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II. 

One is located at Window Rock & Veterans Memorial Tribal Park in Window Rock, Arizona and the other is located in front the Gallup Cultural Center (where the Gallup train station is located).  

Above, the Navajo Code Talkers statue at the Gallup Cultural Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month, Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona signed legislation making the National Code Talkers Day an Arizona state holiday.

ABC15 reported:

Governor Doug Ducey has signed legislation making National Code Talkers Day a state holiday.

It will be every year in mid-August, celebrated on August 14. However, according to Senate Bill 1802, if Navajo Code Talkers Day falls on any day other than a Sunday, it will be observed the Sunday following August 14.

National Code Talkers Day was established in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan.

To read more, go here. 

"Godzilla vs. Kong" In Show Low, Arizona

March 31 is fast approaching. That is the opening day for Godzilla vs. Kong.

Unfortunately, it will not be playing in New Mexico. All New Mexico theaters are currently under lockdown.

The nearest place to see the movie to the Gallup, New Mexico area (where I'm at) is in Show Low, Arizona, which is about 164 miles away. Window Rock, Arizona has a theater, but it isn't going to show Godzilla vs. Kong.

So it appears that I will be heading there to see it.