4 Interesting Facts about Navajo Culture Children Should Know

Most school students in the United States don’t receive comprehensive or even thoughtful education on Native American culture and history, including the Navajo tribe. But as the Native American culture is diminishing, albeit gradually, many schools have begun putting effort to teach students about the native tribes and their contribution for the betterment of the nation.

Not only schools, but many people have also taken initiatives to enlighten Americans - both adults and children - about the creative aspects of some tribes, including the Dine people. One of the initiatives that are prevalent today in the USA is Navajo art and craft that comprise Navajo pattern tri-fold wallet, American beaded wallets, coffee mugs and many others. 

Even though efforts are being made to bring back the Native American culture, we thought of shedding light on a few facts about the Navajo tribe to help children gain a better understanding.

Pronouncing the word "Navajo" and what does it mean?

The spelling of ‘Navajo’ came from Spanish and it is pronounced "NAH-vuh-ho." The word has been derived from a Pueblo Indian word for "farmlands" or "planted fields." The Pueblo Indians likely gave them this name because the Navajo tribe comprised farmers who resided in settled villages. Traditionally, the Navajo people called themselves Dine'é or Diné (means "the people"). However, today most Navajo people use the word "Navajo" to describe themselves, especially when they speak English.

Where do the Navajos live?

The Navajo tribe is native to the Four Corners region consisting of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. They still live in their traditional territory today.

What language do the Navajos speak?

Today, the majority of the Navajo people speak English. However, nearly 150,000 still speak their native Navajo language. Navajo is an extremely complex language that involves many different tones and vowel sounds.

What were traditional Navajo homes like?

The Navajo tribe lived in earth homes called hogans. A hogan is a domed shape home built of a special wooden framework covered with clay with its door facing east. The thick earthen walls help insulate the hogan and protect people living inside from wind and harsh weather. However, most Navajo people live in modern houses today with only a few still living in hogans.

Final Thoughts

The Navajo culture, like many other Natice American culture, is rich in culture and has a unique history that every child in the US should know about. Although Navajo art and craft including Navajo pattern tri-fold wallet, and others, do a great job, teaching your child facts about the Navajo has its part to play.

Author’s bio: The author is a blogger and this article is about facts about Navajo.