View source for Navajo Nation

{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
| official_name           = Navajo Nation
| native_name             = {{spell-nv|Naabeehó Bináhásdzo}}<br><small>{{spell-nv|(Diné Bikéyah)}}</small>
| settlement_type         = [[Indian Reservation|Reservation]]<!-- images, nickname, motto --->
| image_flag              = Navajo flag.svg
| flag_size               = 140px
| flag_alt                = Flag of the Navajo Nation
| image_seal              = TheNavajoNationSeal.png
| seal_size               = 80px
| seal_alt                = 
| image_map               = DineBikeyahBe'elyaigii.svg
| anthem                  = none<br><small>[[The Star-Spangled Banner|Dah Naatʼaʼí Sǫʼ bił Sinil]]<br>used for some occasions</small>
<!-- established --------------->
| established_title       = Established
| established_date        = June 1, 1868 ([[Treaty]])
| established_title1      = Expansions
| established_date1       = 1878–1930
| established_title2      = [[Chapter house (Navajo Nation)|Chapter system]]
| established_date2       = 1922
| established_title3      = [[Navajo Tribal Council|Tribal Council]]
| established_date3       = 1923
<!-- seat, smaller parts ------->
| seat_type               = Capital
| seat                    = {{spell-nv|[[Window Rock, Arizona|Window Rock<br>(Tségháhoodzání)]]}}
| parts_type              = Subdivisions
| parts_style             = list
| parts                   = 5 Agencies
| p1                      = {{spell-nv|[[Chinle, Arizona|Chʼínílį́]]}}
| p2                      = {{spell-nv|[[Tuba City, Arizona|Tónaneezdizí]]}}
| p3                      = {{spell-nv|[[Shiprock, New Mexico|Naatʼáaniinééz]]}}
| p4                      = {{spell-nv|[[Fort Defiance, Arizona|Tséhootsooí]]}}
| p5                      = {{spell-nv|[[Crownpoint, New Mexico|Tʼiistsʼózí]]}}
| p6                      = '''110 [[Chapter house (Navajo Nation)|Chapters]]'''
<!-- government type, leaders -->
| government_footnotes    = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| governing_body          = [[Navajo Nation Council]]
| leader_title            = [[President of the Navajo Nation|President]]
| leader_name             = [[Ben Shelly]]
| leader_title1           = [[Vice President of the Navajo Nation|Vice President]]
| leader_name1            = Rex Lee Jim
<!-- display settings  --------->
| total_type              = <!-- to set a non-standard label for total area and population rows -->
| unit_pref               = <!-- enter: Imperial, to display imperial before metric -->
<!-- area ---------------------->
| area_total_km2          = 71,000
| area_total_sq_mi        = 27,425 
<!-- population ---------------->
| population_footnotes    = Enrolled tribal members
| population_total        = 173,987
| population_as_of        = 2000
| population_density_km2  = auto
<!-- time zone(s) -------------->
| timezone1               = [[Mountain Time Zone|MT/MDT]]
<!-- website, footnotes -------->
| website                 = [http://www.navajo-nsn.gov/ www.navajo-nsn.gov]
| footnotes               = 
}}
The '''Navajo Nation''' ({{lang-nv|{{spell-nv|Naabeehó Bináhásdzo}}}}) is a semi-[[Territorial autonomy|autonomous]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]]-governed territory covering {{convert|27425|sqmi|km2|sigfig=2}}, occupying portions of northeastern [[Arizona]], southeastern [[Utah]], and northwestern [[New Mexico]]. It is the largest land area assigned primarily to a [[Indian reservation|Native American jurisdiction]] within the [[United States]].

==Name==
In [[English language|English]], the initial name for the area was "Navajo Indian Reservation," governed since 1923 by the "Navajo Tribal Council." On April 15, 1969, the official name on the seal used by the government was changed to "Navajo Nation," stating that from that day on "all correspondence, stationary ''[sic]'', letterheads [...] of the Navajo Tribe use the designation 'Navajo Nation' to locate the tribe."<ref name="nav-pol-ex-name">Wilkins, David Eugene. ''The Navajo Political Experience.'' Diné College Pres. Tsaile/Tséhílį́: 1999. page 3.</ref> In 1994, a proposal to change the official designation from "Navajo" to "Diné" was rejected by the council.  They said the name ''Diné'' represented the time of suffering before the [[Long Walk of the Navajo|Long Walk]], and that ''Navajo'' is the appropriate designation for the future.<ref>"Navajo oppose name change", ''Indian Country Today,'' 12 January 1994</ref>

In [[Navajo language|Navajo]], the geographic entity with its legally defined borders is known as ''"{{spell-nv|Naabeehó Bináhásdzo}}."'' This contrasts with ''"{{spell-nv|Diné Bikéyah}}"'' and ''"{{spell-nv|Naabeehó Bikéyah}}"'' for the general idea of ''"Navajoland."''<ref>Young, Robert W & William Morgan, Sr. ''The Navajo Language. A Grammar and Colloquial Dictionary.'' University of New Mexico Press. Albuquerque, NM: 1987.</ref> More importantly, neither of these designations should be confused with ''"{{spell-nv|[[Dinétah]]}},"'' the term used for the traditional homeland of the Navajo people, situated in the area between the mountains ''{{spell-nv|Dookʼoʼoosłííd}}'' ([[San Francisco Peaks]]), ''{{spell-nv|Dibé Ntsaa}}'' ([[Hesperus Mountain (Colorado)|Hesperus Mountain]]), ''{{spell-nv|Sisnaajiní}}'' ([[Blanca Peak]]), and ''{{spell-nv|Tsoodził}}'' ([[Mount Taylor (New Mexico)|Mount Taylor]]).

==Politics==
{{ElectionsNN}}
As reorganized in 1991, the Nation's government has a three branch system: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. 

===History===
====Rejection of Indian Reorganization Act (IRA)====
The Navajo government refused the establishment of a tribal government under the [[Indian Reorganization Act]] of 1934 (IRA) three times. Members twice rejected constitutional initiatives offered by the federal government in Washington, first in 1935 and again in 1953. An initiative in 1963 failed after members found the process to be too cumbersome and a potential threat to tribal self-determination. A constitution was drafted and adopted by the governing council but never ratified by the members. The earlier efforts were rejected primarily because members did not find enough freedom in the proposed forms of government to develop their livestock industries, in 1935, and their mineral resources, in 1953, respectively.

====Constitution====
In 2006, a Committee for a ''Navajo Constitution'' began advocating for a Navajo constitutional convention. The committee's goal is to have representation from every chapter on the Navajo Nation represented at a constitutional convention. The committee proposes the convention be held in the traditional ''naachid''/modern chapter house format, where every member of the nation wishing to participate may do so through their home chapters. The committee was formed by three former Navajo Leaders; Kelsey Begaye, Peterson Zah, [[Peter MacDonald (Navajo leader)|Peter MacDonald]], writer/social activist Ivan Gamble, and other local [[Reform movement|political activists]].<ref>Lee, Tanya. [http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/archive/28209789.html "Navajo group begins process of crafting a constitution"], ''Indian Country Today''. 19 June 2006 (retrieved 5 Oct 2009)</ref>

===Jurisdiction===
The United States still asserts [[plenary authority|plenary power]] to require the Navajo Nation to submit all proposed laws to the [[United States Secretary of the Interior]] for [[Secretarial Review]], through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Most conflicts and controversies between the federal government and the Nation are settled by negotiation and by political agreements. Laws of the Navajo Nation are currently codified in the Navajo Nation Code. 

Lands within the exterior boundaries of The Navajo Nation are composed of Public, Tribal Trust, Tribal Fee, [[Bureau_of_Land_Management|BLM]], Private, State, and BIA Indian Allotment Lands. On the Arizona and Utah portion of the Navajo Nation, there are a few private and BIA Indian Allotments in comparison to New Mexico's portion which consists of a checkerboard pattern of all the aformentioned lands. The Eastern Agency, as it is referred to, consists of primarily Tribal Fee, BIA Indian Allotments, and BLM Lands. Although there are more Tribal Fee Lands in New Mexico, it is the intention of the Navajo Nation to convert most or all Tribal Fee Lands to Tribal Trust.

===Executive===
{{main|President of the Navajo Nation}}
The Title II Amendment of 1989 established the Executive branch of the Navajo nation as an entity independent of the Council, as one part of a three branch government.  It is headed by a president and vice-president who are elected every four years. It consists of several  divisions, departments, offices, and programs as established by law which administer the laws of the Navajo Nation.<ref>2 Navajo Nation Code §§ 1001, 1002, 1003, 1005 (1995</ref>

====Law enforcement====
{{main|Navajo Nation Police}}
[[File:Navajo Police Chevrolet Tahoe.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Navajo Police Chevy Tahoe]]
An important executive function for the Nation is law enforcement through the Navajo Division of Public Safety, with the [[Navajo Nation Police]] (formerly the "Navajo Tribal Police"). There is also law enforcement associated with the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife: Wildlife Law Enforcement and Animal Control Sections; Navajo Nation Forestry Law Enforcement Officers; and the Navajo Nation EPA Criminal Enforcement Section,

Other local and federal law enforcement agencies that routinely work within the Navajo Nation include Navajo Nation Resource Enforcement ([[Navajo Rangers]]), the BIA Police, Ute Mountain Agency, Hopi Agency, and [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA); Apache County Sheriff's Office, McKinley County Sheriff's Office, US Marshals and the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]].

The Navajo governing council continues a historical practice of prohibiting [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]] sales within reservation boundaries. Leaders and some member groups actively oppose the sale of alcohol.  They have taken several measures to find and offer treatment for residents suffering from [[alcoholism]].

===Legislative===
{{main|Navajo Nation Council}}
[[File:Navajo Nation Council Chambers 6809.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Navajo Nation Council Chamber]], a [[National Historic Landmark]]]]
[[Navajo Nation Council]], formerly the Navajo Tribal Council, is the legislative branch of the Navajo Nation. {{As of|2010}}, the Navajo Nation Council consists of 24 delegates representing the 110 Chapters, elected every four years by registered Navajo voters. Prior to the November 2010 election, the Navajo Nation Council consisted of 88 representatives. The Navajo voted for the change in an effort to have a more efficient government and to curb tribal government corruption associated with council members who established secure seats.<ref>[http://navajotimes.com/news/2009/1209/121709elex.php "Majority of Diné vote for 24-member council, line-item veto for president"], ''The Navajo Times Online''</ref>

===Judiciary===
{{see also|Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation}}
Prior to the [[Long Walk of the Navajo]], Navajo judicial powers were exercised by peace chiefs ({{spell-nv|Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Naatʼááh}}) in a mediation-style process.<ref name="Yazzie">Yazzie, Robert (11 February 2003) [http://www.navajocourts.org/history.htm "History of the Courts of the Navajo Nation"] Navajo Nation Museum, Library  &  Visitor Center, archived 3 November 2010 at [http://www.freezepage.com/1288813551HLABUIRMVQ FreezePage]</ref> While the people were held at [[Bosque Redondo]], the [[U.S. Army]] handled severe crimes, while lesser crimes and disputes remained in the purview the villages chiefs. After the return from Bosque Redondo in 1868, listed offenses were handled by the Indian Agent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs with the support of the U.S. Army, while lesser disputes remained under Navajo control.  

In 1892, BIA Agent David L. Shipley established the Navajo Court of Indian Offenses, and appointed its judges.<ref name="Austin-21">Austin, Raymond Darrel (2009), "The Navajo Nation court system", pp.&nbsp;1&ndash36, [http://books.google.com/books?id=LsLpgeXbj5UC&pg=PA21 page 21] ''In'' Austin, Raymond Darrel (2009) ''Navajo Courts and Navajo Common Law: A Tradition of Tribal Self-Governance'' University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, Minnesota, ISBN 978-0-8166-6535-8</ref> Prior to that, judicial authority had been exercised by the Indian Agent.<ref name="Austin-21" />

In 1950, the Navajo Tribal Council decided that judges should be elected.  By the time of the judicial reorganization of 1958, the Council had determined that, due to problems with delayed decisions and partisan politics, appointment was a better method of selecting judges.<ref>[http://www.navajotimes.com/news/2010/1010/102910judges.php "Former justice, legal historian lists problems with electing judges"] ''Navajo Times'' 29 October 2010, last accessed 3 November 2010</ref> The president makes appointments subject to confirmation by the Navajo Nation Council; however, the president is limited to the list of names vetted by the Judiciary Committee of the Council.<ref name="French-151">French, Laurence  (2002) ''Native American Justice'' Burnham, Chicago,  [http://books.google.com/books?id=_HVlL-gBmRQC&pg=PA151 page 151], ISBN 0-8304-1575-0</ref>

The current judicial system for the Navajo Nation was created by the Navajo Tribal Council on 16 October 1958.  It established a separate branch of government, the "Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation Government," which became effective 1 April 1959.<ref>Navajo Tribal Council Resolution No. CO-69-58 (16 October 1958)</ref>  The Navajo Court of Indian Offenses was eliminated; the sitting judges became judges in the new system. The resolution established "Trial Courts of the Navajo Tribe" and the "Navajo Tribal Court of Appeals," which was the highest court and the only appellate court. 

In 1978, the Navajo Tribal Council established a "Supreme Judicial Council," a political body rather than a court.  On a discretionary basis, it could hear appeals from the Navajo Tribal Court of Appeals.<ref>Navajo Tribal Council Resolution No. CMY-39-78 (4 May 1978)</ref> Subsequently, the Supreme Judicial Council was criticized for bringing politics directly into the judicial system and undermining ''impartiality, fairness and equal protection''.<ref>Advisory Committee of the Navajo Tribal Council (9 November 1983) "Recommending the Rescission and Repeal of Resolution CMY-39-78, Which Established the Supreme Judicial Council, and Revocation of Any Inconsistent Authority" available as an attachment to [http://www.navajocourts.org/Resolutions/CD-94-85%20Judicial%20Reform%20Act.pdf Navajo Tribal Council Resolution CD-94-85]</ref>

In December 1985, the Navajo Tribal Council passed the Judicial Reform Act of 1985, which eliminated the Supreme Judicial Council.  It redenominated the "Navajo Tribal Court of Appeals" as the "Navajo Nation Supreme Court", and redenominated the "Trial Courts of the Navajo Tribe" as "District Courts of the Navajo Nation".<ref name="CD-94-85">Navajo Tribal Council [http://www.navajocourts.org/Resolutions/CD-94-85%20Judicial%20Reform%20Act.pdf Resolution No. CD-94-85] (4 December 1985)</ref>  Navajo courts are governed by Title 7, "Courts and Procedures", of the Navajo Tribal Code.<ref name="CD-94-85" /> 

From 1988 to 2006, there were seven judicial districts and two satellite courts. {{As of|2010}}, there are ten judicial districts, centered respectively in [[Alamo, New Mexico|Alamo (Alamo/Tó'hajiilee)]], [[Aneth, Utah|Aneth]], [[Chinle, Arizona|Chinle]], [[Crownpoint, New Mexico|Crownpoint]], [[Dilkon, Arizona|Dilkon]], [[Kayenta, Arizona|Kayenta]], [[Ramah, New Mexico|Ramah]], [[Shiprock, New Mexico|Shiprock]], [[Tuba City, Arizona|Tuba City]] and [[Window Rock, Arizona|Window Rock]].<ref>[http://www.navajocourts.org/districts.htm "Judicial Districts of the Navajo Nation"] Navajo Courts webpage, 29 May 2010, last accessed 3 November 2010</ref> All of the districts also have family courts, which have jurisdiction over domestic relations, civil relief in domestic violence, child custody and protection, name changes, quiet title and probate. {{As of|2010}}, there were 17 trial judges presiding in the Navajo district and family courts.<ref>[http://www.navajocourts.org/publicguide.htm "Courts of the Navajo Nation in the Navajo Nation Government: A Public Guide to the Courts of the Navajo Nation"] revised January 2010, archived 3 November 2010 at [http://www.freezepage.com/1288806381VKQTQRJEFE FreezePage]</ref>

===Local and Regional Government===
In the traditional Navajo culture, local leadership was organized around [[clans]], which are [[matrilineal]] kinship groups. The clan leadership roles have served as a ''de facto'' government on the local level of the Navajo reservation.  In 1927, agents of the U.S. Federal government initiated a new form of local government entities  called [[Chapter house (Navajo Nation)|Chapters]], modeled after government forms more familiar to the Federal agents, such as counties or townships.  Each Chapter elected officers and followed parliamentary procedures. By 1933, more than 100 Chapters operated across the reservation.  The chapters served as liaisons between the Navajo people and the federal government, and also acted as precincts for the elections of tribal council delegates.  They also served as forums for local tribal leaders. But, the chapters had no authority within the structure of the Navajo Nation government.
<ref>David E. Wilkins, ''The Navojo Political Experience'', 1999, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., pp. 81-82.</ref>  

In 1998, the Council passed the "Local Governance Act," which extended the political roles of the existing 110 chapters, giving them authority to make decisions on behalf of the Chapter members and take over certain roles previously delegated to the Council and Executive branches.  This included entering into intergovernmental agreements with federal, state and tribal entities, subject to approval by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Council.  In addition to the local Chapter government functions, regional government functions are carried out by the "District Grazing Committees" and "Off-Reservation Land Boards", "Major Irrigation Projects Farm Boards", and "Agency Councils".<ref>David E. Wilkins, ''The Navajo Political Experience'', 1999, Chapter 9.</ref>

==Geography==
{{see also|Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation|Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation|Tohajiilee Indian Reservation}}
[[File:NavajoNation map en.svg|thumb|300px|Map showing populated places on the Navajo Nation]]
[[File:Canyon de Chelly.jpg|thumb|300px|''Navajo. Seven riders on horseback and dog trek against background of canyon cliffs''. [[Edward S. Curtis]] (1904)]]
The land area of the Navajo Nation is {{convert|24078.127|sqmi|km2}}, making it by far the largest Indian reservation in the United States; it is nearly the same size as the state of [[West Virginia]].

Adjacent to or near the Navajo Reservation are the [[Southern Ute Indian Reservation|Southern Ute]] of Colorado, the [[Ute Mountain Ute Tribe]] of Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, both to the north; the [[Jicarilla Apache]] to the east, and other tribes to the west and south. The Navajo Nation's territory surrounds the [[Hopi Indian Reservation]]. A conflict over shared lands emerged in the 1980s, when the [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]] attempted to relocate Diné living in the [[Navajo/Hopi Joint Use Area]]. The litigious conflict, effectively ended as the "Bennett Freeze" in July, 2009 by President Barack Obama, was resolved or at least forestalled, by the award of a 75-year lease to Navajos who refused to leave the coal rich region.

Situated within the Navajo Nation are [[Canyon de Chelly National Monument]], [[Monument Valley]], [[Rainbow Bridge National Monument]], and the [[Shiprock]] landmark. The eastern portion of the reservation, in New Mexico, is popularly called the "Checkerboard" because Navajo lands are mingled with fee lands, owned by both Navajos and non-Navajos, and federal and state lands under various jurisdictions.  Three large non-contiguous sections entirely surrounded by [[New Mexico]] are also under Navajo jurisdiction: the [[Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation]], the [[Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation]], and the [[Tohajiilee Indian Reservation]].

The Tribal Trust lands have no private land ownerships, and all Tribal Trust land is owned in common and administered by the Nation's government. On the other hand, BIA Indian Allotment lands are privately owned by the heirs and generations of the original BIA Indian Allotee to whom it was issued. With Tribal Trust lands, leases are made both to customary land users (for homesites, grazing, and other uses) and organizations, which may include BIA and other federal agencies, churches and other religious organizations, as well as private or commercial businesses.

===Administrative divisions===
{{See also|Chapter house (Navajo Nation)}}

The Navajo Nation is divided into five agencies, with the seat of government located in [[Window Rock, Arizona|Window Rock/''Tségháhoodzání'']].  These agencies are similar to provincial entities and match the five [[United States Bureau of Indian Affairs|Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)]] agencies. The five agencies within the Navajo Indian Reservation are Chinle Agency, Eastern Navajo Agency, Western Navajo Agency, Fort Defiance Agency, and Shiprock Agency. The BIA agencies provide various technical services under direction of the BIA's Navajo Area Office in [[Gallup, New Mexico]].  Agencies are further divided into [[Chapter house (Navajo Nation)|Chapters]], similar to counties, as the smallest political unit.

===Daylight Saving Time===
The Nation is the only region within the state of Arizona that observes [[Daylight Saving Time]] (DST); it does this to have consistency among its peoples, as some of the Nation is located within the boundaries of two other states that observe DST. The remainder of Arizona, including the [[Hopi Reservation]], is the only area of the continental United States that does not change its clocks.<ref>[http://www.timetemperature.com/tzus/arizona_time_zone.shtml Arizona Time Zone]</ref>

==Demographics==
{{see also|List of communities on the Navajo Nation}}

=== Tribal membership and citizenship ===
{{main|Navajo people}}
The number of enrolled members of the Navajo Nation is 300,048, as of July 2011.<ref>Donovan, Bill. [http://navajotimes.com/news/2011/0711/070711census.php "Census: Navajo enrollment tops 300,000."] ''Navajo Times'' 7 July 2011 (retrieved 8 July 2011)</ref> The 2000 census reported 173,987 Navajo citizens, 58.34% of all ethnic Navajos, living on the Navajo Nation's territory.

The Navajo Nation requires a [[Blood quantum laws|blood quantum]] of one-quarter for a person to be eligible for enrollment as a member, the equivalent of one grandparent, or having one of four Diné clans, to be and to receive a [[Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood|Certificate of Indian Blood]] (CIB). In 2004, the Navajo Nation Council voted down a proposal to reduce the blood quantum to one-eighth, which would have effectively doubled the number of individuals qualified to be enrolled Navajo tribal members.

===Minorities===
{{main|Anglo-America|Hopi|Paiute people}}
Minorities include Anglo-Americans and Hopi, as well as the Paiute around the area of [[Navajo Mountain]].  They were federally recognized as the [[San Juan Paiute]] tribe in 1980, separate from the [[Southern Paiute]].

==Education==

[[File:Navajo Girl, 1941.jpg|thumb|right|''Navajo girl'' [[Canyon de Chelly]], (1941) [[Ansel Adams]] ]]

Historically the Navajo Nation resisted compulsory education, including boarding schools, as imposed by General [[Richard Henry Pratt]].<ref>[http://lawreview.byu.edu/archives/2008/2/8WITTE.FIN.pdf Removing Classrooms from the Battlefield: Liberty, Paternalism, and the Redemptive Promise of Educational Choice, 2008 BYU Law Review 377 The Navajo and Richard Henry Pratt<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> 

Nowadays, education, and the retention of students in all school systems, is a significant priority. A major problem faced by the nation is a very high drop-out rate among high school students. Over 150 public, private and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools serve students from kindergarten through high school. Most schools receive funding from the Navajo Nation under the Johnson O’Malley program. 

The Nation also runs a local [[Head Start Program|Head Start]], the only educational program operated by the Navajo Nation government. Post-secondary education and vocational training are available on and off the reservation. Kurt Caswell, a well-known writer and professor at [[Texas Tech University]], taught at the [[Borrego Pass, New Mexico#Attractions|Borrego Pass School]] on the Navajo Reservation. He wrote a memoir, ''In the Sun's House: My Year on the Navajo Reservation'' (2009) about his life-changing experiences during that time. 

Because drop-out rates are high on the Navajo Nation, the people have adopted programs such as the [[Literacy is Empowering Project]] to help combat academic problems. The non-profit project promotes literacy and pre-reading skills for Native children to increase their understanding of standard academic language.<ref>[http://www.gallupindependent.com/2005/may/051005fun.html "Reading is fun! Miss Utah Navajo starts book drive"], ''Gallup Independent'' (2005)</ref>

=== Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education ===
The Navajo Nation Board of Education is an 11-member board to oversee the operations of schools on the Navajo Nation and exercise regulatory functions and duties over its education programs. It was established by the Navajo Nation education code, Title 10 which was enacted in July 2005 by Navajo Nation Council.<ref>http://www.dineeducation.navajo.org/Board%20of%20Education.htm DEPARTMENT OF DINÉ EDUCATION
NAVAJO NATION BOARD OF EDUCATION</ref> 

The board acts to promote the goals of the Navajo Sovereignty in Education Act of 2005 which include the establishment and management of a Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education, to confirm the commitment of the Navajo Nation to the education of the Navajo People, to repeal obsolete language, and to update and reorganize the existing language of Titles 10 and 2 of the Navajo Nation Code.

The Navajo Nation is committed to promoting lifelong learning for the Navajo people, and to protecting its cultural integrity and sovereignty. A Navajo Nation Board of Education meeting is scheduled the first Friday of every month.

=== Secondary education ===
The Nation has six types of secondary establishments, including:

* Eight [[Arizona]] Public Schools
* [[New Mexico]] Public Schools
* [[Utah]] Public Schools
* [[Bureau of Indian Affairs]] Public Schools
* Association of Navajo-Controlled Schools
* [[Navajo Preparatory School]], Inc.

=== Navajo Preparatory School ===
{{main|Navajo Preparatory School}}
Navajo Preparatory School is the only Navajo-sanctioned, college-preparatory school for [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. Its goals are to offer students a challenging, innovative curriculum in science, math, computers, and other traditional academic subjects, as well as to help the youth gain a deep appreciation of the [[Navajo Language]], culture, and history.<ref name="Navajo Prepatory School">[http://www.navajoprep.com/ Navajo Preparatory School]</ref>

Located in [[Farmington, New Mexico]], a few miles outside the Navajo reservation, its mission is "To educate talented and motivated college-bound Navajo and other Native American youth who have the potential to succeed in higher education and become leaders in their respective communities."

=== Diné College ===
{{main|Diné College}}
<!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[File:Dine College.gif|right|thumb|88px]] -->
The Navajo Nation operates [[Diné College]], a two-year [[community college]] which has its main campus in [[Tsaile, Arizona|Tsaile]] in [[Apache County, Arizona|Apache County]], as well as seven other campuses on the reservation. The Navajo Nation founded the college in 1968 as the first [[tribal colleges and universities|tribal college]] in the nation.<ref name="ambler">[http://www.tribalcollegejournal.org/themag/backissues/summer2005/sum05ambler.htm  Marjane Ambler, "While globalizing their movement, tribal colleges import ideas"], ''Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education'', Vol. 16  No.4 , Summer 2005, accessed 7 July 2011</ref>  Since then, tribal colleges have been established on numerous reservations and now total 32.<ref name="ambler"/>

Current enrollment at Diné College is 1,830 students, of which 210 are degree-seeking transfer students for four-year institutions. The college includes the Center for Diné Studies.  Its goal is to apply Navajo ''Sa'ah Naagháí Bik'eh Hózhóón'' principles to advance quality student learning through ''Nitsáhákees'' (thinking), ''Nahat'á'' (planning), ''Iiná'' (living), and ''Siihasin'' (assurance) in study of the Diné language, history, and culture.  Students are prepared for further studies and employment in a multi-cultural and technological world.

==Health==
{{See also|Uranium mining and the Navajo people}}
Currently several types of [[cancer]] occur at rates higher than the national average on the Four Corners Navajo Reservation. (Raloff, 2004) Especially high are the rates of [[Sex organ|reproductive-organ]] cancers in teenage Navajo girls, averaging seventeen times higher than the average of girls in the United States.

[[File:Navajo woman & child.jpg|thumb|111px|Navajo woman & child]]

[[Diabetes mellitus]] is a major health problem among the Navajo, [[Hopi]] and [[Pima people|Pima]] tribes, about four times higher than the age-standardized U.S. estimate.  Medical researchers believe increased consumption of carbohydrates, coupled with genetic factors, play significant roles in the emergence of this chronic disease among Native Americans.<ref>[http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/americanindian/index.htm American Indians and Alaska Natives and Diabetes.] ''National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.''</ref>

One in every 2,500 children in the Navajo population inherits [[severe combined immunodeficiency]] (SCID), a genetic disorder that results in children with virtually no immune system.  In the general population, the genetic disorder is much more rare, affecting one in 100,000 children.  The disorder is sometimes known as "bubble boy disease". This condition is a significant cause of illness and death among Navajo children.  Research reveals a similar genetic pattern among the related [[Apache]] people.  In a December 2007 [[Associated Press]] article, Mortan Cowan, M.D., director of the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program at the [[University of California]]-San Fransciso, noted that, although researchers have identified about a dozen genes that cause SCID, the Navajo/Apache population has the most severe form of the disorder.  This is due to the lack of a gene designated "Artemis."  Without the gene, children's bodies are unable to repair [[DNA]] or develop disease-fighting cells. (Fonseca, ''Salt Lake Tribune,'' B10)

==Economy==
In recent historical times, the Navajo economy was based on [[Navajo-Churro sheep|sheep]] and [[Animal husbandry|cattle herding]], [[Wool|wool and yarn production]], [[weaving|blanket and rug production]], and turquoise and silver [[jewelry]] making. More recently additional [[Native American art|arts]] such as sand painting, feather work, pottery and others have been added. 

Mining, especially of [[coal]] and [[uranium]], provided significant income to the tribe in the second half of the 20th century.  The uranium market slowed near the end of that period, and the Nation has suffered considerable environmental contamination from poorly regulated mines.  As of 2005, it has prohibited further uranium mining.  The volume of coal mined has declined in the early 21st century. "The Navajo Nation's extensive mineral resources<ref>See the three volumes produced by the Bureau of Indian Affairs 1955–1956: Kiersch, George A. (1956) ''Mineral resources, Navajo-Hopi Indian Reservations, Arizona-Utah: geology, evaluation, and uses,'' volumes 1–3, United States. Bureau of Indian Affairs, University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, {{OCLC|123188599}}</ref> are among the most valuable held by Native American nations within the United States."<ref>Triefeldt, Laurie (2007) "The Navajo," ''People & Places'' Quill Driver Books/Word Dancer Press, Sanger, California, [http://books.google.com/books?id=6FJENAU_gLoC&pg=PA62 page 62], ISBN 978-1-884956-71-3</ref>

An important business within the reservation is the operation of handmade arts and crafts shops to sell the high-quality goods made by the people. A 2004 study by the Navajo Division of Economic Development found that at least 60 percent of all families have at least one member making arts and crafts.{{Citation needed|reason="line" undefined, and 60% seems high unless "line" includes making arts and crafts, also citing a study requires a citation|date=November 2010}} The Navajo work at stores and other businesses on the reservation or in nearby towns, and the Navajo government employs thousands in civil service and administrative jobs. 

Until 2004, the Navajo Nation declined to join other Native American nations within the United States that had opened gambling [[casino]]s. That year, the nation signed a compact with New Mexico to operate a casino at [[To'hajiilee, New Mexico|To'hajiilee]], near [[Albuquerque, New Mexico|Albuquerque]]. Navajo leaders also negotiated with Arizona officials for casinos near [[Flagstaff, Arizona|Flagstaff]], [[Lake Powell]], Winslow, Sanders (Nahata Dziil Chapter), and Cameron (the Grand Canyon entrance). The [[Dine Development Corporation]] was formed in 2004 to promote Navajo business and seek viable business development to make use of casino revenues.<ref>[http://www.navajobusinessdevelopment.com/ "Diné Development Corporation"], retrieved 5 Oct 2009</ref>

The [[Black Mesa and Lake Powell]] railroad serves one of the coal mines in the Diné region, carrying coal to the [[Navajo Generating Station]] at [[Page, Arizona]]. [[Peabody Energy|Peabody Energy's]] Black Mesa coal mine near [[Kayenta, Arizona|Kayenta]], a [[Black Mesa Peabody Coal controversy|controversial strip mine]], was shut down on December 31, 2005 for its [[emissions trading|emission credits]]. This mine had fed the [[Mohave Power Station]] at [[Laughlin, Nevada]], via a [[slurry pipeline]] that used water from the Black Mesa aquifer. 

In early 2008, the Navajo Nation and Houston-based IPP entered into an agreement to monitor wind resources, with the potential to build a 500-[[megawatt]] [[wind farm]] some 50 miles (80&nbsp;km) north of Flagstaff. Known as the Navajo Wind Project, it will be the second commercial wind farm in Arizona after Iberdrola's Dry Lake development. The Navajo Council approved the development by overriding a tribal presidential veto in December 2010. Disagreement between the central Navajo government and the local Navajo Cameron Chapter have led to confusion as to whether the development will be built.

The unemployment level fluctuates between an overall 40 and 45 percent for the nation of reported taxed income.  In some communities, it can go as high as 85 percent or as low as 15 percent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navajobusiness.com/fastFacts/Overview.htm |title=Navajo Division of Economic Development |accessdate=2008-06-18}}</ref>

=== Utah Dineh Corporation Inc ===
The [[Utah Dineh Corporation Inc|Utah Diné Corporation]] is a nonprofit organization established in order to maintain the Utah Navajo Oil Reserve revenues in the Aneth Oil Field section of Utah. Much of this area is within the Utah Navajo side of [[San Juan County, Utah]].

The Special Trustee for American Indians testified to the House Committee on Natural Resources and stated that his office did not have the capacity to administer the Utah Navajo Trust Fund in a manner required by the 1933 Act.{{cn|date=July 2011}}  The Utah Diné Corporation was established in order to maintain the Utah Navajo Oil Royalties after passage of [[Senate Bill 1690]], proposed and sponsored by US Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT). It was to amend the Act of March 1, 1933, to transfer certain authority and resources to the [[Utah Dineh Corporation Inc|Utah Diné Corporation]], and for other purposes.
<ref>http://indian.senate.gov/public/_files/BENNETTstatement.pdf Statement by Senator Robert F. Bennett before the Committee on Indian Affairs</ref>

===Navajo Nation tax incentives===
The Navajo Nation does not tax corporate income, inventories, and personal income. Additionally, the Nation does not have property or unemployment tax (although this is subject to change). In general, taxation on the Navajo Nation is lower in comparison to other places in the United States. This is particularly true for businesses which are newly established or which have expanded their operation onto the Navajo Nation. There are a number of federal and state tax incentives currently in place.

Currently, the Navajo Nation charges a 4 percent tax on all retail sales; all local business on the Navajo Nation pay this amount.<ref>[http://340392373-03-31-2007-23-12-51.pdf "Navajo Nation sales tax to rise one percent on July 1."] ''The Navajo Nation: Office of the President and Vice President''. 30 March 2007 (retrieved 15 Jan 2009)</ref>

===Housing and transportation===
The Navajo Housing Authority, the tribally designated housing entity for the Navajo Nation, has begun construction of new homes on the Navajo Nation with new materials which are more cost-effective and less prone to fire damage. NHA housing developments exist among the six agencies of the Navajo Nation. Many families build scattered-site homes on their traditional homesite lease. 

''Hooghan'' means the home for Navajos, and it is the center of learning.  The traditional style of home of the Navajo is the [[hogan]].  Most modern housing in the Navajo Nation is built as detached single-family homes and mobile homes.  Most homes in the Navajo Nation were built in the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s, although older built homes do exist. Single-family homes are mostly rural-styled homes constructed of wood. Because many homes do not have access to [[natural gas]] and [[electricity]], most homes use wood or propane for heat and cooking.
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Navajo children.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Navajo children]] -->
Due to the reservation's remote geographic location, many structures do not have telephone or public utility services; they also may lack complete kitchen or plumbing facilities. But the nation has developed more infrastructure through the years, affording Navajo families the modern conveniences of [[DSL]], [[satellite television]] and [[wireless]] access in some communities. The government-subsidized phone program has brought the most remote locations of the reservation in contact with the rest of the Navajo Nation. 

Roads within the reservation vary in condition. Most federally operated U.S. highways are in excellent condition year-round and are suitable for vehicles of any size.  Roads are generally unpaved in many rural areas and small villages.  In the central parts of the Navajo Nation, near the Black Mesa (Arizona), roads are often poorly maintained, and are sometimes in nearly unusable condition after very heavy rains. In general, except for the most remote regions, road conditions in the Navajo Nation are usually acceptable for routine use.

==Notable Navajo politicians==
* [[Henry Chee Dodge]], first Chairman of Navajo Tribal Council (1922-1928, 1942-1946)
* [[Lilakai Julian Neil]], First woman elected to Navajo Tribal Council (1946-1951)
* [[Annie Dodge Wauneka]], Navajo Tribal Councilwoman (1951-1978)
* [[Peter MacDonald (Navajo leader)|Peter MacDonald]], Navajo Tribal Chairman (1970-1989)
* [[Peterson Zah]], Chairman/President of the Navajo Nation (1991-1995)
* [[Edward T. Begay]], Navajo Nation Speaker of the Council (1999-2003)
* [[Lawrence T. Morgan]], Speaker of the Council (2003-2011) 
* [[Joe Shirley Jr.]], President of the Navajo Nation (2003–2010)
* [[Ben Shelly]], President of the Navajo Nation (2011–Present)

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
Jacob (JC) Morgan First Tribally Elected Chairman 1938 to 1942

== External links ==
{{Portal box|United States|Indigenous peoples of North America}}
* [http://www.navajo-nsn.gov/ Official Navajo Nation Website]
** [http://www.president.navajo-nsn.gov/president.html President of the Navajo Nation]
** [http://www.president.navajo-nsn.gov/vicePresident.html Vice President of the Navajo Nation]

{{coord|36|11|13|N|109|34|25|W|source:kolossus-itwiki_scale:2500000|display=title}}
{{AttachedKML}}
{{Navajo Nation}}

[[Category:Navajo Nation| ]]

{{Link FA|nv}}

[[ca:Nació Navajo]]
[[da:Navajo Nation]]
[[de:Navajo Nation Reservation]]
[[nv:Naabeehó]]
[[fa:ناواهو]]
[[it:Riserva Navajo]]
[[mr:नवाहो]]
[[ja:ナバホ・ネイション]]
[[ru:Навахо-нейшен]]
[[zh:纳瓦霍族保留地]]