1868

Definition

The year 1868 marks a significant turning point in Navajo history, particularly related to the Long Walk and their subsequent return to Diné Bikéyah. This year is pivotal because it symbolizes both the end of a traumatic chapter of forced relocation and the beginning of the process of re-establishing their homeland after years of suffering and displacement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In June 1868, the Treaty of 1868 was signed, which marked the official end of the Long Walk and allowed the Navajo people to return to Diné Bikéyah.
2. The treaty acknowledged the suffering endured by the Navajo during their forced relocation and aimed to restore their rights to their ancestral lands.
3. The return of the Navajo in 1868 was not instantaneous; many families faced challenges such as lack of resources and rebuilding their communities after years of hardship.
4. The year 1868 is also significant as it reflects broader themes of Native American resilience and perseverance in the face of colonization and displacement.
5. Post-1868, the Navajo people began efforts to revitalize their culture and governance, laying the groundwork for their modern tribal government.

Review Questions

• How did the events surrounding 1868 impact Navajo identity and community structure after returning to Diné Bikéyah?
  • The events surrounding 1868 had a profound impact on Navajo identity as they returned to Diné Bikéyah. The trauma of the Long Walk instilled a strong sense of resilience among the Navajo people, fostering a renewed commitment to preserving their cultural practices. The return allowed them to rebuild their communities and reaffirm their connection to the land, reinforcing their collective identity as Diné. This period was crucial for establishing governance structures that prioritized cultural revitalization and self-determination.
• Evaluate the significance of the Treaty of 1868 in terms of its immediate effects on the Navajo Nation's sovereignty.
  • The Treaty of 1868 was significant as it was one of the first formal acknowledgments by the U.S. government of Navajo sovereignty, granting them rights to return to their homeland. This treaty established legal recognition of their territory, which was essential for asserting their autonomy against continued external pressures. It allowed the Navajo Nation to begin rebuilding both physically and politically, enabling them to establish governance that reflected their cultural values while navigating relations with external authorities.
• Analyze how the events leading up to and following 1868 have shaped contemporary issues faced by the Navajo Nation today.
  • The events leading up to and following 1868 have had lasting implications for contemporary issues faced by the Navajo Nation, particularly regarding land rights and cultural preservation. The trauma of displacement has influenced current efforts to protect tribal sovereignty against outside interests such as mining and resource extraction. Additionally, ongoing struggles with economic development and environmental sustainability can be traced back to historical injustices that began during this period. The legacy of resilience continues as the Navajo Nation seeks to balance tradition with modern challenges while advocating for their rights within a broader societal context.

Related terms

Long Walk: A forced march of the Navajo people from their homeland to a prison camp in New Mexico, resulting in immense suffering and loss.

Diné Bikéyah: The traditional homeland of the Navajo people, encompassing parts of present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.

Treaty of 1868: An agreement between the United States government and the Navajo Nation that allowed the Navajo to return to their homeland after the Long Walk and provided for certain rights and privileges.