Navajo Nation: Difference between revisions

To get started in [[American Indian Genealogy|American Indian Research]]  

The Navajo Tribe is primarily associated with the states of [[Indians of Arizona|Arizona]], [[Indians of Utah|Utah]], [[Indians of Colorado|Colorado]], and [[Indians of New Mexico|New Mexico]].  

Pre-Spanish contact Navajo history varies somewhat, but it is during these early years that the Navajo clan system becomes expanded. When a baby is born, they belong to the mother's clan and is passed their children.It is custom to introduce one's maternal and paternal clans on both sides when introducing yourself for the first time.  

<br>  

==== CONTACT  ====

(928) 871-6000  

<br>  

=== Superintendencies  ===

==== ENROLLMENT  ====

(928) 871-6386 or (928) 729-4020  

The [http://www.archives.gov/research/census/native-americans/1885-1940.html National Archives Microfilm Publication M595] has copies of the the Indian Census Rolls, containing about 692 rolls dealing with a large number of tribes in the United States. It is during this time that Indian Census Roll takers were given instructions to include an individual's Indian and English name. By 1902 instruction was given that families should be given the same surname and that they should translate Indian names into English if they were too difficult to pronounce or remember. If names were too "foolish, cumbersome or uncouth translations which would handicap a self-respecting person should not be tolerated," or derogatory nicknames were dropped and changed.<br><br>When searching Indian Census Rolls, be mindful that they are divided into one of four main agencies (Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern, and some smaller ones), others can be found in other tribal rolls (Hopi, Ute, Paiute, and etc).<br><br>Online verses Microfilm. Online Indian Census Rolls can be found at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1059 Ancestry.com] (a pay site), this has all the benefits of searching records from the comfort of home. At this point in time they only have a few Indian Census Rolls available for Navajo records. Searching microfilm at LDS FHL centers (free) can be more time consuming, but can provide more information which is left out by online sites. Online sites only include the names of individuals and leave out a wealth of information at the beginning of the census rolls; which includes special instructions and procedures by the census taker and even census maps.  

The United States Federal Population Census records in regards to Navajo Indians varies by area. Since about 1885 until 1930, Natives were required to be placed on Indian Census Rolls, by 1940 they were incorporated into U.S. federal population census records. In some areas Navajos were placed on U.S. federal population census records as early as 1900. As most know, U.S. federal population census records are recorded every ten years and at times can also include Indian Census Numbers and can be helpful in tracking down ancestors. <br>  

=== Religion  ===

*Eastern Navajo -- 1929-1935  

<br>  

== '''REFERENCES'''  ==

*Underhill, Ruth. ''The Navajos''.

*Benally, Malcolm. ''Bitter Water: Dine' Oral Histories of the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Peoples''.  

=== Websites  ===

==== GOVERNMENT  ====

*[http://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy/start-research/ U.S. National Archives and Records Administration]

[[Category:Arizona_Indian_Tribes]] [[Category:Utah_Indian_Tribes]] [[Category:Colorado_Indian_Tribes]] [[Category:New_Mexico_Indian_Tribes]]