Navajo Pastoralism

Lastly, the ceremonial cycle portion of the Peoplehood matrix of the Navajo and how settler colonialism has affected it. In the Peoplehood, it is stated that “Humans, especially those who have living relationships with particular territories, observe and know the cycles or natural events” (Holm, et al. pg. 14). This knowledge becomes incredible useful when pastoralism is your way of life which is true for the Navajo. The Paths of Life exhibit states that “For more than three centuries the Navajo have been a pastoral people…Pastoralism is a way of life that embodies the values of Navajo Culture.” This way of life has been threatened over the years first with attempts of reduction through policies. Settler colonialism has led to the U.S. government …show more content…
Other threats have been the imposing of an economy based on wages because of settler colonialism. This need for wages as lead to the Navajo people needing to “face a new challenge – to meet the outside world on its own terms while preserving and teaching traditional cultural values” (Paths of Life). Pastoral way of life still has such an important role in the Navajo household. For example, the Paths of Life exhibit states that “In a modern Navajo home, traditions and aspects of pastoral life serve as a means for educating youngsters in Navajo ways and values.” In other words, it is important for these practices to survive time so the Navajo can still use pastoralism to teach the next generations of their culture and traditions. To do so though it is necessary for the Navajo to instill the knowledge of natural cycles onto the younger generations so they too can become successful