Treaty of 1868

Definition

The Treaty of 1868 was an agreement between the United States and the Navajo Nation that marked the end of the Long Walk and established the boundaries of the Navajo reservation. This treaty acknowledged the rights of the Navajo people to their land and sovereignty, paving the way for their return to Diné Bikéyah, their ancestral homeland. It was a critical turning point for the Navajo community, as it not only recognized their social structure but also set the stage for future interactions between the U.S. government and Navajo governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of 1868 allowed the Navajo people to return to a designated area in their ancestral homeland after suffering through displacement during the Long Walk.
2. This treaty not only aimed to restore land to the Navajo but also provided for their right to self-governance and protection of their cultural practices.
3. The treaty established a reservation for the Navajo Nation that included parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.
4. The U.S. government agreed to provide livestock and agricultural assistance to help rebuild the economy of the returning Navajo people.
5. The Treaty of 1868 is often seen as a foundational document for Navajo sovereignty and continues to influence their legal standing and negotiations with the federal government today.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of 1868 impact the social structure and governance of the Navajo Nation?
  • The Treaty of 1868 significantly reinforced the traditional social structure of the Navajo Nation by recognizing their sovereignty and right to self-governance. It allowed the Navajo people to return to their homeland, Diné Bikéyah, where they could practice their customs and traditions without interference. This restoration helped to re-establish communal ties and leadership roles that had been disrupted during their forced relocation.
• Discuss the importance of the Treaty of 1868 in the context of post-war recognition for the Navajo community.
  • The Treaty of 1868 was pivotal in post-war recognition for the Navajo community as it formally acknowledged their rights after years of displacement. It marked a shift in U.S. policy towards Native Americans, focusing on reconciliation rather than merely control. This treaty facilitated improvements in relations between the U.S. government and Navajo leadership, allowing for subsequent negotiations that would further define tribal sovereignty.
• Evaluate how the legacy of the Treaty of 1868 has shaped contemporary issues regarding Navajo sovereignty and land rights.
  • The legacy of the Treaty of 1868 plays a crucial role in contemporary discussions about Navajo sovereignty and land rights. It laid a legal foundation for tribal governance that has been referenced in modern cases involving land disputes and resource management. By asserting their rights through this treaty, the Navajo Nation has been able to engage more effectively with federal authorities, advocating for self-determination while addressing ongoing challenges related to territory, resources, and cultural preservation.

Related terms

Long Walk: The forced relocation of the Navajo people in 1864, where thousands were marched to a distant internment camp in Bosque Redondo, New Mexico.

Diné Bikéyah: The traditional homeland of the Navajo people, which is recognized in their cultural and historical narratives and encompasses parts of present-day Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.

Sovereignty: The authority of a group or nation to govern itself and make decisions independent from external control, a key aspect of the Navajo Nation's relationship with the United States.