List of Navajo Nation Chapters facts for kids
The Navajo Nation is a large area of land where many Navajo live. To help manage this big area, it's divided into smaller parts called Chapters. You can think of Chapters like towns or small cities. They help local people have a say in how things are run.
Each Chapter has a special building called a Chapter House. This is where local leaders work and where people can go to register to vote. When you register, you can then vote for people who will represent your Chapter in the Navajo Nation Council. You also get to vote for the President of the Navajo Nation.
The Chapters are also grouped into bigger areas called Agencies, which are a bit like counties in other places.
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The Navajo Nation has many Chapters, each with its own unique name and history. These names often come from the Navajo language and describe something special about the area, like its land, water, or plants.
Chapters in Arizona
Many Chapters are located in Arizona. Here are some examples:
- Coppermine (Navajo: Béésh Haagééd) means "Digging out Metal." It's in the Tuba City / Western Agency.
- LeChee (Navajo: Łichíiʼii) is named after a burgundy-colored medicinal plant. It's also in the Tuba City / Western Agency.
- Tuba City (Navajo: Tó Naneesdizí) means "Tangled Water" or "Braided Water." This is one of the largest Chapters by population.
- Kayenta (Navajo: Tó Dínéeshzheeʼ) means "Fingers of Water." It's a busy Chapter with a large population.
- Chinle (Navajo: Ch’ínílį́) means "It flows out horizontally." This Chapter is a central hub in its area.
- Fort Defiance (Navajo: Tséhootsooí) is another important Chapter with a significant population.
- Ganado (Navajo: Lókʼaahnteel) means "Wide Reeds."
Chapters in New Mexico
Several Chapters are found in New Mexico:
- Shiprock (Navajo: Naatʼáanii Nééz/Tsé Bit’a’í) means "Rock with Wings." This is a well-known Chapter, named after a famous rock formation.
- Crownpoint (Navajo: Tʼiistsʼóóz Ńdeeshgizh) means "Skinny Tree Canyon." It's a key Chapter in the Eastern Agency.
- Thoreau (Navajo: Dlǫ́ʼí Yázhí) means "Little Prairie Dog."
- Ramah (Navajo: Tłʼohchiní) means "Onions."
Chapters in Utah
A few Chapters are located in Utah:
- Oljato (Navajo: Ooljéé’ Tó) means "To Moonwater." This Chapter is famous for its beautiful Monument Valley area.
- Aneth (Navajo: Tʼáá Bííchʼį́įdii) means "Just like the Devil."
Chapters are very important because they help the Navajo Nation government connect with its people. They make sure that local voices are heard and that communities get the support they need. Each Chapter works to improve the lives of its residents, dealing with local issues and helping to keep Navajo culture and traditions strong.
