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Navajo Mountain (Chapter) facts for kids

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Navajo Mountain
Navajo Mountain Chapter
Naatsis'áán Chapter House
Naatsis'áán Chapter House
Navajo Mountain is located in Utah
Navajo Mountain
Navajo Mountain
Location in Utah
Navajo Mountain is located in the United States
Navajo Mountain
Navajo Mountain
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Utah
County San Juan
Elevation
5,886 ft (1,794 m)
Time zone UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-7 (MST)
FIPS code 04-TS520
GNIS feature ID 2419031

Navajo Mountain (called Naatsisʼáán in Navajo) is a special area that crosses the border between Utah and Arizona. It's a "chapter," which is like a local government area for the Navajo Nation. Most of this chapter is in San Juan County, Utah. Smaller parts are in Coconino and Navajo counties in Arizona.

This chapter is one of 18 chapters in the Western Agency. The Western Agency is one of five main areas that make up the entire Navajo Nation. In 2010, about 542 people lived here, and most of them (501 people) were Navajo.

What is a Navajo Chapter?

A chapter is a local government unit within the Navajo Nation. Think of it like a small town or county government. Each chapter has its own elected leaders. These leaders help manage local services and represent their community. They work to improve life for the people living there.

How Chapters Work

Chapters are important for the Navajo people. They help make decisions about local issues. This includes things like roads, water, and community programs. The Navajo Nation has many chapters. They all work together to govern the large Navajo lands.

The Navajo Mountain Area

The Navajo Mountain chapter is named after the actual Navajo Mountain itself. This mountain is very important to the Navajo people. It is considered a sacred place. The mountain stands tall and can be seen from far away.

Location and Geography

Navajo Mountain is unique because it sits right on the border. This means parts of the chapter are in Utah, and parts are in Arizona. The area is known for its beautiful, rugged landscape. It has canyons, mesas, and desert plants. The elevation of the chapter house is about 5,886 feet (1,794 meters) above sea level.

People and Culture

The people living in the Navajo Mountain chapter are mostly Navajo. They continue to practice their traditions and culture. The Navajo language, Diné Bizaad, is often spoken here. Community life is very important. The chapter house serves as a meeting place for local events and decisions.

The Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the United States. It covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo Nation has its own government. This government works to protect the rights and culture of the Navajo people.

Government Structure

The Navajo Nation government has three branches. These are the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This is similar to the United States government. The Navajo Nation Council is the legislative branch. It makes laws for the Navajo people. The President of the Navajo Nation leads the executive branch.

Importance of Self-Governance

Self-governance means the Navajo people make their own rules. They decide how their communities are run. This is very important for preserving their unique way of life. It allows them to keep their traditions strong.

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