Navajo Rangers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Navajo Rangers |
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| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1957 |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Navajo Nation |
| Governing body | Division of Natural Resources (Navajo Nation) |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | Window Rock, Arizona |
| Sworn members | 11(2020) |
| Agency executive |
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The Navajo Rangers are a special group that helps protect the Navajo Nation in the Southwestern United States. They were formed in 1957. Their job is to look after the tribal nation's public areas, natural places like forests and rivers, and important historical sites. They also help people who are traveling.
The Rangers are part of the Navajo Nation Department of Resource Enforcement, which is inside the Division of Natural Resources. Currently, there are 11 officers working in four different areas.
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The Navajo Rangers were started in 1957 by a man named Richard Fowler Van Valkenburgh. Even though he wasn't Navajo, he cared a lot about the Navajo people and their land.
Richard was born in California and first worked in oil companies. Later, he became interested in archaeology, which is the study of old cultures and history. He spent a lot of time researching Native American groups in California and Arizona.
He started studying Navajo history and culture in 1934. He wrote many articles and a book called A Short History of the Navajo People. Richard's most important work was helping the Navajo people. He worked on land issues for the Navajo Tribe, helping to prove their historical rights to their land. He also helped protect important Navajo records and worked to create a Navajo Park Commission to save ancient sites.
Richard Van Valkenburgh passed away in June 1957. He is buried in the Navajo Cemetery at Fort Defiance, in a place of honor.
What Do the Rangers Do?
The main goal of the Navajo Rangers is to protect and preserve the cultural, historical, and archaeological sites of the Navajo Nation. They do this by enforcing laws, teaching the public, patrolling areas, and making sure rules are followed. They also work to keep livestock safe, which is very important to the Navajo culture and traditions.
Ranger Duties
Navajo Rangers have many different responsibilities. These include:
- Protecting cultural sites
- Looking after forests
- Managing parks and scenic areas
- Protecting fish and wildlife
- Patrolling remote areas, sometimes using all-terrain vehicles
- Helping with search and rescue missions
- Responding to emergencies like floods, mudslides, and heavy snow
- Investigating and responding to wildfires
They also do many livestock inspections. They check animals for rodeos and for groups like 4-H. They inspect livestock that are being sold and help new owners understand animal brands.
Unusual Cases
Besides their regular duties, the Rangers have also investigated some very strange cases. While these cases are rare, a retired ranger named John Dover said they are still an important part of the job. All Navajo Rangers are trained at a federal law enforcement center, making them recognized federal officers.
Even with their training, some cases are very unusual. Rangers like John Dover and his partner, Stan Milford, have received reports about ghosts, UFOs, Bigfoot, and even creatures from Navajo folklore, such as skinwalkers (witches believed to be able to change into animals).
Becoming a Navajo Ranger has requirements similar to other law enforcement jobs. If you are interested, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 21 years old by the time you finish the training academy.
- Have a high school diploma or a G.E.D equivalent.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Have no serious criminal convictions (felonies).
- Have no minor criminal convictions in the last three years.
- Have no domestic violence convictions.
- Not have too many traffic tickets.
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from any U.S. Armed Force.
Applicants also need to provide copies of identification. This includes a valid state driver's license, a notarized copy of their Certificate of Indian Blood, and copies of their high school or G.E.D. certificate.
