Navajo

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/navajo

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the people name?Navajo (Diné)
2. What is the linguistic family?Athabaskan
3. What is the Navajo Nation and where is it located?The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the United States. It covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. It is a sovereign nation with its own government and laws.
4. How did the Navajo people become famous for their weaving and silverwork?Navajo weaving started from blanket-making traditions influenced by Spanish and Pueblo styles. Over time, they created unique patterns, dyes, and designs that carry symbolic meaning. Spanish silver introduced silverwork, leading to intricate silversmithing with turquoise.

Athabaskan Languages: A family of languages spoken by indigenous peoples in North America, including Navajo.
Diné Bahane': The Navajo creation story, detailing their origins and spiritual beliefs.
Hózhó: A fundamental Navajo philosophical concept encompassing beauty, harmony, balance, and order.
Sovereignty: The right of a nation or people to govern themselves independently.