Honoring Diné Bikeyah: A Guide to Respecting Navajo Nation Land
Entering the vast, sculpted landscapes of the Navajo Nation, or Diné Bikeyah as it is known to its people, is an experience unlike any other. This sprawling territory, larger than ten U.S. states combined, is not merely a scenic backdrop for tourists; it is the vibrant heart of a sovereign nation, a living entity steeped in history, culture, and profound spiritual significance. For generations, the Diné (Navajo people) have nurtured an inseparable bond with this land, a relationship defined by Hózhó – the concept of balance, harmony, and beauty.
Respecting Diné Bikeyah, therefore, goes far beyond simple "Leave No Trace" principles. It demands an understanding of its unique cultural context, a recognition of Navajo sovereignty, and a commitment to engaging with the land and its people with humility, awareness, and genuine deference. This article serves as a direct, comprehensive guide on how to honor this sacred space, ensuring your visit contributes positively to its preservation and the well-being of the Diné.
1. Acknowledge Sovereignty and History
The Navajo Nation is a sovereign government with its own laws, police force, and judicial system. It is not a federal park or a "reservation" in the conventional sense, but a nation within a nation. This distinction is paramount.
Fact: The Navajo Nation spans over 27,000 square miles across Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, making it the largest land area retained by a Native American tribe in the United States. Its population on the Nation is estimated to be over 170,000, making it one of the most populous.
Understanding this sovereignty means recognizing that the rules and customs of the Navajo Nation supersede those of the surrounding states or federal lands. It also requires acknowledging the enduring resilience of the Diné people, who have maintained their culture and connection to Diné Bikeyah despite immense historical challenges, including the devastating "Long Walk" of 1864, a forced removal that saw thousands of Navajos marched hundreds of miles from their ancestral lands. This history is etched into the landscape and the collective memory, shaping the Diné’s relationship with their territory. Approaching Diné Bikeyah with an awareness of this deep history immediately elevates your respect.
2. Obtain Proper Permits and Guides
This is the non-negotiable first step for almost any activity on Navajo Nation land. Many popular sites, including parts of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument (above the rim is NPS, below requires a Navajo guide), and areas like Antelope Canyon (managed by individual Diné families or businesses), require permits and often an authorized Navajo guide.
Why it matters: Permits contribute directly to the Navajo Nation’s economy, supporting essential services, land management, and cultural preservation efforts. Furthermore, authorized guides possess invaluable knowledge of the land, its history, cultural significance, and safety protocols. They ensure visitors stay on designated routes, avoid sacred sites, and understand the nuances of the environment. Attempting to enter restricted areas without a permit or guide is not only illegal but deeply disrespectful, undermining the Nation’s authority and potentially endangering yourself and the land.
- Where to inquire: Always check with the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department (navajonationparks.org) for general regulations and permitted areas. For specific tours, research and book with certified Navajo-owned and operated tour companies.
3. Understand the Land’s Sacredness (Hózhó)
For the Diné, the land is not merely property; it is a living, breathing entity, a source of identity, spirituality, and sustenance. The concept of Hózhó is central to this relationship. It means walking in beauty, balance, and harmony with all creation. Every mountain, canyon, rock formation, and plant holds a story and a purpose within this interconnected worldview.
Quote: As many Diné elders often articulate, "The land is our mother." This sentiment underscores a profound, reciprocal relationship where the land provides life, and in return, humans are obligated to care for and respect it.
This deep spiritual connection means that many areas are considered sacred, used for ceremonies, or hold ancestral significance. These places are not always marked on maps or visibly distinct. Your respectful actions – quiet contemplation, avoiding disturbance, and refraining from collecting anything – acknowledge this inherent sacredness.
4. Stay on Designated Trails and Respect Private Property
Beyond ecological concerns, staying on marked trails and within designated visitor areas is crucial for cultural reasons. Venturing off-trail can lead you into sensitive ecological zones, archaeological sites, or private family lands.
Fact: Over 80% of the Navajo Nation is privately held by individual Navajo families for residential, agricultural, or grazing purposes. There is no "public land" in the way non-Native visitors might understand it in a national park context.
Respecting these boundaries means:
- No Trespassing: Never enter homes, structures, or fenced-off areas without explicit permission.
- Respect Grazing Lands: Be mindful of livestock (sheep, horses, cattle) and close any gates you open. Do not disturb animals.
- Protect Fragile Ecosystems: Desert environments are delicate. Stay on established paths to prevent erosion and damage to cryptobiotic soil crusts, which are vital for soil health and water retention.
5. Practice "Leave No Trace" – and Then Some
The seven principles of Leave No Trace (plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimize campfire impacts; respect wildlife; be considerate of other visitors) are a baseline, but on Diné Bikeyah, they are amplified by cultural sensitivity.
- Pack it in, Pack it out: This includes all trash, food scraps, and even human waste where facilities are absent (know how to properly bury human waste at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources, trails, and camps).
- Leave What You Find: Do not collect rocks, sand, plants, wood, or especially any artifacts (pottery shards, arrowheads). These are integral parts of the land’s history and natural ecosystem. Removing them is illegal and disrespectful.
- No Graffiti or Vandalism: Chipping, carving, or painting on rock formations or structures is strictly forbidden and a profound act of disrespect to both the land and its ancestral inhabitants.
6. Photography Ethics: Ask First
Photography on Diné Bikeyah requires heightened sensitivity, especially when it involves people.
- Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, particularly elders and children. Some Diné believe that photographs can capture a part of their spirit or are simply uncomfortable with being photographed by strangers. Be prepared for a "no" and respect it without question. Offering a small payment for their time and cooperation, if permission is granted, is also a respectful gesture.
- Be cautious about photographing private homes, ceremonial sites, or sensitive areas. Your guide will advise you on what is appropriate.
- Commercial photography and drone usage often require special permits from the Navajo Nation Film and Media Commission. Do not assume that because you are a tourist, commercial rules don’t apply.
7. Engage with Humility and Respect
Interactions with Diné people should be approached with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
- Be Patient and Polite: Diné culture often values quiet observation and thoughtful communication.
- Learn a Few Words: A simple "Ya’at’eeh" (hello) can go a long way in showing respect.
- Avoid Stereotypes: Do not ask intrusive or culturally insensitive questions. Do not assume you understand Diné culture based on media portrayals.
- Respect Sacred Ceremonies: If you encounter a ceremony or private gathering, maintain a respectful distance and do not interrupt or photograph.
- Support Local Businesses: When purchasing arts and crafts, seek out authentic, Navajo-made items directly from artists or reputable galleries. Be wary of mass-produced items falsely marketed as Native American. Supporting Diné entrepreneurs helps sustain the local economy and traditional arts.
8. Alcohol, Drugs, and Firearms
The Navajo Nation is a "dry" nation. The sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited. The same applies to illegal drugs. Firearms are also generally prohibited or heavily restricted. Adhere to these laws without exception. Violations are taken seriously and can result in arrest and severe penalties under Navajo Nation law.
9. Educate Yourself Continuously
Respect is not a one-time action but an ongoing commitment to learning. Before and after your visit:
- Read Books and Articles: Explore Diné history, culture, and contemporary issues from Indigenous perspectives.
- Listen to Diné Voices: Seek out documentaries, podcasts, and online resources created by Navajo people.
- Reflect on Your Impact: Consider how your presence affects the land and its people, and strive to be a thoughtful, responsible visitor.
Conclusion
Visiting Diné Bikeyah is a privilege, an opportunity to witness breathtaking natural beauty and engage with a vibrant, enduring culture. The land itself, shaped by wind and time, holds the stories of generations, and its future depends on the reverence and mindfulness of all who enter. By actively acknowledging Navajo sovereignty, adhering to their laws, understanding the profound spiritual connection to the land, and engaging with humility, visitors can move beyond being mere tourists to becoming respectful guests and allies.
The call to respect Diné Bikeyah is a call to walk in Hózhó – to walk in beauty and balance, not just with the environment, but with the people who have been its stewards since time immemorial. Your thoughtful actions contribute to the preservation of this sacred land and honor the spirit of the Navajo Nation.
