Navajo Nation

Navajo Nation (Diné Bikéyah - The Land of the People)

The Navajo Nation is the largest tribal land base in the United States, extending across portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. In New Mexico, Navajo communities stretch across much of the northwestern part of the state, including Shiprock, Crownpoint, Tohatchi, Ramah, Alamo, and To’hajiilee.

The Navajo (Diné) have deep cultural and historical ties to the Southwest. Sheep herding, farming, weaving, jewelry making, and trade have all played important roles in Navajo life. In the 1860s, thousands of Navajo people were forcibly removed from their homeland during the Long Walk to Bosque Redondo near Fort Sumner. The Treaty of 1868 ended their imprisonment and allowed the Navajo to return home, forming the foundation of the modern Navajo Nation.

Today, Navajo lands in New Mexico include many attractions and some of the state’s most iconic landscapes.

Community Events & Public Ceremonies

Many Navajo religious ceremonies are private and are not intended as tourist attractions. Public fairs, rodeos, powwows, parades, and community celebrations, however, offer visitors opportunities to experience contemporary Navajo culture. Dates and schedules can change from year to year.

• July – Eastern Navajo Fair & Rodeo — Held in Crownpoint, this annual community celebration features rodeo events, vendors, entertainment, pageantry, and other activities celebrating Navajo culture and community.
• August – Ramah Navajo Fair & Rodeo — Held in Pine Hill, the Ramah Navajo Fair brings together rodeo events, livestock shows, traditional dances, pageants, food, competitions, and family activities.
• October – Northern Navajo Fair — Held in Shiprock, the Northern Navajo Fair is one of the largest annual celebrations in the New Mexico portion of the Navajo Nation. Events commonly include a major parade, rodeo, powwow, carnival, vendors, traditional activities, and community gatherings.
• October – Alamo Indian Day — The Alamo Navajo community hosts an annual celebration featuring a parade, traditional dancing, live music, food, competitions, and other community events.

Visiting Respectfully

The Navajo Nation is a living community and a sovereign tribal nation with its own government, laws, and traditions. When visiting, remember that you are a guest on tribal land.

• Obey all posted signs and respect areas marked as private or off-limits.
• Do not photograph people, homes, religious activities, or ceremonies without permission.
• During dances and ceremonies, remain quiet and avoid crossing ceremonial areas.
• Do not remove pottery shards, artifacts, plants, or other objects from Navajo lands (you will be cursed).
• Respect all cultural and sacred sites, and do not disturb or deface them.
• Observe all posted speed limits and traffic laws. Going 5 mph over can get you a ticket.

Explore More Tribal Communities

Want to visit more of New Mexico’s pueblos and tribal lands? See our ranking of the best tribes and pueblos to visit in New Mexico, based on public access, cultural attractions, recreation, lodging, and other visitor amenities.