Diné Bikéya: Teaching about Navajo Citizenship and Sovereignty
The Navajo Nation, comprising the largest land area allocated mainly to a Native American jurisdiction in the United States, offers a unique opportunity to enhance students’ understandings of citizenship rights and sovereignty. For example, what does sovereignty mean on the reservation? What is the relationship between the Navajo Nation and the U.S. government? What is the relationship between the Navajo people and the U.S. Constitution? In this article, the authors provide a brief overview of the history and governmental structure of the Navajo Nation, and then offer specific ideas and resources for teaching about Navajo history and sovereignty, legislation and sovereignty, and court cases and sovereignty. The appendix includes a comprehensive list of relevant court cases, along with book and website recommendations.