Diné Bikéyah -
A Historic Gathering of Traders & Their Neighbors
On Saturday,October 10, make plans to attend an exciting event at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, AZ. You'll want to be there for the reunion of generations of Diné (Navajo) and Bilagaana (anglo) trading families and their neighbors from around Navajo country. Come experience a day filled with storytelling & films, a traditional meal, and traders show 'n tell. Hear stories from the traders and from the elders who remember the "old days" - audience interaction and participation will be encouraged.
In celebration of this event, The Legacy of the Diné Traders exhibit will be re-installed in the museum lobby for six weeks beginning three weeks prior to the reunion. Following its re-installment, The Legacy will become a traveling exhibit, visiting Navajo Chapter Houses for approximately six weeks at a time. The schedule is still in the planning stages but will soon be online at www.NavajoNationMuseum.org.
The most historically significant role for trading posts on the Navajo Nation has been that of liaison between Navajos and the dominant society. The traders established a market for goods the Navajos were able to provide - livestock, wool, arts & crafts - while the Navajos needed goods provided by the traders - flour, salt, sugar, coffee, wagons, tack, etc. Then, as now, they served the needs of the community.
There are only a handful of trading posts in operation on the Navajo Nation today actually owned by traders. There are a few convenience stores owned by corporations that still use the name trading post but no longer include trading as a community service. Traders still buy arts & crafts to sell to mainstream America. They carry traditional ceremonial items used by Navajos - unique items that you would never find at the local Wal-Marts that surround the Navajo Nation in border towns. But in those same towns you'll still find quite a number of traders. Laws governing the trade business on the reservation dramatically affected the trading posts and caused the demise of many. Business off the Navajo Nation, with fewer restrictions, is much more lucrative enabling traders continued prosperity.
Navajo Nation Trading Posts
Inscription House Trading Post, Inscription House, AZ
Kaibeto Trading Post, Kaibeto, AZ
Totsoh Trading Post, Lukachukai, AZ
Shonto Trading Post, Shonto, AZ
Toadlena Trading Post, Toadlena, NM
Two Grey Hills Trading Post, Newcomb, NM
Tsaya Trading Post, Tsaya, NM
If you go:
Navajo Nation Museum
Hours: 8:AM - 8:PM Tues.-Fri.
Hwy. 264 & Post Office Loop Rd.
8:AM - 5:PM Mon. & Sat.
Window Rock, AZ
General Info: 928.871.7941
www.NavajoNationMuseum.org
Free Admission
Diné Bikéyah - A Historic Gathering of Traders & Their Neighbors
Saturday, October 10, 2009, 10:AM - 5:PM Free Admission & Free Lunch
Clarenda Begay, Museum Curator: 928.810.8540.
Window Rock, AZ
928.871.4108
www.ExploreNavajo.com
