Canyon De Chelly view from the top
Canyon De Chelly housed many different
people throughout time, starting in 2500-200 BCE with the Archaic people. This canyon
provided a source of food and water which made it a bountiful place to live. Artefacts
have been found at this site from many different time periods which proves that
this site allows everything a good home should have, including shelter from
strong weather. Both the Hopi and the Navajo people lived in this canyon;
however both Hopi and Navajo had to leave due to conflict. Hopi left the canyon
due to “drought, disease, conflict and possibly the allure of ideas from the
south” ending their 300 year stay.12 whereas the Navajo were in conflict
over land and animals with Spanish colonists and US military parties. The Navajo
were murdered by these colonists over Canyon De Chelly, which have continued
over time. Canyon De Chelly houses the Diné people without pressure from the
U.S to leave, however as the canyon is a National Monument visitors arrive each
day to walk down the canyon to get to the bottom where the Navajo live, which
could feel quite intrusive. During the evening, the chance to see Monument
Valley at sunset was an incredible experience. For a person who has never been
to Arizona yet to recognise them is proving that popular culture provides an
insight into America and all the special pieces that make America so unique.
12 U.S
Department of the Interior, Canyon De
Chelly National Monument, National Park Service
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