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To fully appreciate the achievements of cultures like the Hopi and Navajo, one must understand the difficulties of simply surviving in the intense climatic extremes of the Four Corners. The land is dry and barren and has become much more so, since the introduction of sheep, who have overgrazed huge areas. The climate of the Four Corners can be harsh, over prolonged periods. The Hopi and Navajo farmers have learned how to grow crops with minimal water, but even they have been sorely tested during the numerous waves of drought that have historically hit the region, over and over, since the settled peoples first entered the area 2,000 years ago. Man's struggle for survival here dates back to the first primitive Basketmaker Anasazi explorers who entered the region. It continues, today.This paper has attempted to show why these nations have viewed Europeans as trouble makers, the source of problems, not the bearers of gifts or presenters of solutions. The outside world will have an easier time with them and be less likely to make an error n respecting their rights and traditions if it is familiar with their perspective on history, and their point of view. Many of the events from the Spanish Period are undocumented, but they are considered to be "facts" in the Hopi and Navajo oral traditions. The actions of the Anglos are much more recent, and are much better documented.
The recounting here makes it apparent why the Native American nations of the Southwest have grievances with Anglo culture, and the government in Washington.
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Proceed to Karen Strom's Journey
Follow scholar Kokopelli to the Suggested
Reading List
Return with Kokopelli to the hogan page, the
Table of Contents
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Black Mesa Highlighted by Sunlight on a Stormy Day
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to
treeves@ionet.net
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Contents, including illustrations, copyright T. K. Reeves, 1997.
on 5 April, 1997.
