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THE KING’S BUSINESS THE NAVAHO INDIANS By J. W. BALDWIN
1 ^ AVAHO INDIANS occupy a large scope of territory in northern Arizona and north-western New Mexico. The latest census returns show that there are more than 32,000. They are self-sup porting, living largely from their flocks and herds, and they are* also the only makers of the famous Navaho blanket. There are 11,000 children of school age, but the Government and the churches have only made provision for about 2000, leaving
find; sometimes living under an overhang ing rock, occasionally in a tent; sometimes in a “hogan,” and in summer on the open plain with a fringe of brush to keep the goats from running through the sitting room. When a missionary visits a Navaho fam ily he sits on the ground in their camp fire circle and tells them of the true God, and the way of life through our Lord Jesus Christ. They listen attentively, but
Tolchaco Girls at Navaho Indian School, Leupp, Ariz.
the story sounds strange to them after cen turies of praying to sun, earth, wind, dark ness, bears, snakes, etc. One of the greatest obstacles to the preaching and reception of the Gospel is the, Medicine Man. He sits beside the patient, shaking his rattle, a dried gourd, and chanting a ceremonial song to drive away the evil spirits responsible for the sickness. The people have utmost faith in this system. We, of course, tell them of Him who when He walked the earth healed with His touch and cast out demons by his word, and that He is just the same today.
9000 children in ignorance, darkness and cruel superstition. Up, to ten years ago there were but ten missionaries on the field. The present force is small, but is laying a good founda tion for those who will follow. The whole tribe is in pitiful bondage to the evil one but a great ransom price has been paid for them and it is the work of the Lord’s servants to bring them out. The Navahoes are nomadic, moving when grass and water are exhausted and a very difficult people to evangelize. Scattered on the mountains and hills and hidden away in the canyons, •they are sometimes hard to
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