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THE NAVAJO CENTENNIAL MEDAL

By Virginia Hall, Editor Emeritus

Over a century ago the Navajo Tribe of Indians signed a treaty of peace with the U S Government. This act culminated four years of warfare, deprivation, hardship and resulted in Federal recognition of the sovereignty of the Navajo Tribe. The treaty was signed at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, June 1, 1868. It was approved and confirmed by the Senate on July 25, and proclaimed by President Andrew Johnson on August 12.

In addition to various festivities, pageants and other activities being put on by the Navajo Tribe, a centennial medal was issued in 1968.

This Navajo Centennial medal bears on its face a Navajo woman engrossed in her traditional occupation of rug weaving. In the background are pictured a primitive hogan and the beautiful landscape of Monument Valley. The reverse shows symbols indicative of the “Century of Progress” of the Navajos. The symbols shown, surround the Horned Sun, a religious figure and a great unifying factor in the lives of the Navajo people today as well as a hundred-plus years ago.

The medal was available in bronze and .999 fine silver. A brochure was included with each medal. Profits from the sale of these medals were used for service and welfare projects conducted for needy Navajo families