I wouldn't characterize "Navajo" as meaning savage - even to the Spaniards who first used the term, "Apaches de Nabahu" as a descriptor of the Indians they encountered who were much different from others. As told to me by Navajo (Dine) elders, the term means "Enemies who Cultivate Fields."
The Spanish were fascinated - and later terrorized (a term not to be confused with today's terrorism) - by a group of Indians who were accomplished fighters and raiders, yet retired back to their established residences where they were also accomplished farmers. Even today, along the south banks of the San Juan River, some determined Navajo are eaking a living from the farms they have cultivated so many years.....
As a belagana who was raised just north and east of the Navajo Homeland, I was fortunate to experience much of the rich culture of the Navajo, or Dine, as some would prefer. As an educator, I have had the opportunity work with many cultures - all of whom should be proud of their heritage. None more so than the Navajo, I daresay.
But there are some who would take the worst examples of their traditions and history to cast blame in today's American society. We learn from the past, but we can't live there. We can't dwell on the worst that was done to us by others, nor on the worst that our ancestors did in a like manner. If we can't get past the past, we'll be bitter, ineffective folks who are merely a negative influence. How I treat you today is the key to our relationships today.
Who scalped who first? Not something that should divide us today. If I say Indians and you say Mountainmen, we could both have some historical basis for our beliefs, but the point is, we shouldn't look to scalp - or hurt - each other in these times.
As a belagana to the traditional Navajo, (Dine)I have not walked in their Beauty, but I have been privileged to experience much of the beauty of the culture. As with any culture, however, there is ugly along with the beauty, and it is up to all of us to recognize the worst, but celebrate and emphasize the best.
