The Navajo Tribal Flag
The Navajo Tribal Flag, designed by Jay R. DeGroat, a Navajo
from Mariano Lake, was selected from 140 entries submitted, and was officially
adopted by the Navajo Tribal Council May 21, 1968.
On a tan background the outline of the present reservation is
shown in a copper color with the original 1868 treaty reservation in dark
brown. At the cardinal points in the tan field are the four sacred
mountains, as described for the Great Seal. A rainbow, symbol of
Navajo sovereignty, spreads over the reservation and the sacred
mountains.
In the center of the reservation a circular symbol depicts the
sun above two green stalks of corn between which are three animals representing
the Navajo livestock economy, and a traditional hogan and the more modern type
house. Between the hogan and house is an oil derrick symbolizing the resource
potential of the tribe, and above this are representations of wild fauna of the
reservation. At the top nearest the sun the modern sawmill symbolizes the progress
and industry currently characteristic of the Tribe's development.
We the People
By Jay R. DeGroat
We are many, clearly of different clans.
We are one by our same belief.
We have beauty behind us.
We have beauty before us.
We are the child of White shell woman to the East.
We are the child of Turquoise woman to the West.
We are the child of Abalone woman to the West.
We are the child of Jetwoman to the North.
We are white-corn, father and son.
We are yellow-corn, mother and daughter.
We harvest corn, we feast.
We offer pollen, when we feasted.
We are shepherds, we clothe ourselves.
We are horsemen, we travel around.
We are craftsmen, we create.
We are learners, we explore.
We have industries, we progressed.
We have schools, we achieved.
We have hospitals, we are cured.
We have churches, we are saved.
We walked the "Long Walk," but the "Long Walk" is not over..."
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