The Navajo Political Experience

by David E. Wilkins

The Navajo Nation is the largest of over 560 federally recognized indigenous entities in the United States today. Navajo history and politics thus serve as a model for understanding American Indian issues across the board ranging from the tribal-federal relationship to contemporary land disputes, taxation policies, and Indian gaming challenges. This revised edition of a recent text includes new census data along with a new introduction and an updated timeline of Dine political history. The text's thoroughgoing analysis of Navajo political institutions and processes is amplified by a consideration of the distinctive Navajo culture. Presented in the context of indigenous societies everywhere, the book offers a way to explore the culture of politics and the politics of culture confronted by all native peoples.

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dził · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have not read this revised version yet. But the 1999 published version gave me a lot of insight about how illegal and corrupt our own present day government is. Has a lot of information about our westernized government and how it was created and the history of it. Author seems to favor and stress the need for a more westernized reformed transparent government, instead of re implementing of our very own unique government based on our traditions and culture, which included the naachid and the peace leaders and war leaders.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

David Wilkins provides very informative information regarding the early political scene of the Navajo people. This book served its research purposes. Wilkins seems to have understood the relationship with the U.S.A, BIA, and Navajo Nation in early government formation. There are still hints of his intentions to illegitimate early Navajo forms of government. An OK read...

[Mills College Library]

979.10049 W684 2013