American Indian History
Information and Facts
Indian Wars Of The Old West:
Arizona, Part 1
Encounters between the United States Army and American Indians occurred in many places throughout the nineteenth century. Sometimes the encounters were peaceful, but other times the two diverse cultures clashed.
Canyon de Chelly, Arizona
This Navajo citadel was the scene of climatic events in the conquest of the Navajo Indians by the U.S. Army. Col. Christopher C. "Kit" Carson’s invasion of this bastion of Navajo defenses in the winter of 1863 - 1864 was a final blow that convinced most of the tribe to surrender.
Some 8,000 Navajos, three-fourths of the tribe, participated in the tragic "Long Walk" across New Mexico to Bosque Rendondo.
In 1868, after four years of exile, they were allowed to return to their homeland. The site is operated by the National Park Service.
Turret Peak, Arizona
General George Crook
The Battle of Turret Peak in south central Arizona was one of the pivotal fights that broke the backs of the Apaches and Yavapais in their efforts to resist white encroachment into their lands.
Fought on March 27, 1873, the battle of Turret Peak formed part of Gen. George Crook’s Tonto Basin campaign to force the Apaches and Yavapais to submit to reservations.
Capt. George Randall, leading a small force including Apache scouts, surprised a rancheria ensconced near the crest of Turret Peak. The battle at Turret Peak proved to the Indians that there was no sanctuary from the soldiers.
Two weeks later, most of the Apaches and Yavapais surrendered to Crook at Camp Verde, Arizona. The site is within the jurisdiction of the National Forest Service.
Native American Event Calendar from nativegatherings.com:
March 13th, 2010 - 8th Annual Social Powwow
Please come to Willamette University's 8th Annual Social Powwow.
Despite being primarily a social powwow, there is a Women's Traditional contest this year, open to all ages, with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Raffle: Grand prize - Pendleton Blanket.
Vendors please contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs if interested at the phone number below.
March 13th, 2010 - Lawilowan American Indian Festival
Third annual Lawilowan American Indian Festival, March 13th (one day event) to be held at NEW LOCATION: Student Recreation Center, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA. This is a newer, larger venue, as we had over 300 dancers March 2009, and over 3,000 attendees from the general public. Univ. street directions to follow. This is a traditional, non-competitive festival, put on as a gift to the American Indian people. All proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association, Awakening the Spirit Project. 21 NA vendors. All vendors and drums by invitation only! All dancers and vendors will be provided dinner by event organizer at no charge. Concession stand for general public. Admission: $5. Elders 65 and over, and children 10 and under free admission. Open to the public 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Grand Entry: Noon. Head dancers to be announced. Drums: TBA. Emcee: TBA. Arena Director: Many Hawks. Entertainment: TBAmore »
March 18th, 2010 - Training: Fathers and Tradition Coaches
Presented by Wellbriety Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Registration includes materials $450. All are welcome to training.more »
March 19th, 2010 - 36th Annual Denver March Powwow
Witness the pagentary and beauty of tribal dances as performed by over 1,000 American Indian Dancers. Inspired by time-honored songs, performed by 30+ drum groups. Watch a grand entry which begins each session. It has been described as "a magnificant array of color, motion, and sound. Storytellers share the legacies, legends, and histories of a distinguished and proud people. Enjoy the works of tribal craftsmen at 180 booths. Enjoy a freshly made Fry Bread or Indian Taco.more »
March 19th, 2010 - March Native Food Concession