Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Long before Canyon de Chelly was officially designated in 1931, its walls already echoed with centuries of life and resilience. The Ancient Puebloans first carved out a life there, followed by the Hopi. By the mid-1600s, the Navajo—who call themselves the Diné—had made the canyon their home, building a vibrant, self-sustaining community amid the red rock cliffs. But the peace would not last. In the late 1700s, amidst conflict from rival tribes and Spanish colonists, a devastating blow dealt by the Col. Kit Carson of the U.S. Army forced the Navajo people from their homeland. Even through this darkest chapter, the Diné survived, carrying with them the strength and memory of the canyon they still call sacred. Learn more about the struggle of the Diné to rebuild what was once theirs and how their sacred lands became a National Monument. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.