Power, Prayers, and Protection: A Cultural History of the Utah San Juan River Navajos

The San Juan River, approximately one-third of which flows through southeastern Utah, either borders or passes through the Navajo Nation. In the past, it has served as a boundary between Ute, Anglo, and Navajo factions and deeply colored the history of the region, since it is one of the few significant sources of water in a primarily arid environment. For the Navajo who have depended on its flow, it has served as a lifeline, drawing large numbers of people to the riverine landscape that encouraged agricultural pursuits, grazing areas for livestock, establishment of trading posts, and coincidentally, later, employment in a rich oil field. All of this has given rise to a distinctive lifestyle centered in beliefs and practices of its residents, who are referred to by old traditionalists as the “River Navajo.” Each one of these “blessings” has also led to conflict and problems, many of which are examined in the book.The author, who has written extensively about the Navajo experience in southeastern Utah, interviewed many elders in the 1980s and 1990s about their lives around the turn of the century and thereafter. Chronologically, this book covers approximately the 1850s to 1990s, and geographically the Four Corners area, including Aneth, Montezuma Creek, Bluff, and Tódahidíkáanii. Oral history makes up the text, which serves as a companion piece to Stories from the Land: A Navajo Reader about Monument Valley, a book that discusses the western portion of the reservation in Utah. Unlike other volumes written about this region, which tend to use extensive written documentation, this book relies primarily on the Navajo voice, providing a glimpse into their thoughts framed by a religious worldview. Even when describing some of the most mundane events—crossing the river, shearing sheep, exchanging goods, collecting herbs, planting crops, adopting new technology, and drilling for oil—there is still a religious side that frames every activity through creation stories. This view becomes even more pronounced when discussing land formations, origin accounts, ceremonies, and the training of a medicine person. A chapter is devoted to each of these topics.Even though I have worked for the Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Department for twenty-five years and am now retired, have married a Navajo woman and raised our children with traditional teachings, and understand the power of the ceremonies, there were still a number of things that I either learned or had reinforced by listening to these elders. The two chapters dedicated to the training and teachings of a medicine man were important. David Kindle, an old-time practitioner, shared how the holy people selected him and why he wanted to share his knowledge gained through years of practice. I enjoyed learning about the many ceremonies that have an origin narrative involving the Four Corners area and how they tie in with specific geographic locations, the Bears Ears being one that is often found in the news today. A major strength of the book comes from the elders who speak lovingly and in detail about the land on which they lived. Ever since the time of the Long Walk (1850s and 1860s), this homeland has helped forge the identity and history of those who have chosen to live there. Utes, Paiutes, Mormons, non-Mormons, and transients have also developed their love of this land, one that at times has been buttressed through conflict. But none have surpassed the Navajo in assigning a spiritual understanding to this region. Thus, the land and its elements have intangible powers that are addressed and summoned through prayers that give the people protection.McPherson points out that all of the elders who shared this information are now gone. That is a significant point. Navajo traditional teachings are being diluted, if not lost, with rising generations. Preserving this knowledge is critical, as they pointed out when sharing their teachings and experiences. Nothing was more significant than having their children and grandchildren understand the important things of life. While change is a constant, the past provides an anchor. This book is easy to read, filled with anecdotes, and well documented. It cites additional sources written by the author and centers on traditional teachings. For me, it was a journey back in time well worth taking, a gift of knowledge. There are many books written about the Navajo, but this is one I recommend not only to serious scholars, but also to my traditional family and friends.