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Dissertation Information for Tara Elisabeth Travis

NAME:
- Tara Elisabeth Travis

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- History

SCHOOL:
- Arizona State University (USA) (2007)

ADVISORS:
- Peter Iverson

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Noel J. Stowe
- Jannelle Warren-Findley

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Continuity and change in the Navajo community of Canyons del Muerto and de Chelly

Abstract: Canyon de Chelly is located in northeastern Arizona in the heart of the Navajo homeland and its name is derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the Navajo word Tséyi', which means in English, "inside the rock". The Canyon de Chelly system is comprised of numerous side canyons and the two main canyons of Canyon de Chelly to the south and Canyon del Muerto to the north. Within this landscape is the Navajo canyon community who call themselves Tséyi'ni, "Canyon Navajos". Their identity as individuals, families, and neighborhoods is tied to the canyon and specific canyon locales. Throughout their history the canyon community struggled to safeguard the canyon landscape, preserve its identity as canyon dwellers, and remain active stewards of canyon's tangible and intangible past.

Through time the canyon community faced threats to the landscape, attacks to community cohesion, and competing land management agendas. Some have argued that the establishment of Canyon de Chelly National Monument in 1931 constrained the canyon communities' ability to act as stewards and interpreters of their own past. An alternate explanation finds the canyon community, far from relinquishing that role, continue to challenge, negotiate, and implement preservation strategies within the framework of the National Park Service. This approach allowed the community to sustain their identity and connection to the canyon's landscape despite increases in tourism and park development.

The identity of the Navajo of Canyon de Chelly evolved from one focused on a small isolated canyon community to one that became enmeshed in the collective experiences of the, "Long Walk", livestock reduction, and the establishment of Canyon de Chelly National Monument. However, despite all these changes, a continuity of memories, experiences, and strong connections to place remain among those who call themselves Tséyi'ni, "Canyon Navajos". By making sacrifices, teaching values, engaging in discourse and addressing complexity the canyon community preserved their identity. Today, the canyon community continues to define its role as stewards of their canyon home.

MPACT Scores for Tara Elisabeth Travis

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2010-06-22 13:18:14

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Students under Tara Elisabeth Travis

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None