The First American and His Range Resource

Abstract

Beginning with the introduction of livestock by the Spaniards, the Navajos have been prominent in the livestock industry. Stock raising has become so much a part of the Navajo life that its origin and development are involved in the religious ceremonies, social functions, and economic status of the people. The Sioux, on the other hand, have had to undergo significant cultural and social change to adapt to range management and livestock raising as a means of obtaining their livelihood. This transformation is proceeding at an accelerated pace. The history of the Navajo and the Sioux, their trials and frustrations, are relevant to other tribes in the production of livestock and involvements of range management.