The Navajo Nation is celebrating the signing of its treaty.

The treaty was signed on June 1, 1868. It ended the imprisonment of the Navajo people, who were forced to walk to an Army for in New Mexico.

"On the first day of June 1868, a most sacred document was signed at Fort Sumner, in the Territory of New Mexico, between Lieutenant General W.T. Sherman and Samuel F. Tappan, Commissioners, on the part of the United States, and Chief Barboncito, Chief Armijo, and other Chiefs and Headmen of the Navajo tribe," President Ben Shelly said in a press release.

"Today is a new beginning for the Navajo Nation. With the empowerment of our communities, Vice President Rex Lee Jim and I are committed to moving our Nation forward. There are many challenges we face as Navajos," he added. "As a strong and resilient people surrounded by a rich, life-giving land, we follow the wisdom of our ancestors. The Navajo spirit lives on in all of us and we will keep our tradition sacred through our prayers, songs, and ceremonies."

The Treaty Days celebration in Window Rock, Arizona, the capitol of the Navajo Nation, will includea rodeo, carnival, traditional games, gourd dancing, a powwow and a country dance.

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Navajo Nation celebrates signing of 1868 treaty (AP 6/1)