Manuelito was born in 1818 and was known as Navajo War leader. He was born in southern Utah. During the Mexican-American War, the Americans sent people into Navajo country to punish them for allegedly stealing their horses and livestock. The Navajo were able to hide out and stay away from any interactions. They created a strong bond during this time. A couple years later in 1850, the American soldiers shot the Navajo's horses in attempt to get the Navajos off the land. The Indians wanted to stay on the land they have stayed on for years. In order to do so, they created little armies in place of their horses. The leader at that time, Zarcillas soon stepped down from the job saying it was too hard to handle. That is when Manuleito got his first chance at being a leader.

     Since Manuelito was a well known when accociated with the Navajo Indians, his home and lifestock were attacked by government troops. They killed sixty of his horses and about one hundred of his sheep. Manuelito and his troops almost took over Fort Defiance, but were just barely beaten. The matter was settled for now by a peace treaty.  In 1861, Manuelito and the Indians were enraged that their horses were being stolen and hurt by the Americans. The government did nothing to Manuelito's complaint. Consequently, the Indians decided to riot and raid. The American military moved in on the Navajo tribe and they had to hide out. Manuelito moved them all over the Southwest and through the Grand Canyon. Manuelito once said, "I was born there. I shall remain. I have nothing to lose but my life, and they can come and take whatever they please, but i will not move. I have never done anything to the Americans and Mexicans." Manuelito finally surrended in September 1866 at Fort Defiance because it was clearly the only choice. However, he was last chief out of four others to surrender from this battle.

     Manuelito was first named second chief of the tribe. However, soon after he was named head chief of the tribe. One of his greatest accomplishments was traveling to Washington D.C., to meet the President to discuss getting their homeland back. In the treaty of June 1, 1868, the government finally granted the Navajo Indians 3.5 million acres of their homeland. The government also provided them with sheep, goats, tools, and schools for children. Accodringly, Maunelito led his tribe back into the safety of their old land. He was a known as a great and memorable chief because of this braveness in war, dedication, and leadership capabilitles. Unfourtuneately, Manuelito died in 1894.

     Ruth Roessel was an important teacher and author from the Navajo tribe born in 1934. She knew how to weave, farm, and take care of the farm animals at a very young age. She believes her education started not when she first attended school, but when she first heard and learned the Navajo stories. She attended boarding school in New Mexico and experienced homesickness because the boarding schools for Indians try to Americanize the students. She applied for college, but was rejected because she did not receive an acceptable education. However, she made a successful case and was accepted into Northern Arizona University.

     Ruth began her career as a successful teacher and principal at the Navajo plantation. She said on teaching young Indian students, "I grew up with parents and a family who were Navajo, who were proud of it and taught me.... That is what we must at home and at school if we wish to remain strong Navajos." She has written books about Navajo history and modern life. She has become the main character of a children's book where she teaches her granddaughter how to weave, just like she was taught. Consequently, if the Indians have dedicated people like Ruth, their tradition should be continuing for a long time. 

Works Cited

Waldman, Carl. "Manuelito."

"Manuelito" DISCovering Biography.

Sonneborn, Liz. "Roessel, Ruth."

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