Wind Talkers: Navajo Code Talkers in WWII - LIFE on the NAVAJO RESERVATION

In this image we see Manuelito, who was acclaimed head-chief of the Navajo in 1855. Image online via Navajo People.

Although life was hard for the Navajo people, just before the outbreak of World War II, they still found time to have fun - especially after the fall harvest. Fairs were important to them, as depicted in these photographs taken in the 1930s:

• Judging lambs at the Cannoncito Fair in the fall of 1932.
  
  
• Judging white corn at Navajo Church. (Click on picture 6.)
  
  
• Navajo silversmith with examples of his work and tools.
  
  
• Medicine man Charlie Turquoise—pictured third-from-right—is leading a group of Navajo dancers.
  
  
• A "baby show" at the 1932 Na Dish Kish Fair. (Click on picture 15.)
  
  
• The "Best Baby" at Cannoncito Fair. (Click on picture 2.)
  
  
• A Navajo women spinning wool into yarn.
  
  
• A Navajo family group in Canyon de Chelle.

How were the Navajo educated before World War II? How were they governed? How did they live? How prepared would the Code Talkers be to undertake one of the most important responsibilities ever given to any soldier during any war?

EDITOR'S NOTE:  THE LINKS TO NAVAJO PICTURES, AT THE U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES, CAN BE VERY "GLITCHY." SOMETIMES IT TAKES 2-4 TRIES TO ACTIVATE THEM. THEY ARE WORTH THE EXTRA EFFORT.