Manuelito

Manuelito (c. 1818 – 1893), also known as Hastiin Ch'il Haajiní ("Man Who Makes Plans") or Hashkeh Naabaah ("Angry Warrior"), was a prominent Navajo (Diné) war chief who led resistance against the United States Army in the mid-19th century. He is considered one of the most important Navajo leaders of his time, remembered for his bravery and his dedication to protecting his people's land and way of life.

Manuelito was born near Bear's Ears, Utah. During the 1850s and 1860s, he played a significant role in Navajo resistance to American expansion into their territory. He participated in numerous raids against American settlements and military outposts, seeking to defend Navajo lands and resources.

His most well-known act of resistance was his participation in the Navajo Wars, particularly during the Long Walk period. After the U.S. military, under the command of Kit Carson, initiated a scorched-earth campaign against the Navajo, Manuelito initially evaded capture. However, the devastation caused by the military's actions forced many Navajos to surrender. Manuelito, along with his followers, held out longer than most, continuing their resistance from the mountains.

Ultimately, facing starvation and dwindling resources, Manuelito surrendered to the U.S. Army at Fort Wingate in 1866. He was then forced to endure the Long Walk to Bosque Redondo, a relocation camp in eastern New Mexico. The conditions at Bosque Redondo were harsh, and many Navajos died from disease and starvation.

Manuelito emerged as a leader amongst the Navajo at Bosque Redondo. He advocated for the Navajo people's return to their ancestral lands. In 1868, he signed the Treaty of Bosque Redondo, which allowed the Navajos to return to a portion of their homeland in present-day Arizona and New Mexico.

Following his return to Navajo land, Manuelito became a respected leader and advocate for education and self-sufficiency. He encouraged his people to adapt to changing times while preserving their cultural heritage. He served as a Navajo police officer, working to maintain peace and order within the Navajo Nation. Manuelito died in 1893 and remains a symbol of Navajo resistance and resilience.