Navajo activities in the field of preservation of their cultural heritage

In this article the author examines the indigenous people of the United States, Navajo, and their efforts, ways and ideas to preserve and pass on their traditional culture to the younger generation, and everything related to it; some peculiarities of its acquisition are indicated during the existence of the tribe, during the period of residence in the modern American states of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico; changes in the ways of preserving traditions; their current state; US policy on indigenous people. The author studied the history of the origin of the Navajo tribe; the modern educational system of the tribe, and what role does it play in preserving their traditions; Navajo rituals and beliefs that exist nowadays; the policy of the federal government of the United States on Native Americans, it`s purpose, activities, dynamics of changes over a fairly long period of time from the first half of the XIX century to the end of the XX century. The focus is concentrated on the bills passed at that time, and how did they affect the lives of various tribes located in the United States and with them the Navajo themselves. Certain reasons for changes in the course of US policy towards the indigenous population are described. Also, the article notes the importance of cultural heritage for the Navajo themselves. The basic concept related to their world-view called «Sa’ah Naaghai Bik’eh Hozho» is briefly described, how does it affect the lives of modern members of the tribe, and what role does it play in preserving traditional beliefs. Along with this, the presence of healing rituals is noted, which also plays a role in the transfer of knowledge to descendants. The author describes current actions and trends in the United States’ policies towards their indigenous peoples; existence of developed programs to restore the economic and socio-cultural life of the tribes is noted, which in fact also has an impact on the Navajo.