In Travel Assignments, Travel Nurse

If you’re thinking about working in the Southwest on your next travel assignment, think about experiencing the Navajo Nation.

Hospitals and medical facilities in and around the area are ready to welcome travel nurses. The Navajo people are rich in tradition and culture but lack medical services that meet the needs of their population. AB Staffing is working to change that with open positions in Chinle, Arizona, Shiprock, New Mexico, and more.

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Navajo mother and daughter

The Navajo people pride themselves on their history of being here long before European settlers. The current population is over 300,000 with about half estimated to live in the Navajo Nation. They are the largest federally recognized Native American Indian Tribe in the United States. An interesting fact is that if you’re working in Arizona, there is no daylight savings time recognized except by the Navajo Nation so it’s possible that you remain in Arizona but have to change the time on your watch.

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

 

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Hogan House
Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Navajo Newspaper Rock, Arizona

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation is located over 27,000 square miles that includes New MexicoUtah, and Arizona, three of the four corners. Head to the Four Corners Monument which is run by the Navajo Nation Department of Parks and Recreation, where you can touch four states (the three mentioned earlier plus Colorado) at one time and it’s the only place in the nation with that distinction. Grab Navajo Fry Bread, fry bread topped with taco meat and other deliciousness, at nearby Grandma’s Frybread Shack or the Navajo Taco.

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Monument Valley, Utah

Another interesting fact is that Canyon de Chelly is the only National Park Service unit owned and managed entirely by the Navajo Nation. Families in this area are farmers who raise livestock and farm the rich soils of the valley. If you’ve tried to garden in the Phoenix area, you know how harsh the soil is, but that’s not the case in Canyon de Chelly! The people here and across Navajoland love their families and take pride in their rich heritage including speaking the Navajo language and practicing the religion.

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Canyon De Chelly

 

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Canyon De Chelly

 

Silversmithing, turquoise jewelry, pottery, and basket weaving are among the arts that are synonymous with the Navajo people. Traveling through the area, you will find artisans selling their wares. In business since 1941, the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise offers a variety of locally made works.

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Navajo Turquoise

 

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Traditional Navajo Pottery

 

 

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Authentic Navajo baskets

 

A number of museums are dedicated to preserving the history of the Navajo people including The Navajo Museum in Window Rock, Arizona, and the Navajo Code Talkers Museum in Tuba City, Arizona.

 Experiencing the Navajo Nation

WWII Code Talkers Newspaper Clipping

 

The Navajo Code Talkers served in six Marine divisions from 1942 to 1945 and are credited with saving many lives. Using the unwritten language known only to them and an estimated 30 non-Navajos, the Code Talkers were able to send messages via telegraph and radio in their native language. The enemy was unable to translate, giving Americans and their allies an advantage during World War II. It is often said that Marines would not have been able to take Iwo Jima if not for the bravery and work of the Code Talkers. It should be noted that other Native American tribes were also part of the Code Talkers.

Looking for a road trip to the area? The Navajo Cultural Tour offers a self-guided route including hotels and shopping destinations along with national monuments like Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the only zoo tribally owned in the country.

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Monument Valley

Antelope Canyon, located near Page, Arizona, is known as the most photographed and most visited slot canyon in the American Southwest due to its sheer beauty. According to the Discover Navajo website, nearby Lake Powell has 186 miles of Navajoland shoreline and offers a variety of water-sports or shoreline relaxation as well as opportunities to experience the Navajo Nation.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is located a little more than 100 miles from Page and is worth the stop if not a short stay. Some areas are closed during the winter while other times of the year are crowded with visitors. If you’re thinking about staying at a hotel, hiking, or camping the canyon, be sure to make arrangements ahead of time. Check the official website for construction, roadwork, and schedules for the North Rim and South Rim accessibility.

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

The Grand Canyon, North Rim

Monument Valley spans the Arizona and Utah borders near Four Corners and gained notoriety as the site for movie director John Ford’s western movies including 1939’s Stagecoach starring John Wayne. If you close your eyes and picture America’s old west, there’s a good chance you’re picturing Monument Valley.  Known as ‘the window’ into the Navajo Nation, the area is a Navajo Tribal Park, not a US National Park. You won’t be able to use a National Park Pass but it’s worth the entry fee to see this piece of American and Navajo culture.

Experiencing the Navajo Nation

Monument Valley, Utah

When you’re experiencing the Navajo Nation, you’re choosing to support a culture that’s rich in history, natural beauty, and art. To learn more, visit AB Staffing Current Openings.

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