SCALE OF NAVAJO RESERVATION Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Architecture Fall 2016
TRANSFER OF AMERICAN INDIAN LAND Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Architecture Fall 2016
THE NAVAJO CODE TALKERS Beginning in the late 1800s Indian children were forbidden to speak their own languages and were punished in church and government boarding schools if they did so. Until 1924 many American Indians weren’t even considered citizens of the United States (Schupman). Despite this history many Navajo Indian men and woman honorably defended their homeland and the United States when it was threatened during World War II. Ironically, their language would take a critical role as a weapon during this war. Instead of be- ing forbidden to speak, as they previously were, the Navajo were encouraged to develop secret battle communications based on their language. The soldiers, known as Code Talk- ers, became one of the biggest assets to the United States during the war. More than 400 Navajos were recruited as Code Talkers. It wasn’t until 1968 that these veterans were recognized for their service. Up until that time the operation was still considered classified. Their involvement during the war demonstrated the importance of their native language and their dedication to their land and people. These veter- ans deserve to be recognized and their legacy and language should be preserved and passed on to future generations. “Language is central to cultural identity. It is the code containing the subtleties and secrets of cultural life. In many ways, language determines thought.” — W. Richard West, Jr., Southern Cheyenne and member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma; Found- ing Director, National Museum of the American Indian Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Architecture Fall 2016
PROGRAM In 2011 the National Navajo Code Talkers Museum and Program Goals Components Veterans Center, which is currently located in Tuba City, had a Nationwide competition for a Museum and Veterans’ 1. Tell the Story A. Museum Center to be located on Navajo Code Talker land a few Oral History Archives miles east of Window Rock, Arizona. The mission for the 2. Honor All Veterans Exhibits museum and veterans center is as follows: Collections 3. Educate about Culture and Language Language Preservation “Preserve and pass on the legacy and language of the Na- Education Programs vajo Code Talkers while educating the public and providing 4. Support the Community Research and Technology a place of refuge, renewal and healing for all veterans, Commerce military personnel, and their families” (National Navajo 5. Sensitivity to Site Administration - Back of House - Mechanical Code Talkers Museum and Veteran Center Report). Restrooms This thesis will seek to uphold this mission through the B. Veterans Center proposal. It will seek to celebrate the history of the WWII Meeting Facilities Navajo Code Talkers as well as the history of Navajo tra- Social Room ditions and culture and site history. It will not only seek to Honor Hall preserve a memory but also support these veterans and Spiritual/Cultural the entire community. Celebration Center Administration - Back of House - Mechanical Restrooms C. Clinic Health and Wellness Long-Term Care Complex Support Services Business Support Administration - Back of House - Mechanical Restrooms D. Constructed Landscape Memorial Garden Long Walk Honor Trail Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Architecture Fall 2016
Dine Bitah “Among the People” Scenic Road Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Architecture Fall 2016
POINTS OF INTEREST COLORADO UTAH NEW MEXICO ARIZONA NAVAJO RESERVATION TUBA CITY CANYON DE CHELLY HOPI RESERVATION HUBBEL TRADING POST NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE WINDOW ROCK “CENTER OF THE WORLD” 0 10 20 40 70 MILES Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Architecture Fall 2016
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