Commemoration of the Treaty of 1868

As we gather for the 2025 "Commemoration of the Treaty of 1868" or "Treaty Day Event," we are reminded of the important legacy of this historic document. June holds a special significance as Treaty Month, a time to honor the signing of the Treaty of 1868 between the United States Government and the sovereign Navajo Nation. We invite you to join us in honoring the enduring strength of the Diné people.

Shawn Price (Diné) and the Dineh Tah’ Dancers will present a cultural program focusing on the treaty and the roles of General Sherman and Colonel Samuel F. Tappan as Peace Commissioners at the Bosque Redondo internment camp. The Dineh Tah’ Dancers will share several dances in recognition of the resilience of the Diné. Bosque Redondo Memorial will partner again this year with the Sherman House Museum/Fairfield County Heritage Association in Lancaster Ohio, who last year donated 100 yards of muslin cloth, to be gifted in one half-yard pieces to the public, for a formal acknowledgment of Article XIII of the Treaty. The 2025 Treaty Day coincides with the local Fort Sumner commemorative event, Old Fort Days, which makes for a fun day of celebration.

The site is also excited to debut a new outdoor art exhibition, "Glimpses from the Long Walk," by Shonto Begay that features 19 life-size cutouts of people that will be placed around the courtyard entryway of the site. The installation is based on Begay’s mural inside the Memorial’s permanent exhibit, "The Long Walk," which depicts the Diné on the Long Walk to the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation in the 1860s. The artwork shows people mid-motion, young and old, clothed and underdressed. Some faces are clear with the emotions of pain, despair, or determination, while others are faceless or voiceless, like the many whose stories and knowledge were lost during this dark chapter in American history.

In addition to the afternoon activities, several Diné families will receive sheep from the Friends of Bosque Redondo Memorial’s flock of Navajo Churro Sheep in recognition of the treaty. This is an important partnership project between the Friends group, the Historic Site, and the Diné that offers an opportunity to support wool and weaving traditions for Diné families.

Event is included in admission of $7 for adults and free for children 16 years and younger, Diné, Ndé, & Tribal Affiliations, NM disabled veterans, NM foster families, Friends of Bosque Redondo Memorial members, and Museum of New Mexico Foundation members.