Johnston] 



NAVAHO POPULATION 9 



Navaho census office at Window Kock does not legally constitute mem- 

 bership in the Navaho tribe at the present time." 



In summarizing the above discussion, it should be noted that a 

 number of population figures can be obtained for the Navaho as for 

 other Indian tribes, depending upon the criteria used in defining the 

 categories "Indian" and "Indian tribe." Using a biological criterion 

 (such as having one-fourth or more "Navaho" blood) or a linguistic 

 criterion (i.e., the ability to speak Navaho) would produce a maximum 

 population figure. On the other hand, using some index of primary 

 dependence upon traditional Navaho culture (such as inability to 

 speak English) would produce a minimal population figure. Using 

 such criteria as being listed on a tribal roll or similar register, or 

 having residence on or near the reservation would, finally, result in 

 population estimates falling somewhere between these two extremes. 



In view of the multiplicity of populations obtainable from con- 

 ventional definitions of the categories "Indian" and "Indian tribe," 

 it is necessary to consider an alternative approach to the problem 

 of determining Indian population. This alternative involves pre- 

 scribing the several "ideal" Indian populations whose estimation 

 would be useful for specific purposes. 



A COMPARISON BETWEEN THEORETICAL AND OBSERVED NAVAHO 



POPULATIONS 



The most inclusive Navaho population about whom information 

 might be desired is the population of all persons who meet the mini- 

 mum eligibility requirements for inclusion as members of the Navaho 

 tribe. In theory, this population would constitute a de jure Indian 

 population comprising all persons who are subject to the special rights 

 and status accorded Indians in our society. Estimates of this num- 

 ber, both for Navaho and for Indians in general, would provide a 

 basis for determining needs and allocating goods and services. This 

 inclusive population can thus be termed the de jure Navaho popula- 

 tion, since it includes, in theory, all persons who are legally entitled 

 to administrative consideration as Navahos. The fundamental cri- 

 terion whereby this population can be determined is biological, be- 

 cause membership in any Indian tribe is ultimately determined by 

 one's Indian parentage. Unfortunately, as has been stated, the 

 minimum quantum of "Indian" blood necessary for inclusion of an 

 individual as an Indian varies from tribe to tribe and from time to 

 time within a tribe. In the case of the Navaho no such biological 

 requirements have yet been set forth officially, although the common 

 requirement of being at least one-fourth Indian for inclusion on the 



" From discussion witli Wilbur Morgan, supervisor of tlie census office, and H. B. Colli- 

 flower, chief of the Operations Division of the Navajo Agency at Window Rock, Ariz., 

 summer 1957. 



