Nez-Lizer Welcome the Public to View the Treaty of 1868 “Tappan Copy”

Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer, Second Lady Dottie Lizer, Clare “Kitty” P. Weaver, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, and First Lady Phefelia Nez at the Navajo Nation Museum on June 1, 2019 in Window Rock, Ariz.

Published June 2, 2019

WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Vice President Myron Lizer, Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne, and members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council were in attendance on Saturday, as the Navajo Nation Museum unveiled the Navajo Treaty of 1868 – “Tappan Copy,” donated by Clare “Kitty” P. Weaver to the Navajo Nation, in Window Rock, Ariz.

On June 1, 1868, three copies of the Treaty of 1868 were issued at Fort Sumner, N.M. One copy was presented to the U.S. Government, which is housed in the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington D.C. The second copy was given to Navajo leader Barboncito – its current whereabouts are unknown.

The third unsigned copy was presented to the Indian Peace Commissioner, Samuel F.  Tappan. The original document is also known as the “Tappan Copy” is being donated to the Navajo Nation by Clare “Kitty” P. Weaver, the great grandniece of Samuel F. Tappan, who was the Indian Peace Commissioner at the time of the signing of the treaty in 1868.

“On behalf of the Navajo Nation, it is an honor to accept the donation from Mrs. Weaver and her family. The Naaltsoos Sání holds significant cultural and symbolic value to the Navajo people. It marks the return of our people from Bosque Redondo to our sacred homelands and the beginning of a prosperous future built on the strength and resilience of our people,” said President Nez during the event.

In 1864, the Navajo people were forcefully removed from their homelands and moved 300 miles east to Bosque Redondo, N.M., which is known as Hwéeldi. The signing of the treaty allowed our people to return home to revitalize our livestock, crops, and the land that was destroyed at the hands of the federal government, he added.

“One of the original copies has made it home, and on behalf of my family, we strongly believe that the Treaty of 1868 -‘Tappan Copy” belongs on the Navajo Nation with its people,” said Weaver.

During the event, the Office of the Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee presented a signed proclamation in honor and recognition of the 151st Anniversary of the treaty signing.

“On behalf of the Nez-Lizer Administration, we extend an invitation to our visitors and Navajo people, families, and communities to see the ‘Tappan Copy’ at the museum. This is a time to see the treaty with our family and loved ones to reflect and acknowledge the strength, growth, and resilience of the Navajo Nation,” added Vice President Lizer.

The Navajo Nation Museum invites the public to view the original Navajo Treaty of 1868 – “Tappan Copy” from June 1 – 8, 2019 in Window Rock, Arizona.