The Shocking Truth About the Navajo Witch Purge of 1878 and What Finger-Pointing Can Teach Us Today

In 1878, the Navajo community experienced a traumatic event known as the Witch Purge, a series of witchcraft accusations and executions that left over forty Navajo individuals dead. Martha Blue’s detailed account in “The Witch Purge of 1878” provides an ethnographic and historical analysis and offers a lens through which we can view current societal dynamics. Today, Native conservatives who advocate for limited government, sovereignty, and freedom find themselves similarly ostracized and demonized, much like those accused during the witch purge.

The Treaty’s Legacy: Haves and Have-Nots

The 1868 treaty created a society of haves and have-nots among the Navajo. A few families received federal funding and kept it within their circles, while many regular Navajos were left in the dark, struggling without support. This division sowed seeds of jealousy, envy, and distrust, ultimately leading to the witchcraft accusations and the brutal purge.

Much like the Navajos who opposed the new federal management, today’s conservatives are navigating a landscape dominated by increasing government intervention and federal overreach. Just as some Navajos resisted the perceived lack of government benefits, modern conservatives advocate for a return to limited government and greater autonomy for individuals and states.

Historical Context and Parallels

The Witch Purge occurred during a significant upheaval for the Navajo people. Following their return to their lands under the 1868 treaty, they faced the challenge of rebuilding their society and economy. This treaty came on the heels of attacks by Mexican mercenaries and raids from the Utes and Zunis, which had left the Navajo community devastated. The Navajo leaders, such as Ganado Mucho and Manuelito, played crucial roles in maintaining order and navigating the complexities of their relationship with the federal government. This period was marked by internal conflicts exacerbated by external pressures from Anglo-American authorities.

One of the key figures in these tragic events was Hastin Biwosi, a Navajo accused of leading a group that cast spells on people and buried their belongings to cause sickness and misfortune. It was Ganado Mucho who finger-pointed Biwosi, accusing him of these acts. Biwosi’s actions, whether real or perceived, became a focal point for the community’s frustrations and fears, leading to his violent death. If Biwosi had been successful in his endeavors, he might have been hailed as a hero, much like Geronimo, for resisting the imposed order and defending his people’s way of life.

In a symbolic act of defiance and to signify their disdain for the imposed order, the Biwosi’s Navajo rebels buried the treaty itself in the body of a dead man, representing the widespread suffering and hardships they endured. His story is a stark reminder of how fear and jealousy can lead to the targeting and ostracizing of individuals who challenge the status quo.

Silence for Compliance

Today, we see a similar division in our society. Many conservatives are skeptical of what the government tells us and demand less government interference and more local accountability. The federal presence often benefits a select few while leaving the majority to fend for themselves. This echoes the historical divide created by the treaty and highlights the need for a more equitable and localized approach to governance. The government has not improved our lives.

The witchcraft accusations during the purge were driven by jealousy, envy, and a deep-seated fear of the unknown. Those accused of witchcraft were often individuals who were perceived as different or as threats to the established order. In a similar vein, conservatives today are often labeled as extremists, radicals, or even “witches” for their opposition to expansive government control and their advocacy for personal freedoms. Liberals want Native conservative voices to be silenced, to not participate. And that doesn’t do anyone any good at all.

Liberals, in their finger-pointing and silencing of conservative voices, mirror the actions of those who accused and executed the Navajo “witches.” This demonization serves to isolate and discredit conservative voices, much like the accused witches were ostracized and executed to quell dissent and maintain control. Liberals seek to silence Native conservative voices and prevent their participation, which is detrimental to everyone. The term “witch hunt” has become synonymous with efforts to target and eliminate political opposition, and the parallels between the 1878 purge and the contemporary political climate are striking.

The Struggle for Sovereignty and Freedom

One of the key lessons from the Witch Purge of 1878 is the importance of sovereignty and self-determination. The Navajo leaders understood the need to manage their affairs without undue interference from external authorities. This principle resonates strongly with conservative values, emphasizing the importance of individual liberty, state rights, and minimal government intrusion.

In today’s political environment, conservatives advocate for policies that reduce federal regulation, protect individual rights, and promote economic freedom. They push back against what they perceive as an encroaching federal presence that stifles innovation, suppresses free speech, and undermines personal responsibility.

The Witch Purge of 1878 reflects on the challenges faced by those who resist centralized control and advocate for autonomy. Just as the Navajo community struggled to preserve their way of life in the face of external pressures, modern conservatives fight to maintain their principles of limited government and individual freedom.

Liberals must recognize that their actions in marginalizing and silencing dissenting voices echo the injustices of the past. However, just as the Navajo people ultimately sought to restore harmony and balance within their society, conservatives today will continue to prevail in their pursuit of sovereignty and freedom. They will continue to speak up.

By understanding the historical context of the witch purge and its implications, we can draw valuable insights into the current political climate. The parallels between the past and present highlight the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and the enduring relevance of conservative values in promoting a free and prosperous society.

In today’s world, where dissenting voices are often marginalized and silenced, it is crucial to remember the lessons of history and continue the fight for the principles that define our freedom and democracy.