POSTSCRIPT AND FORECAST

Each year brings important changes to the Navajos.

Power lines now crass many areas.

Some Navajos now have lights and television, subtle agents of change. In many places, where electricity is at hand, coin-operated laundries make washing easier.

Occasional new markets provide lower prices than the familiar trading post. An official Navajo newspaper is published.

There are a few factories – some Navajo owned –providing much-needed employment.
Population is increasing at three times the national rate, with a probability of 200,000 Navajos in the 1980’s.

But this will still be an average of only one person for every 72 acres on the Navajo land.
The traditional hogan will be used for years to come,

although small contemporary houses are supplementing them more and more. In some arias, modern housing projects are developing.

Tiny cross-roads are growing into settlements,

And settlements are expanding into communities.

In this land of great distances, back roads are still often impassable in bad weather.;,.,. But in many areas pavements are replacing them.

Interstate highways are bringing in outside influences which accelerate the changes.ii. By the 1980’s most major roads will be paved.