Ken’s Tours has been around for over 30 years, but Lower Antelope Canyon has been around for much longer than that. Lower Antelope Canyon, located near Page, Arizona, is well known for its natural beauty and the unique slot canyon formed over thousands of years. This natural wonder also holds deep significance for the Navajo Nation. Understanding the deep connection between Lower Antelope Canyon and the Navajo is something we at Ken’s Tours take seriously by sharing its cultural significance on every tour. In this blog post, you’ll learn a bit about what we share and why this canyon is so important to us, at Ken’s Tours, and to the Navajo people.
Historical Background of Lower Antelope Canyon
The Navajo Nation, known as Diné Bikéyah in Navajo, is the largest Native American territory in the United States. It spans northeastern Arizona, southeastern Utah, and northwestern New Mexico. The Navajo people have lived in this region for centuries, and their rich history and culture are deeply rooted in this land.
Antelope Canyon, both Upper and Lower, is a part of this vast and sacred territory. The canyons were formed by the relentless forces of wind and water over thousands of years, creating the narrow passageways and wave-like rock formations that are so well recognized today. For the Navajo people, these canyons are not just geological formations but also have a spiritual significance and a connection to their ancestors.
Cultural Significance
To the Navajo people, Lower Antelope Canyon known as Tse bighanilini or “the place where the water runs through rocks.” The natural light beams that filter through the narrow openings of the canyon walls are often seen as symbols of hope and guidance. Traditional Navajo beliefs hold that the canyon is a sacred space where wildlife spirits of their ancestors dwell.
The Navajo have a deep respect for the land and its natural formations. They believe that every element of nature has a purpose and a spirit. This respect is evident in the way they care for and protect the land, ensuring that its beauty and spiritual significance are preserved for future generations. That same respect is carried through each and every day at Ken’s Tours and is one of the main reasons why Ken’s Tours was founded. You can learn more about Ken’s Tours history.
Contemporary Importance
Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of the Navajo Nation and is helpful in stimulating the economy. Visitors will come from around the world to specifically see Lower Antelope Canyon and its unique beauty. For some people, it’s even on their bucket list! At Ken’s Tours, we are a Navajo-owned and operated company that provides guided tours that not only showcase the canyon but also educate visitors about Navajo culture and history. Sharing our history with the world is one way to educate people about having a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Navajo way of life and the land that the Navajo people hold.
Beauty Can Sometimes Be Dangerous
One danger that Ken’s Tours is well aware of is flash floods. While flash floods can become deadly, they do hold a place in the constant erosion and creation of the canyon itself. Due to the dangers of flash floods in the canyon, Ken’s Tours takes any rainfall very seriously. The first way that we mitigate the danger is the installation of staircases to make exiting the canyon faster and safer than before. Not only that, but we will cancel and reschedule tours based on weather. We’ll notify you via email and will post updates on social media, as well.
Personal Stories and Testimonials
“In the end , you can sit in the Hogan and enjoy traditional Navajo tea and tacos. Kelly, our tour guide, shared a lot of stories from her growing up with the tribe and some supernatural experiences even. Thumb up for the experience this time!”
“First and foremost, it is Navajo-owned and operated, so tour guides are knowledgeable and you’re paying money to the people who have the right to the land. Besides how beautiful the canyon is to walk through, guides also point out cool features and help to take photos of family groups at various key points. Fun experience! Would recommend.”
“Our tour guide, BRANDON, made the experience even better than expected. His willingness to share his knowledge of the canyon, as well as his overwhelming love and respect of the Navajo Nation and his family, made the tour very special. There were children in our group and a family from China as well as old tourists like us, and Brandon was so patient and helpful. At the end of our tour Brandon took the time to demonstrate how a slot canyon is formed using the very available sand and a bottle of water. UNBELIEVABLE how it gave us such an understanding of the canyon’s formation over time. We have been fortunate and have taken a lot of tours; Ken’s tour is definitely at the top. Communication via email was great, and the staff was friendly. Our only suggestion is better bathroom facilities. Antelope Canyon is spectacular; don’t miss it!!!”
How to Respect and Appreciate the Cultural Heritage
Preserving the natural beauty of Lower Antelope Canyon and respecting Navajo culture are among our top concerns, your safety being the first. All our visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines that protect the environment and honor the cultural significance of the land. These include staying on designated paths, not touching or defacing the rock formations, not having backpacks or other items that could scratch the canyon’s surface, and being mindful of the natural surroundings.
Respect for Navajo traditions is equally important. Our goal is to educate our visitors to approach the canyon with reverence, understanding that it is more than just a tourist destination. It is a sacred space that holds great meaning for the Navajo people, and we’re happy to share this beauty with the world.
Learn More About the Navajo Culture
To learn more about the Navajo culture, here are some reading materials that we suggest:
- “Dinétah: An Early History of the Navajo People” by Lawrence D. Sundberg
- “Diné: A History of the Navajos” by Peter Iverson
- “Canyon de Chelly: Its People and Rock Art” by Campbell Grant
Plan Your Visit With Ken’s Tours
Preserving the natural beauty of Lower Antelope Canyon and respecting Navajo culture are among our top concerns, your safety being the first. All our visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines that protect the environment and honor the cultural significance of the land. These include staying on designated paths, not touching or defacing the rock formations, not having backpacks or other items that could scratch the canyon’s surface, and being mindful of the natural surroundings.
Respect for Navajo traditions is equally important. Our goal is to educate our visitors to approach the canyon with reverence, understanding that it is more than just a tourist destination. It is a sacred space that holds great meaning for the Navajo people, and we’re happy to share this beauty with the world.
