Manuelito

Chief Manuelito or Hastiin Chʼil Haajiní ("Sir Black Reeds", "Man of the Black Plants Place") (c. 1818–1893) was one of the principal headmen of the Navajo (Diné) people, who rallied them against the United States military during the Navajo Wars in the mid-19th century.

He was born to the Bit'ahnii or ″Folded Arms People Clan″, near the Bears Ears buttes in modern-day Utah. At the time, the area was claimed by New Spain, and fell under Mexican claims in 1821. Mexico ceded the territory to the U.S. in 1848. The U.S. eventually began efforts to ethnically cleanse the Navajo, as Americans moved westward to settle in the region.

For several years, Manuelito led a group of warriors in resisting U.S. efforts to forcibly move the Navajo to Bosque Redondo in New Mexico Territory. One such effort was the Long Walk of the Navajo in 1864. After ultimately being relocated to Bosque Redondo, Manuelito was among the leaders who signed the 1868 treaty with the U.S. which ended a period of imprisonment in U.S. government internment camps, and established a reservation for the Navajo. Manuelito was also an advocate for western education of Navajo children.

Manuelito translates to Little Immanuel. As with many of his people, he had many names to other Navajo, such as Ashkii Diyinii ("Holy Boy"), Dahaana Baadaané ("Son-in-Law of Late Texan"), Hastiin Ch'ilhaajinii ("Man of the Black Plants Place") and Nabááh Jiłtʼaa (War Chief, "Warrior Grabbed Enemy"). Non-Navajo nicknamed him "Bullet Hole".