They are related to the Athapascan people of Alaska and Canada. Most Navajo who live on the reservation do not live in villages or towns. Instead, they live in scattered settlements in different areas of the reservation. Many Navajo still live in hogans , which are made of earth, logs, and mud. Most Navajo are members of nuclear families, but extended families are also important.
Extended families work together in agriculture, especially herding.
They also work together to build new dwellings. All family members play an important role inside the family. Navajo society is matrilineal. Women have a very strong place in their society, and play influential roles in all aspects of life, including politics, economics, and religion. Navajo society is also matrilocal, since most married couples live near the wife's mother.