Skinwalkers

The belief in Skinwalkers is shared by many Native American tribes, but this article will focus on Navajo Skinwalkers since they are the best documented. Still, not much information is known about the group. Most Navajos fear talking about Skinwalkers lest they become a target of the group.

Skinwalkers are a type of Navajo witch, and not of the good kind. They do not wear funny hats, use large cauldrons, or chant in Latin. Reportedly the initiation rites into the group involve the inductee murdering a close family member, oftentimes a sibling. Most activities by the group are performed under the cover of darkness and the Skinwalkers wear disguises. The disguise usually is an animal skin, which allow the wearer to transform into that animal. Many reports describe Skinwalkers as looking like deformed animals. These disguises combined with the fact the group members try to lead normal lives in the daytime makes detection of a Skinwalker next to impossible.
The Skinwalkers are a secret society known to be embedded in the Navajo tribe. Unlike some secret societies, their aim is not to traffic illegal substances or arms for profit. Their motivations seem to revolve around power and control over the tribe.