“The question is: How do we improve economic development on the Navajo Nation?” he said.
Watchman, who has been working with the chamber since the pandemic, said they are also collaborating with the American Indian Enterprise and other groups, with hopes of positioning Dinè College as the Navajo Nation’s Center for Economic Development. “The question is: How do we improve economic development on the Navajo Nation?” he said.
A former CEO of the Navajo Gaming Commission, Watchman emphasized the need for supporting small businesses struggling to secure loans. Unlike other regions, Navajo Nation residents often face difficulty obtaining business loans because they don’t have collateral; no one can own a home on the Navajo Reservation, except for some trust lands in Tuba City.
Founded in 2013, the Dineh Chamber now has about 50 members. Watchman points to the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce as a model for the Dineh Chamber’s growth. He noted that the Navajo Nation faces significant “economic leakage” because it lacks enough local businesses, which forces residents to spend their money off the reservation. He believes this problem can be addressed by creating local jobs and attracting larger employers.
“The key to building a sustainable economy is bringing in a major employer, which would also create demand for supportive services like gas stations and restaurants,” he said.
Watchman also addressed challenges in dealing with the Navajo Tax Commission, which proposed a sales tax but faced backlash because of a lack of public engagement. He suggested that a solution might involve consulting with federal entities to make business loans more accessible for Navajo entrepreneurs, possibly requiring a trip to Washington, D.C.
Watchman believes the hotel industry holds potential for growth, given that the reservation’s population of about 200,000 has access to only 700 hotel rooms. The healthcare industry is another area that needs trained workers. And the renewable energy industry, particularly solar, requires talent in manufacturing and installation.
He added that Dinè College, where his grandfather, Chester Yellowman, was a founding member, is well-positioned to expand its student job training programs.
Watchman, recently appointed to the Navajo Gaming Commission board, wants to see more Navajos trained to fill high-level gaming positions. He envisions a mentoring program to help young Navajos pursue careers in areas such as gaming operations and management.
Watchman acknowledges that Native American college students face high dropout rates and emphasized the importance of retention programs. Arizona State University’s program for Native American recruitment and retention, established by former Navajo President Peterson Zah, provides a strong example, he said.
The Dineh Chamber of Commerce provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for Navajo businesses, with memberships ranging from $50 to $100 annually, depending on business size. FBN
By Stan Bindell, FBN
For more information, Derrick Watchman can be reached at dwatchman@sagebrushhillgroup.net.
Leave a Reply