“We’re trying to be creative in making land more accessible for opening businesses on Navajo,” he said.
Vendors included representatives from state agencies that have resources for tribes. Colleges and universities shared educational programs that they offer. Businesses showcased their products. Jocelyn Billy-Upshaw, who works in tribal relations with Dine Development Corp., spoke about working with Native businesses. Dine College representatives discussed job openings for professors.
Key topics included Native water rights, Indian gaming, missing and murdered indigenous people, funding for education, the Indian Child Welfare Act, substance abuse treatment, childcare, voting rights and renewable resources.
Nygren said that meeting the needs of the Navajo Nation is a challenge because it is the largest tribe in the country. He praised Arizona Sen. Theresa Hatathlie for her work advocate for Navajo and other tribes. Nygren said a recently implemented gas tax on Navajo is helping to generate more revenue and create jobs, especially in the hospitality industry.
“We’re trying to be creative in making land more accessible for opening businesses on Navajo,” he said.
In addition, he noted the cleanup of abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation has begun. “We continue to push for that. It’s good for the environment. It also brings more money into the Nation because many of the jobs go to Navajos.”
Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma said it’s always a blessing when tribes unite to meet with state legislators. He says he is optimistic that the tribe and state can strengthen their relationship and work together on important issues. “We’re headed in the right direction,” he said.
Nuvangyaoma spoke about a large solar project in the planning phase. He also shared concerns about uranium tailings in Tuba City. “Contamination [of the water] is always a concern,” he said.
Development in the Winslow area by the Hopi tribe was also discussed, as the tribe has acquired land along the Interstate 40 corridor.
Nuvangyaoma emphasized that their work with the state legislators is non-partisan. “We’re looking out for all people,” he said.
Jamie Kootswatewa, who recently became chief administrator for the tribe after 31 years in law enforcement and has the responsibility of overlooking all tribal programs, said the gathering was a great opportunity to connect with other tribes. He has begun working with Navajo County to explore what services can be improved.
“We need to strengthen our environmental programs because some have not had any attention for 20 years,” he said.
Kootswatewa, a Northern Arizona University doctoral student studying strategic leadership, also expressed concerns about the Hopi economy, particular with the closure of the Navajo Generating Station, which supported local jobs.
Navajo Nation Chief of Staff and Attorney General Kris Beecher emphasized the need for tribes to connect with one another to showcase their culture, noting that 27% of Arizona land is comprised of tribal lands. “This is a great opportunity to work together.”
Hopi Tribal Councilman Cliff Balenquah said he wants the governor and Arizona State Legislature to remember that the state economy extends to tribal and rural areas. He referred to land acquired by the Hopi Tribe along I-40 that may be used to develop hotels and other businesses. “I would like to see the chairman and council focus on bringing in businesses that could be outside the reservation,” he said.
The Hopi Tribe recently opened a hotel in Clarkdale and owns businesses in Flagstaff and Winslow. He pointed out the Fry Bread House in Phoenix as an example of a successful Native-owned business.
Balenquah also noted that a well drilled on the Turquoise Trail now is bringing water to Second Mesa, Polacca and Keams Canyon.
Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler, a member of the Navajo Nation, said Tribal Legislative Day was a great time for networking with universities and nonprofit organizations as well as bringing issues to state legislators. She noted that the county has 286 miles of roads on reservations and also provides services to public schools.
“We’re continuing to work with economic development on the Navajo Nation,” she said, adding that she’d like to see the Navajo Generating Station site become a job-training center.
Hopi Councilmember LeRoy Shingoitewa, who was a keynote speaker at two previous Tribal Legislative Days, said he would like to see the tribes act more powerfully to promote their causes. “If not for gaming, the state would not have survived,” he said, in reference to revenue the state has received from casinos. FBN
By Stan Bindell, FBN
Photos by Stan Bindell: Jamie Kootswatewa, chief administrator for the Hopi Tribe, wants to bring more business to Hopi.
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