Friday September 4, 2009, 11:09 pm
You can imagine my surprise when I finally caught up on some magazine reading. I pulled out my latest issue of "Arizona Highways" (07/09), and there...under the section: The Journal: Lodging, I gasp at what I read! A man named Armando Ortega (owner of The view Hotel) bragging about the huge hotel he built in Monument Valley!! What???? Entrepreneurial
spirit? I think not!!!! Greed of the Navajos?? YES!!

If you can afford the eco-friendly high-priced room, you might just get a touch of the Mittens & Merrick Butte, or a "complete list" of tours from their hotel!!

I might be lost in my own world, but is this right? Are the Native Americans selling out this country, and the majestic land of their forefathers just like the rest of the greedy land developers?? Do they know what their VIEWS are doing to beautiful Monument Valley??

I'm saddened. I'm crying for the Native Americans who worked so hard, and died so frustrated to have a piece of this land to call their own. And now, and "Entrepreneur" cashes in on it!

Friday September 4, 2009, 11:10 pm
You can check out the hotel at:
www.monumentvalleyview.com

I'm thinking there will soon be others so you have a choice as to where to stay. If you don't believe me, come check out Sedona, AZ and see what they did to that beautiful vortex of a place!

Saturday September 5, 2009, 12:22 am
Kat my soul sister all i can do is offer my 'impressions' ...
when i clicked on > http://www.monumentvalleyview.com/ and watched the panoramic view 'portrait' ... this is what i 'heard' within ...
can you hear the voices of the ancient ones ... the whisperings of the Grandmothers and Grandfathers between the rocks ... the guardians of this sacred space ... born from a distant time ... where vision quests saw the sun rise and the sun set ... when the heart beat of our Mother Earth gave birth honoring all things ... medicines from plants ... where traditional ways were followed without question ... stories shared ... songs sung ... a way of life long ago ... the sun still rises ... the sun still sets... the traditional ways... songs and stories ... still shared by the Elders ... but for how long? Change is inevitable ... Rocks reaching to Father Sky ... shadows bearing down upon the ground ... this land we called home ... where we carved our paintings into the rock that still remain ...
Now is your time ... ours is past ... it is for you the Navajo people to decide ... have you sent prayers asking for guidance ... has the red clay of your pipes been honored to send smoke to the Creator?
this 'dwelling place' you have built that reaches like a hand across a new seedling ... nurture it ... let it become worthy of your efforts ... let all the people benefit ... share everything together ... let young and old taste it, touch it, know it, so their pride will be as the threads in the blankets readied there ... remember ... this Sacred place and those who lived here ...

Saturday September 5, 2009, 12:24 am
This saddens me, but then, how do you fight this quote? "The VIEW Hotel in Monument Valley will provide opportunity in a very needed region."
Which I knew would be in there.
Tx you Peace Kat xx

Saturday September 5, 2009, 12:43 am
*huge sigh* I guess you have to see the magnificence of this beautiful & majestic land to know what I am talking about when I say even the smallest of commercial buildings on this property is a sin against their heritage. I looked at the hotel site before I posted this article, and it just made me so sad inside. I "KNOW" this is not what the Navajo peoples want(ed). I feel their tears as the new generation would rather make $'s than bless the hallowed ground upon which they build these tourist traps.

And soon, just as in Sedona, it'll be the rich and select few who will be able to afford to stay in these rooms. They will be filled with the white elite with Native Americans turning down their beds....what pride is there to that in their ancestry?

I am too sensitive. Articles like this strike me to my soul because I can do nothing about it. Life is change, and nothing stands still - not even nature & beautiful monuments and mesas & buttes....there, standing proudly through MANY generations. I submitted news about the attempt at mining the Grand Canyon, but....I can see that 2 yrs. from now, there will be another and another attempt until that, too, is commercialized beyone recognition.

It "is" a sin. It is for all the people....not just those who can afford to have a window to look out of. It is NOT for people to stop by their gift shop & pretend they are really supporting someone who will, in turn, share that money with fellow native americans. It will be another exploitation of America. I am disillusioned, and sad.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 1:23 am
WOW, Peace very Interesting. There's no telling what else is going on that hasn't been exposed. It really saddens me as well. Thank You for sharing & putting this out. Kudos to you.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 3:46 am
Thanks Peace. This raises more questions than answers for me and I am torn on what is "right" here. On one hand, I wonder if the Navajo have caved in to pressure and abandoned their values by crossing a line and constructing the first hotel in Monument Valley. Have they crossed the point of no return? Will there be more large-scale commercialization? With this construction, will access to these beautiful lands be restricted to only those who can afford the high price tag.

On the other hand, when I look at the slide show, the exterior of the building is tasteful and appropriate for the surrounding landscapes. It is a heck of a lot more pleasing to look at this than a water park or something else of that nature, that just doesn't fit. It is sad that this park should be developed, but at the same time, this will hopefully put much needed money into the hands of the Navajo to improve their standard of living, provide employment, etc. instead of non-native commercial enterprises.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 5:24 am
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE NEED FOR EMPLOYMENT IS HIGH , I UNDERSTAND THAT ITS A FANTASTIC PLACE TO PUT A HOTEL ,,,, BUT THIS TIME THE NAVAJO HAVE SHAT IN THIER OWN BACK YARD. AND THE FORE FATHERS WILL NOT BE IMPRESSED WITH THEM.
MONUMENT VALLEY IS MENT TO BE THAT A MONUMENT NOT A HOLIDAY VILLAGE .

Saturday September 5, 2009, 7:06 am
Hmmmm seems like I hear the Green Czar say something about the Indians having a right to rpofit from their own land...

As long as they have sound architectual/construction standards, proper access, green power and proper waste disposal... I saw let the Indian entrepreneur's profit and prosper

Saturday September 5, 2009, 7:17 am
How about that? No, this place should not be. If we want to go there let us go for the day, and return again if we want. This ground and all the area around is sacred. But, someone saw $$$, so here we go. What next?

Saturday September 5, 2009, 7:28 am
Thanks Kat.

Went to the site - was reading the article stating it is perched amoung a mesa amid towing momoliths...more at site.

Yes this is truly sad, and would like to keep this area prestine, but it is there land and think they should do what they want....think they were offered a TON of money and took it, thus the hotel.

And...yes Kat you are right a person does want to keep it in an "untouched" form, especially when I went on their link and looked at the view, just outstanding. You are also true in the statement that this will sadly only be for the Rich...

Hope they do monotor it, and keep it somewhat untouched. Did sign up for E-Mails, want to watch this one closely...

Always just breaks my heart when a beautiful untouched area gets spoiled by the "Almighty $$" and when Money is thrown around, all special cares, past history, everything just goes out the door.

Thanks for this article Kat...please keep us posted on what is taking place there.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 7:49 am
I think the Navajo are horribly torn between the two worlds. The world of their ancestors who were people who honored the earth and knew man did not own the earth but the earth owned man and the need for economic improvement for the tribe to be able to live in the modern US.

However, since this is one place their ancestors saw as exceptionally sacred, I wish they had built the hotel somewhere else on their land.

Kat is so right this commercial enterprise will attract other such enterprises into to the same area turning former sacred land into almost an urban sprawl situation instead of a private place to seek visions and greet the sunrise and sunset with prayers,

Since the hotel is already in place, the inevitable damage is already beginning. The Navajo cannot undo it now. We can only hope that the situation does not evolve into a place where the Navajo are servants of the white elite, who will be the only ones to be able to stay in the hotel.

This development and the additional development it will attract will bring money into the Navajo hands but at a price of deserting the heart song, earth loving views of their ancestors.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 8:27 am
Quote: Sharen B.
"How about that? No, this place should not be. If we want to go there let us go for the day, and return again if we want. This ground and all the area around is sacred. But, someone saw $$$, so here we go. What next?"

A gambling casino and a McDonald's?

It's not my place to form an opinion on how the Native Americans utilize the land they have been allotted. So much was taken away from them. Rich fertile land with agricultural value. So much taken from them, that they could have utilized and profited from, without exploiting once sacred land. How can I, coming from Irish immigrants escaping the potato famine, pass judgment on what they do with this property?

Indeed, a luxury hotel is for the benefit of those that can afford luxury in this harsh economic climate. Do they honor their past, or follow a path of exploitation for jobs and some shred of prosperity? Feed their heritage or feed their family? Turning down a bed for a rich fat white guy is not demeaning, compared to telling your kids there is nothing to eat for supper.

I would love to hear from a local (to that area) Navajo, and their own take on this.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 9:17 am
Well, having known the Hopi and watched their angry youth at very little prospects to get out of poverty, they also built a wonderful eco-friendly motel near their art museum. From what I understand is that their youth do not want to forego their heritage, but to bring some understanding of it to the rest of the world. However, I hope Ortega (having seen his type of entrepreneurship all along I-40) will have the sense to keep the Casinos out!

Oh, and it is not a "sin" to serve anyone else regardless of who (rich fat man) thinks of himself in the world, it is how we think about serving to bring a closer understanding of our humble, yet rich, ancestory. These people are very poor in the worldly ways.

It is sad that it could exploit a national monument, but then, the people need to be allowed to earn a living while teaching the rest of the world about their rich heritage.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 9:26 am
Wa do {ty} Peace my sister friend for this article, all that exists is important ~

In peace always,
~ FreeSpirit ~

Saturday September 5, 2009, 9:31 am
They Have had Red Bull air races their also the Money went to the Natives I lived no Far from this land I find The native Americans are Giving in to Money not keeping the land Scared as time passed .ty We are a World of Giving into Cash not Historic_preservation

Saturday September 5, 2009, 9:48 am
I live on the reservation and I am a non-native. The Tribe is free to make their choices as are each of us. No need for worry or despair, the Navajo people are well grounded. Perhaps those who choose to visit the reservation and stay at the hotel will have their own personal awakening experience to the sacred land. More importantly, perhaps these same visitors will return to their homes with this new awakening and begin to make a difference in their lives and those around them. One can always hope.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 10:32 am
Hi Kat! I created a post today in response to your thoughtful post "Navajo Nation Rip-Off? Stay at THE VIEW HOTEL in Monument Valley, AZ!", to show a different aspect of the Dine (Navajo), who are struggling to keep and maintain their traditional way of life, a life that doesn't include plans for a hotel or any tourist trap projects. I suspect that the View Hotel was promoted by a small number of Navajos. I agree with you about the mega hotel. There are other ways of economic development that are available to the people that don't include environmentally destructive projects, and many are pursuing that approach. Thanks Kat for your good posts! Cheers, Larry

Saturday September 5, 2009, 10:36 am
The Beauty Way - Support for Big Mountain - Yea'Go'H, Ni'Zhoni!
www.care2.com/news/member/540414077/1240925

Saturday September 5, 2009, 11:04 am
I am stunned - this is crazy - for a group of wonderful men - women - who have struggled and died to keep their lands free - to win back lands the white man stole through treaties - to turnaround and build this hotel. I read the news blip - will the jobs this hotel offer off set the tears shed to preserve this sacred lands?
kathryn

Saturday September 5, 2009, 11:11 am
I am shocked and saddened! I have been to this amazing place. How very sad, and there is nothing we can do now. Thanks, Kat

Saturday September 5, 2009, 12:16 pm
Kat C. There is a very current struggle going on right now to keep some of their lands free. Perhaps we can all help the people of Big Mountain preserve their sacred land. And as Julie said, there's nothing we can do about the hotel land. BUT there is something we can do to stop this from happening to the Dine lands of Big Mountain. Find out how: www.care2.com/news/member/540414077/1240925
Thanks for checking out the Big Mountain resistance! Larry

Saturday September 5, 2009, 1:51 pm
If this is an attempt to degrade the Navajos,How dare you,,women with bubblegum,you know NOTHING about the NAVAJO PEOPLE OR CULTURE..This Motel was built and owned by a Non-native,M.ortega,and its old news.Unemployment is 50% on the Navajo rez, and as high as 80% on Lakota reservation.Why don't you post news on how John MCCain is ripping off the Navajos,thru the Bennet freeze.Leaving many navajos living in dispair and poverty.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 2:02 pm
But isn't this exactly what America and Capitalism is all about? Getting rich, without regard to the ecology or the landscape, or anything...!

Saturday September 5, 2009, 3:01 pm
As a white person from the UK I would love the opportunity to stay in such a beautiful place but would not dream of doing so.

I believe that this hotel is built on the bones of the Navajos ancestors. That their beliefs and history is being challenged and damaged by this intrusion is obvious. I see that the Ortegas are using the perennial problem of the Native Americans being discriminated against and having difficulties with employment.

Shame on the Ortegas and the US government for failing the Native Americans and thereb allowing this.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 6:27 pm
Hi Kat, thanks for this post. As an Arizona native myself (long time ago) I was surprised to see this develoment. But my feelings are also mixed. I do wonder about the wisdom of setting up this hotel in a national park and Navajo sacred area, as it will perhaps lead to more tourist installations. At the same time I should think the elders agreed to it and will know how to use the opportunity to better the future of the young people, while at the same time allowing tourists to appreciate the beauty of the land. I can only hope that the elders will see to it that further development is appropiate to preservation of their heritage.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 6:44 pm
Just a thought. You know how people always bellyache that the county will not let them do this or that it is "their " land. I respectfully say who has the right to tell this Native Americanhe cannot do what he wants to do. Maybe it is a way of sharing the beauty they possess so people can see for themselves and take it into their heart and soul. Not everyone wants to sleep on the floor of the desert. Some are sick or old and cannot.. We won't even talk about sidewinders and rattlers,etc. I think the U.S. govt. already has too much to say about everything you own. Do you see what is going on in this country? As long as what people do is legal so be it. Mr. Ortega you go and show off that wonderful place. to every person that wants to enjoy it. It is "his" dream. Live it.Maybe the aged spirits of the desert long to have people to watch over and whisper to. I believe.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 7:57 pm
I can see both sides, but I do agree that it gets sad when man has to destroy natural beauty with capitalism...at it's finest, no less.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 8:09 pm
I am torn on this issue,,,,, To desecrate a sacred site is an unconscionable act. But is this building really on a sacred site, or only near one? To rule that it's ok to build a ski resort on a sacred mountain when a tribe goes to court to protest is definitely wrong. But have I heard a Navaho comment? Is this development of benefit to
Navaho people? I am old and would never be able to climb a desert mesa to see the beauty of the place--and I don't have money to go anywhere on vacation--except perhaps a nearby park and parks and historical sites are being closed in Ohio because of budget cuts, BUT I would love to visit National Parks and experience the beauty and the sacredness of many parts of America, and-- dare I dream?--other parts of the world.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 9:39 pm
Question? How many here have lived on reservations?

Saturday September 5, 2009, 9:39 pm
Oh gees, another racist asking for yet another minority group to be.... what????? more ethical than white people because if they're not then that reflects bad on the whoooolllleee group and their ancestors and all the struggles all these folks went through.... oh please, it's the white folks who stole these people's lands and now they're trying to make a living in a white man's and woman's world using white man's tactics, methods, etc. etc. etc. Please, come to grips with your racism and get on with life.

Saturday September 5, 2009, 9:59 pm
Why is there such a lack of support? We have lived in third world conditions for far too long and deserve the same necessities for life as others. One of the differences I have experienced is that Indigenous people understand that Mother Earth provides and we don't take more than what is needed, what we take we give back. We want clean water sites on reserve, we want good schools for our children too, we want to empower ourselves and be self sufficient and not be government dependant. We are a strong proud people and in order to live in the modern world we need to find balance between both worlds. I am just saying that if you have not lived or experienced what we live in you really have no place to criticize.

Sunday September 6, 2009, 7:25 am
The way I see it, the lack of sensitivity to native American is huge. I'm willing to bet my last that this is not going to generate jobs for the Navaho people, we, from all over the world, have seen the scant regard meted out to them over the years. Why should the stuation change now? Its all about taking by might and force. wake up Govt.! Are you going to sit idle and watch an entire civilization go down? You took their lands, their bison, wolves, eagles and other fauna they considered sacred without a thought in the world. Now it seems their sacred grounds are going the same way. So what's going on? Exploitation ....................!

Sunday September 6, 2009, 1:12 pm
OK. So we're looking at a fait acompli. Now. Let's look at the bright side of it. I worked with the Navahos back in '61 and was appalled at what we, the government, had done to this wonderful tribe. Pretty much subscribing them to a life of penury. If they can make a dime out of this endeavor for their benefit, then it isn't 100% bad. At least, they did the architecture for the area with sensitivity. It does blend in with the landscape. I have no idea where all the cars go.....subteranean, I hope. We can pray that this will be it, and if more building takes place, it will be furthur away.....otherwise, they would be cutting off their faces to get rid of their noses.

Sunday September 6, 2009, 2:23 pm
.... more impressions ... click on this link > http://www.monumentvalleyview.com/areainfo.html ... i did and honestly Kat and friends what i am seeing and reading is an honest attempt of interconnecting the past with the present. Linking all that is Sacred to the Navajo/Dine' people with a creative Vision instilling appreciation rather than the typical degradation & depracation. Enhancing Native self esteem to a new generation of Care Takers seeking the wisdom of the Elders and their Blessing while creating cultural awareness to ANYONE who wishes to discover, learn, expand and share their 'new found knowledge' with others. From the Navajo Nation Council Chambers to the Window Rock Tribal Park and Veteran's Memorial ... are opportunies for ANYONE to study the ethnicity,cultural and historical documentations such as described for the Veteran's Memorial: " The small park near the Navajo Nation Administration Center features the graceful red sandstone arch for which the capital is named. More recently, the Navajos have built a Veteran's Memorial at the base of Window Rock to honor the many Navajos who served in the U.S. military. Many Navajo soldiers are recognized in the annals of history for their role as Code Talkers, whereby they used the native language to create a code that was never broken by the enemy. Historians credit the Navajo Code Talkers for helping to win World War II. "

Taking responsibility is the challenge of the Navajo/Dine' Nation. Theirs is the huge task of Blessing before entering in their own way with a 21 century awareness for 'carbon footprint' implications, eco-friendly tours... all the encompasses PROTECTING THEIR LANDS.

For too long they have been told what to do by the U.S. government. Chastised by those whose sole agenda is racial prejudice! When all along all they like you or me have ever wanted is to live their life in peace... to be individuals in a community praying together to their Creator to GUIDE them in all things with RESPECT for one another and the land the CREATOR placed them on ... BLESSED THEM with ...

The 7th Generation is here and so are their children with their children yet to come ... it is their voice that needs to be heard ... their hearts that need to be respected ... and their land entrusted to them that needs to grow ... the FLOWERING TREE is not dead but very much alive and well for the Navajo/Dine Nation.

Read this for further enlightenment: http://www.mltranslations.org/US/Rpo/dine/dine1intro.htm

Sunday September 6, 2009, 5:29 pm
May the spirits of our Ancestors and holy people blessed your path with corn pollen and white/ yellow cornmeal,for those of you who still support the First Nations of this continent..I agree with you Rosemary,the sacred flowering tree is not dead,it just needs to be nourished with what the whiteman is lacking.Looking at the worldview with your heart instead of your head.Little is known about the American Indians or what links the human soul.We are the caretakers of MotherEarth and all her inhabitants.The whiteman was intrusted with the fire,and the yellow nation,the Air/winds.And the blacks the Water elements.We have all forgotton our sacred original instructions,given to us by the Creator.North and South American continents are begining to speak to each other,so that is good news for all indigenous people.

Monday September 7, 2009, 1:59 pm
Kat, I feel so sad for this and the worst thing is that it is happening everywhere! In order to get profits, people are willing to just vanish the beauty of mountains, forrests, etc. :-( So bad.

Tuesday September 8, 2009, 4:08 pm
This hotel is the best of all worlds. It got to the point where the Navajos had to police Monument Valley from hoards of "beauty" seekers who were destroying their sacred places, special places within the Valley. Understand that Monument Valley is huge. How best to protect it and how to pay those who will do the work? We all know how tourists treat a "place of beauty", by smoking pat and hanging out, dropping water bottles everywhere, picking up shards, tramping over relics that are on the ground, going potty in a bad spot, etc. and live in the twentyfirst century.

Again, I ask all you people to think. The Navajos have consistantly voted down Casinos. But the news about a beautiful place gets out and they need to protect it. Kinda like locking a church.

I remember feeling bad about when they built a camping ground and asked that people go on a tour with a guide to see the Valley, but then what about the people who want to see the Valley and cannot hike and walk and even camp on the ground. How will they get to appreciate the Valley and help to employ the people?
Hence the beautiful "View".

Face it, treasured places and things MUST be protected. Not from the Navajos, but from US! No one respects these things as well as the Dine. They and they alone walk in BEAUTY and their decisions must be respected. I give thanks to the People who are willing to share such a beautiful and special place with others, no matter how they do it. And..If the hotel is on the Res., the permission had to come from the Navajos.

Tuesday September 8, 2009, 4:12 pm
PS: And, for all you not rich and famous, you can still go to the campground and take the tour.

Saturday September 12, 2009, 12:23 am
i think the building sort of fits into the landscape, haha. but what about all the supply access? and not to speak of the helicopter rides visitors will want to go on, maybe off-roading a bit, all that stuff that comes with 'adventure holidays'.
to be honest the web site is super cheaply done, the pictures are amateurish and the furniture on par with a holiday inn at any airport location. of course it could be said that it's not that sleek, etc. but man, if they are going to put something in such a wonderful spot why not make it a touch more...appealing?

Saturday September 12, 2009, 12:59 am
I was at Monument Valley this summer and I think it is alright that they built the holtel. First, it fits into the landscape and doesn't catch one's eye. Furthermore there aren't many hotels around this area where you could stay. And the Navajo could make much more money if they prohibited driving into the Valley with your own car. They could say that you have to take a guided tour and demand money for it like they do at Anthelope Canyon.

Saturday September 12, 2009, 1:38 pm
whether it's in monument valley az or any other place on earth that has not yet been destroyed by us, before you all go poo poo on this project, remember, you're contributing every single day in some way or another to situations like this - ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE HAVING CHILDREN - do you not see how our continued breeding continues "LAND DEVELOPMENT" - so unless you have no children and or are not having any children, you may as well harp at your reflection in your mirrors. until we learn to curb our own population and lessen our breeding and multiply the existence of natural land and natural habitats, please feel free to be silent.

Saturday September 12, 2009, 4:33 pm
SUSAN, I will "never" believe that building a COMMERCIAL building is a way of policing (or anything else) around the area of Monument Valley. One commercial bullding (I don't care how it was built) will only lead to many, many more - probably NOT as hidden as this one. That is the point I'm trying to make. I don't care what it looks like....I care that it's there at ALL.

SOPHIA, you can read the paragraph I just wrote to Susan about this hotel. I "do" agree with the last part of your comment, from" "And the Navajo...." on. I like the solutions used around Anthelope Canyon.

VAL...you're a serious activist for the beauty of our country, and I applaud you....esp. the part about poo poo & having no children - don't they both go together? :))

Sunday September 13, 2009, 9:31 am
As a native of Arizona, and growing up with Indian kids as best friends, I have to point out that the Navajo and Hopi are still treated as "childen" at times - why do we still have the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) department if they are so independent? The whites slaughtered tribes, stuck them on land they figured would not sustain them, and BIA has stolen a lot of money over the years - I feel the same way about casinos - it's time they gained back a lot of what was TAKEN from them by my ancestors - and more power to them!

Sunday September 13, 2009, 9:36 am
I would also point out that there are people leaving on the reservation with no running water or electricity (hogans) still herding sheep - so "greedy" doesn't actually apply to the Navajo. How interesting that people are complaining about them ruining a natural wonder area - does that mean that it's still not THEIR land to do with as they want? Sovereign nation? Not hardly!

Thursday September 17, 2009, 2:19 pm
take note people!

Thursday September 17, 2009, 9:29 pm
How can putting up COMMERCIAL HOTELS not be hurting the Navajo Nation? I still don't understand this. I guess I never will. I don't see anyone but this owner profiting from the hotel, and certainly it doesn't do a thing for the Navajo people when he's pocketing the profit.

Certainly, I am standing up for THEIR rights, as THEY are Americans just as I am. They should be as proud of this land as "I" am, and not want to see ANY commercilization invading it.

Tuesday September 22, 2009, 12:26 pm
The 'People', those being the Dine', have an awareness and understanding that supersedes being challenged by anyone who does not understand or 'see' their perspective. Pride is not what this is about Kat. This issue is about sustainability in terms of survival in the 21st century. Surely progress is not mutually exclusive to the those other than of Native American heritage!
I would suggest you contact those in the Dine' community, especially the Elders,who can help you understand and 'see' so as to alleviate your concerns and confusion. My talks have proved worthy and I have shared them with you to offer clarity regarding this issue. Links provided are worthwhile reading as are the comments from the Native American members here. Hope this helps you.

Monday September 28, 2009, 3:28 am
First off having lived on reserve before anything gets passed a democratic concensus has to be achieved amongst all chief and council with input from the community, my question is how do you know that the owner is the only one to gain? This is there land, the little they have left so let them do what they want with it and mind your own business..

Tuesday September 29, 2009, 9:47 pm
Other than being VERY rude to me, this is a PUBLIC article. Do you really think I have anything at all to do with what is being done to this land? If so, you are completely wrong! I do not appreciate the personal attacks I have received here for posting this article....one that I thought could have CIVIL comments about. Everyone's views are different...and that's a GOOD thing.

As far as saying "mind your own business"... maybe you should take your own advice.

Monday October 5, 2009, 1:34 am
It is MY business as a native woman, views are different yes and yes its a good thing but this is somewhat of a character attack on MY people who live in third world conditions. YOU are not being very open to understanding OUR side of the story, just yours.