THE IMPORTANCE OF NATIVE VOICES AT GRAND CANYON

The Navajo Nation shares boundaries with Grand Canyon National Park and has many mutual interests. We view the 100th anniversary of the National Park with mixed feelings. Over the past century, the Parks interactions with Navajo people, chapter houses, and tribal government has perhaps seen a change from the historical acts of exploitation and appropriation of Native lands to the present framework of possible partnership for joint stewardship of our lands. In Navajo culture, our lands and all that live on it are sacred. We are part of the land and the land is part of us. Stewardship and protection of our land and our culture are important for us. Park actions in the past few years are encouraging. Desert View is now a cultural center that highlights that Grand Canyon’s original stewards and their stories are still here today and that many tribes are neighbors and partners. Numerous events are scheduled during 2019 that highlight the past and present of tribal – Park interactions. An inter-tribal group is meeting semi-regularly to discuss issues of boundaries, use of Native names for landscapes features and how, jointly, to improve stewardship. There are many cultural complexities between Native groups, just as there are many Anglo voices. We hope for better communication to result from meetings that spring from the Park’s 100 year anniversary. Our perspectives, from much farther back in time, should help shape a better next 100 years for all who consider Grand Canyon part of themselves.