News

Crownpoint nonprofit looks to highlight region's uniqueness

By Alastair Lee Bitsoi
Navajo Times

CROWNPOINT, Aug. 5, 2011

Did you know that before Window Rock became the capital of the Navajo Nation, Crownpoint held that post from 1910 to 1935?

Not sure about this? Then ask the Crownpoint Cultural Preservation and Development Council for a history lesson.

Originally established as the Crownpoint Historical and Cultural Heritage Council in 2007, it was renamed in April.

Its primary goal is to partner with various agencies to improve the town of Crownpoint, governmental seat of the Eastern Agency, and surrounding communities.

The nonprofit also aims to preserve Navajo culture, history and language.

"It's an idea I always had," said founder Leonard Perry, 52, about establishing the council. "I decided to put my education into practice, mainly for the 100 history of Crownpoint."

Perry is a scholar's scholar. He holds three associate degrees, two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree, and is a doctoral student in the Educational Thought and Socio-Cultural Studies Program at the University of New Mexico. Together the degrees represent more than a decade of hitting the books.

He has studied anthropology, Southwest history, Navajo history, philosophy, and politics, Western philosophy, and theology.

Perry said Crownpoint was established in 1910 by Samuel F. Stacher, the first federal superintendent of the area, then called the Eastern Navajo Jurisdiction.

Stacher called it "Crownpoint" because of its location among five mesas that looked like crowns, he said.

But the area was occupied by a number of cultures for thousands of years, starting with the Paleo-Indians, then the Archaic Period people, the Anasazi, and the first clan of Diné - the Kinyaa'áanii (Towering House Clan).

Along with its cultural preservation mission, the Crownpoint Council has a goal to develop a tourist industry and central to this effort is establishing a museum, which would detail the town's and region's history.

Perry said the proposed museum would be located at the old superintendent's building, where the Crownpoint Pueblo Bonito Boarding School was established in 1913.

He also said the council is planning to offer tours of ancient sites in the surrounding areas, which would include Anasazi, the Bisti Wilderness, Chaco Canyon, and Navajo defensive settlements from the 1700s and 1800s.

Another goal of the organization is to work with local chapters under the Local Governance Act to develop cultural, recreational, and economic activities.

Jonathan Perry, secretary/treasurer for the nonprofit, said the group promises improved resources and outreach to surrounding communities. He and Leonard are cousins.

"With S.R. 371 being a main roadway, we're looking at working with other chapters alongside the path to develop a truck stop," said Jonathan, 22, of Becenti, N.M. "That is the most realistic goal for us."

He said funding could be secured through CCPDC to help offer after-school programs for children.

"The elders and youth think alike, but it's the age gap and the lack of communication," Jonathan said. "In Becenti, for example, a multipurpose building is set up for elderly to teach youth traditional teachings. A hogan would be more proper."

In addition to the plans, the nonprofit produces a newsletter called Crownpoint Baahane' (story). The newsletter has published since January 2009.

The most recent issue, dated April 11, contains coverage of the chapter's land-use planning committee and a proposal from New Energy Economy of Santa Fe to install solar panel systems on the chapter house.

"I try to keep it interesting," Leonard said, adding that the focus of the paper is to cover cultural, historical and contemporary news. "There's a lot of demand for it. The elderly enjoy the newspaper, especially the old photos."

As a certified nonprofit within the state of New Mexico, CCPDC plans to apply for federal and state grants to help the town and surrounding areas grow.

"We can do a lot here," Leonard said. "We're a force to be reckoned with."

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