Their happy minds were not focused on educating the public by supporting the needs of grazing permit holders to make a change. All the people who attended the event didn't care about what was being presented. They just laughed and were anxious to see who's who on the gambling floor. For them it was like party time.
Yeah, we're all close to drunk town USA. Their meals, motel and tribal vehicles are all paid for first class. The two recall celebrities were there for a little while to talk good but no action from their side.
Diné government meetings have always taken place elsewhere all these decades and never gained anything from it, except using all the money so we don't see the bad side of them.
Diné tribal rangers herd cattle and horse into tribal horse trailers that were roaming free along the highways and posing as deep potential threats to motorists on Diné land. Good! Yes!
Ear tags that they belong to or not, round them all up and confiscate them all. Charge the owners so much money to get them back or sell them to Mexico for $20 or $30.
Many loved ones never came home or were badly injured due to livestock on roads everywhere on Diné land.
One delegate said to Diné people, "It's time you tackle the problems, why wait some more??"
Isn't it their job to make a difference for the long run? They're all wanting to blame someone else and wait for their next paycheck. Get the animals off the roads completely. We have all had enough of no action.
Joe Indian Yazzie Jr.
Chinle, Ariz.
Recovering alcoholism, requesting help
Ya'aa'teeh to everyone. My name is Kathy and I am from the Navajo Reservation. I am Dziltaadnii Kiiyaa'aanii, born for Kiiyaa'aanii.
Currently I am living in Prescott, Ariz., at Chapter 5 Recovery Home. I have been court-ordered to be in a six-month treatment program for my alcohol charges.
In March of 2011, I had written the Navajo Times about the problems with the Native women's religious beliefs in the Arizona State Correctional Facility. At that time several people responded to me with input on my issues and for that I am very grateful. My contact information was taken from me in prison and I would love to hear from you again.
Since then I have been released and sent to Chapter 5 to help me in my recovery from alcoholism. After many years dealing with my disease, I realized that I need help and that my alcoholism had stemmed from tragedies in my past as a child.
It is my belief that the Diné people do not address issues about rape, child molestation or sexual abuse. When these issues happen to both adults and children, they can turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with their lives. I realize that many of us suffer from the same issues. It is my ultimate goal to study social services and return to the tribe to help those in need.
It is this type of situation, which eventually brought me to Prescott. I have recently found out that I have severe arthritic knee joints in both my knees. My doctor has placed me on no work and I cannot support myself.
I am now asking for anyone's help in finding funding to help me in my financial situation here at the Recovery Home. I truly want to get the help I need in my sobriety and this program is the place to get it, so I can continue with my studies. Prescott is a "Recovery Town" with great support and meetings.
I can be contacted by mail at 707 W. Gurley St., Prescott, AZ 86305 or by phone at 928-614-4861.
If there is anyone who could give me some advice or suggestions, I would be truly grateful. I must make some payment here or face jail and prison.
Kathy Yazzie
Prescott, Ariz.
Make fairgrounds presentable for Navajo Nation fair
The president of the Navajo Nation is sending out invitation and welcoming people to come to the Navajo Nation Fair (Gallup Independent, Aug. 4, 2012). All is well said, so now let's put some action in and get the place ready.
Everyday I drive by the fairgrounds and notice there should be preparations to make repairs for some improvements for the nation's famous fair. We should make it so the Navajo Nation will be proud and make it interesting and presentable to all the visitors.
The fairgrounds should be a nice, safe and decent place where people can be proud to show their talents, culture, tradition and history.
There's only one month left to make some improvements:
1. Pave or blacktop the dirt parking lot where people pay to park vehicles and the area where the rodeo contestants park.
2. Buildings need to be repaired and painted. Inspection should be made for safety and sanitation reasons.
3. Fencing needs attention.
4. Piles of debris and rubbish on the west side of the grounds should be rid of.
Back to the rodeo contestant's area – I believe we have our young family members and relatives deeply involved as participants in rodeos. We need to, as a nation, continue to encourage and support them with whatever events they participate in, whether they win or not, someday to come they will reach their goal.
As of this writing, the Navajo Nation has young adults both female and male participating in the national finals, etc., which definitely is history in the making. I noticed how the very young participants take care of their animals on a daily basis and of course themselves which goes to prove encouragement is a must. Rodeo is another way they keep their minds and themselves occupied so I always think it is not only a sport of rodeos but a way of life for now and the future.
Keep up the good work to all of you, we're proud of you all. May the Great Spirit always be your guide and protector.
Jefferson Lee Sr.
St. Michaels, Ariz.
Friendliness key to successful business
Have you ever heard of Naahwiilbiihi, the Great Gambler back in the ages of Navajo history?
He was the person responsible not for building the Great Pyramid in Egypt but of the Great Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. The once great city testifies to the organizational abilities of the people not seen anywhere else in the American Southwest. This city was central to thousands of people eons past.
Today even the remains of the massive walls awes people and what people are capable of doing. Of course, the Great Gambler was enslaving the workers when they lost all they owned. In the end, the Great Gambler lost in the greatest gamble of his life and Naahwiilbiihi was sent out of this world and among the stars. Before he was sent Naahwiilbiihi promised he would return and our fearless leaders brought him back and today casinos are appearing all over the vast Diné bikéyah, Navajo land.
It is not the story of Naahwiilbiihi but the awesome remains that draws people as the destination point from all over the world to see this ninth wonder of the world, Monument Valley being the eighth.
And so the Northern Edge Casino is an awesome work of art, the massive walls is intriguing and the high ceiling pulls up the warmer cigarette smoke leaving the clients smelling like a rose, and the décor of the interior ceiling is fantastic as is the placements of the machineries with plenty of shoulder room to spare.
In my conversation with Robert Gonzales of Los Lunas, which is close to Albuquerque, said, "I like this (Northern Edge) casino because in comparison with those around Albuquerque, this one I usually leave with some change in my pocket. I drive a truck and deliver merchandise to businesses around Farmington, and I usually stop here to take a break. You can count on good food and a chance to play."
I walked around admiring the layout of the Northern Edge stopping at the gift shop and thought of how one of those contemporary Navajo pottery would fit right in with the décor, the artistic Navajo's jewelry on sale and display, and other Navajo artifacts made by Navajo artisans.
In my promenade I saw a familiar face, I stopped and inquired if he went to the annual Brigham City Intermountain School 2012 class reunion in Tsaile. Nope, he couldn't make it to this year's reunion but Tully Descheny of Waterflow did enjoy the "Michelangelo wonder."
Tully hasn't changed much physically from 40 or 50 years ago, still spry and young at heart but just a shade heavier.
Mr. Descheny must have found that "Fountain of Youth" that Ponce De Leon searched for in that age of discovery; I forgot to ask him for some of the youth potion. Tully said, "I like to spent time in here because it is a wonderful and friendly atmosphere and there is a chance to win some money."
Mr. Robert Johnson, the casino shift manager agrees that friendliness is the key to successful business operation of the Northern Edge Casino.
I tried my hand with Elvis, one of the new machinery, but Elvis must have left the building for lady luck didn't favor me with a smile. Oh well, win some, lose some.
Loren Crank Sr.
Montezuma Creek, Utah
Congrats to Cathedral Panthers
Congratulations to the Cathedral Panthers of the 1950s class B football championships.
For your information, Ganado Mission High School played Cathedral in 1953 and defeated the Panthers 12-7.
Some of the greatest athletes during that period for the Mission were: Leo Thomas, Nelson Gorman, Guy Clauschee, Tommy Gorman, Amos Poocha, Glenn Trujillo, Merwin Denny, Larry Beck, Bryson Cesspooch, David Gatewood, Richard Draper, Micky Dalton, etc.
That game will forever live in the memories of Ganado Mission students.
Wallace Hanley
Window Rock, Ariz.