Letters | Building bridges in Chinle

Building bridges in Chinle

Editor,
I would like to share a story of how Chinle Chapter within the past two years was able to make a difference for our local community members for the one necessity that we all want and need: water.

It takes a lot to start a new initiative; to first gaining local knowledge and training, workforce skill development, team building, and developing local partnerships, we were able to create a lifechanging opportunity for hundreds of residents. It all started with respect for one another, trust in our local workforce, dedication of our administration, and honesty to develop this strong partnership. With each project, the Chinle Chapter took many opportunities and put it to the betterment of our people. With that we share a success story that was developed years ago with a local partnership and continued onto our last day in office.

For many of us, it’s easy to take indoor plumbing for granted. We turn on a faucet, flush a toilet, and go about our day without a second thought. However, in the Navajo Nation – specifically in the Chinle Chapter – thousands of residents do not have indoor bathrooms. Instead, they rely on antiquated outhouses, making daily tasks more complicated and, at times, dangerous. Most people in the United States would be surprised to learn that such conditions exist on American soil.

Many families in the Navajo Nation lack indoor plumbing due to historical neglect by the U.S. government, which often failed to fulfill treaty obligations and underfunded essential infrastructure projects. Decades of systemic discrimination left tribal communities with inadequate resources to address critical needs like water access. Additionally, the logistical challenges of installing infrastructure in remote, rural areas, combined with water scarcity and outdated systems, exacerbate the problem. High poverty rates mean many families cannot afford upgrades, while bureaucratic delays and limited funding often leave this pressing issue unaddressed, perpetuating a cycle of inequity and inadequate living conditions.

Thankfully, ‘Team Partnerships’ step up to help our local community members. In recent months, ‘Team Partnerships’ has begun sending volunteers to Chinle to assist in constructing bathroom additions onto existing homes. These add-ons often include essential elements such as toilets, sinks, and simple shower installations—features that can truly change someone’s quality of life. Yet, this initiative goes beyond construction; it strengthens community ties. Volunteers from different backgrounds lend their skills and time, working hand-in-hand with local crews. In the process, they’re not just building bathrooms; they’re building relationships and trust. One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the gratitude expressed by the local residents. For them, the introduction of indoor plumbing means no longer having to trek outside in harsh weather or the dark of night to use an outhouse. Freed from braving the seasonal dust storms and thunderstorms whenever nature calls, families can now enjoy a sense of dignity and ease that was once out of reach. This fundamental upgrade drastically improves everyday comfort and safety.

Beyond convenience, it also means better hygiene and, most importantly, better health. Even something as small as having a sink to wash one’s hands thoroughly can reduce the spread of illness – particularly crucial during colder months when viruses are more prevalent. Health experts, both within and outside of the Navajo Nation, are optimistic that these new indoor bathrooms will help alleviate some of the long-standing health disparities in the region. Access to clean water and sanitation is closely tied to lower rates of disease and infection. By moving bathrooms indoors, the risks associated with waterborne illnesses and outhouse cross-contamination can be dramatically reduced.

It’s an enormous undertaking – there are thousands of families across the Navajo Nation who still lack these basic facilities – but the ripple effects could be profound. The promise of better health, improved safety, and overall well-being is already reinvigorating the broader community. As volunteers from ‘Team Partnerships’ pack up their tools each evening, they leave behind more than new pipes and walls; they leave a legacy of comfort, security, and dignity. And while the task ahead may be daunting, the positive stories emerging from these newly renovated homes prove that change is not only possible but already underway. With countless more families still in need of plumbing and indoor bathrooms, this effort stands as a bright, uplifting reminder that a dedicated team can make a transformative difference – one bathroom, and one family, at a time.

This project initiative was very important to us, because it is life changing to be able to help one of your own community members to have access to potable water. It is important to want to help your people at this level of service. Each family on Navajo deserve to have a home with running water. I believe by serving these families that have waited over a decade for running water is a true blessing and we are thankful to have completed these projects with our local workforce and administration.
Story by Jimmy.

Dr. Rosanna Jumbo-Fitch
Chinle, Ariz.