Letters | Supportive of Kayenta Township

Supportive of Kayenta Township

Editor,
I am a resident of the Kayenta community and the township. The Kayenta Township was founded and approved by the Navajo Nation (NN) Council in 1985. The township is applauded by former NN presidents and known across Indian Country as an exemplary entity.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to serve on the Township Commission in an unexpired term for about six months. I served with four other commissioners. I found that it’s up to you as a commissioner to be a part of positive change. I brought my experience as an educator to the commission.

My short tenure as a commissioner and working with fellow commissioners went quite well. We addressed the needs of the community, which were in progress when I became a commissioner. We dedicated the community skating rink and picnic area. Set parameters and plans for the playground, softball/baseball field area, and animal shelter. We worked on the need for a new police department and youth center with the Kayenta Police Department and Kayenta Chapter in this planning and process. It was up to me to be involved and participate in bringing positive change to the community.

It was my observation and experience that the commission worked quite well with the Kayenta Chapter officials, collaboratively and professionally. Mr. Albert Bailey was the chapter president then. He was elected as the new president in the November ‘24 elections. I’ve known Mr. Bailey for many years, and he’s the type of leader I know is for community progress and achievement. For example, years ago, when he was a Navajo Nation Council delegate, he asked me to write a proposal for new community rodeo arena equipment, and I did. Eventually, he got funding for the equipment. When it came in, he asked for help again. I assisted the vendors in laying out and setting up the equipment on a snowy day. I volunteered to help with the chapter, and it was my profound duty as a citizen.

As a result of long-range planning and working together, the new Kayenta police department and other township projects became a reality for the community. Working together is key in making things a reality. Dr. Delores Greyeyes was very supportive of the Kayenta Police Department Project. Dr. Greyeyes is the director of the NN Department of Corrections in Window Rock. She is a new Kayenta Township Commissioner elected in November ‘24. I am certain she will work diligently for community progress.

Mr. Jarvis Williams, the current town manager, was appointed by the Township Commission last November. As a former commissioner, I worked with him as an employee. He was an excellent employee who worked with people and business entities quite well. His work and planning with the commission will undoubtedly bring progress, prosperity, and job opportunities to the community. He is a local school district and a college graduate ready to help the community advance. He brings a wealth of experience to the Township.

My opinion is that the Kayenta Township is unique like no other in Indian Country. As a citizen, I support it.

Bringing change is not an easy task. It takes a whole community and people working together. The Kayenta Commission meets monthly, and there is a section on the agenda for community input. Take advantage of it for support, suggestions, or improvement.

Eugene Charley
Kayenta, Ariz.