Reporter’s Notebook | What the Giant Cannot See
By Krista Allen
Navajo Times
How do tribes across Indian Country view the Navajo Nation – its leaders, its government, and its place in Indian Country?
The Navajo Times will answer that critical question through a bold, uncompromising investigation led by Reporter Nicholas House – one of the sharpest, most relentless young writers to emerge from our newsroom. This project marks a turning point. For more than a year, Nicholas has thrown himself into the work of understanding the issues that shape the Navajo Nation: politics, economics, innovation, and cultural survival. With a reporter’s skepticism and an unwavering sense of purpose, he has asked not just how Diné stories are told, but why they are told, and who gets to tell them.
This investigation was sparked by a simple but explosive question during a recent, “steam room” conversation about politics: is the relationship between the Navajo Nation and other tribes complex?
The answer, we realized, was not only complex but essential to understand. It is layered with centuries of alliances, conflicts, pride, trauma, and survival.
Historically, the Diné maintained uneasy peace with some tribes, like the Apache and Comanche, while enduring deep tensions with others, including the Kiis’áanii and Pueblo peoples. Healing from history begins with facing it and facing ourselves.
From the question grew “What the Giant Cannot See,” an investigative journalism project that will examine how the Navajo Nation is perceived across Indian Country and dive deep into questions of power, corruption, sovereignty, land, and the fight to preserve the traditional way of life in a modern, relentless world.
This is not about comfort. This is about truth.
This week we are sending direct, uncompromising questions to the first, 10 tribal leaders across the country, inviting them to speak freely and honestly with us. Our first published story is scheduled for May 29. Our team crafted a visual identity for the series so whenever readers see the “What the Giant Cannot See” logo, they will know it’s our project.
We are not just writing articles. We are starting conversations that some will want to avoid – and many will desperately need.
Here is our commitment: reporter’s notebooks that bring readers behind the scenes, a groundbreaking podcast series to give voice to the investigation in real time, and relentless follow-through until the series is complete.
And this is just the beginning. Reporter Robert Bettis is initiating a parallel investigation to examine a critical question: Has President Buu Nygren fulfilled his campaign promises?
Both projects are scheduled for completion in August 2025.
We know we will be attacked and criticized. And we welcome it because if they’re attacking, they’re reading. And if they’re reading, they’re reckoning.
We are here to help make the Navajo Nation stronger and step toward change.
Thank you for believing in the Navajo Times. Thank you for demanding more from your leaders.
Thank you for standing for the future.
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