Thriving Navajo economy contingent on many changes that have yet to occur

By Donovan Quintero
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – The Navajo Nation, like many Indigenous communities, faces a critical moment in its economic evolution, balancing the need for workforce expansion, business development, and financial stability with persistent bureaucratic and infrastructural challenges.

At the Reservation Economic Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, tribal leaders from across the country, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, the Self Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium, and the Native American Finance Officers Association, emphasized the urgent need to sustain and expand federal programs that support Native economic sovereignty. Their calls for action align closely with the economic development strategies unfolding within the Navajo Nation, where tribal officials are working to remove obstacles that hinder small businesses, improve financial access, and invest in long-term growth sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure.

Business site leases, discouraging entrepreneurs

One of the most pressing issues in the Navajo Nation is the restrictive nature of business site leases, which have discouraged entrepreneurs from investing in their communities.

Council Delegate Brenda Jesus, the Resources and Development Committee chair, has repeatedly pointed out that businesses operating on the Navajo Nation are subjected to higher costs and greater regulatory burdens than those located off tribal land.

“The Navajo Nation is the lessor in these business site leases, which means they are the ones issuing the lease,” Jesus explained. “But the problem is, when it comes to operation and maintenance, whoever signs the contract is responsible for everything.”
The situation has stifled business growth and discouraged many Navajo entrepreneurs from returning to the reservation.

This challenge mirrors broader concerns expressed by Jackson Brossy, who once headed the Native American Affairs Office at the Small Business Administration.

Brossy stressed that Native-owned businesses must continue to be included in lucrative federal contracting opportunities, a sector that has grown from $18 billion to $25 billion in recent years.

“So, if you’re one of the contractors, obviously, that you can help deliver these solutions to them a whole lot quicker than they can do it if they do the procurement,” Brossy said. “This is not DEI. This is something that is a part of our Constitution. Trust responsibility has been upheld by the Supreme Court, with multiple Trump appointees who have reaffirmed this in Brackeen, in the Cares Act litigation. So I think there’s a lot that can be done.”

He urged tribes to engage with political leaders and use the SBA’s Tribal Consultation Policy to advocate for greater economic inclusion.

Strengthening business infrastructure

The 2024-2029 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the Navajo Nation outlines a similar need to strengthen business infrastructure by making financing more accessible. Despite initiatives like the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative, which provides lower-interest loans, there are concerns about whether key financial institutions like the Navajo Community Development Financial Institution are effectively operating.

Jesus emphasized the importance of transparency.

“We need to get a report from Navajo CDFI,” she said.

This sentiment was echoed by Cory Blankenship, the executive director of the Native American Finance Officers Association, who spoke at RES 2025 about the critical role of federal loan guarantee programs in making capital accessible to tribal entrepreneurs.

“If these loan guarantee programs are not continued, what we will see in Indian Country is severely limited access to capital,” Blankenship said, “with significantly higher interest rates as conventional lenders will perceive greater risk with these projects from tribes and tribal enterprises, which will potentially drive our communities to higher interest rate environments.

“We can also see widespread economic development challenges, including business failures, reduced opportunities for entrepreneurship within our tribal communities, and fewer infrastructure projects,” he said, “we can also see some significant setbacks for energy projects.”

Declining coal industry, renewable energy investment

Access to capital is particularly urgent as the Navajo Nation seeks to transition away from the declining coal industry and invest in renewable energy. The CEDS plan highlights large-scale solar and wind projects as key opportunities to create jobs and generate revenue for the tribe.

However, the regulatory process has always slowed progress. The 164 process, a lengthy and cumbersome land-use approval system, remains a significant roadblock. Dual, or even triple, taxation on businesses that operated in the reservation was also another that slowed economic progress. Many tribal leaders, including Jesus, argue that without reforming these bureaucratic procedures, it will be difficult to fully realize the economic potential of renewable energy.

Budget cut concerns

At the national level, tribal leaders have also expressed concerns over budget cuts that could undermine economic development programs.

“If these rifts take and wipe out key staff, then tribes no longer have the option to negotiate for that FTE whenever they take over that program,” said Jay Spaan, the executive director of the SGCETC.

He warned that if these budget cuts extend into 2026 appropriations, they could result in across-the-board reductions in self-governance funding, directly impacting essential services in tribal communities.

“If these rifts make it into 2026, appropriations from Congress, which could be right sizing the budgets with the workforce, that will result in potentially some across-the-board cuts to self-governance agreements and the funds that tribes have to implement those programs,” said Spaan.

The Navajo Nation’s economic development strategy also places a significant emphasis on tourism, recognizing it as an underutilized but potentially lucrative sector. Despite being home to world-renowned cultural and natural landmarks, the reservation has not fully tapped into its tourism potential due to a lack of infrastructure, accommodations, and visitor services.

Challenges facing tourism sector

Sherry L. Rupert, the CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, who has been appointed by the Department of Commerce to serve on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board for a two-year term, said at RES 2025 that the $15.7 billion Indigenous tourism industry across the nation provides a comprehensive overview of the progress and challenges facing the tourism sector.

Rupert and other members of the TTAB advise the Secretary of Commerce on how government policies and programs affect the travel and tourism industry and offer counsel on current and emerging issues to support the sustainable growth of the travel and tourism industry as the nation’s economic engine.

Rupert highlighted the industry’s significant economic impact, noting that Indigenous tourism is a critical component of the nation’s GDP. She emphasized the industry’s growth potential, stating that international travelers are increasingly seeking opportunities to engage with and learn about Indigenous cultures.

NATIVE Act

A key focus of Rupert’s remarks was the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, which she played a pivotal role in securing. The NATIVE Act empowers Indigenous nations in tourism by giving federal agencies the authority to work directly with tribes in their planning and programming.

“The purpose of the NATIVE Act was to empower our Indigenous nations in tourism, and really kind of giving the authority to the federal agencies that have tourism, that they that they work with the tribes and that they include tribes in their planning,” Rupert explained.

Through partnerships with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Indian Economic Development, and the U.S. Forest Service, Rupert’s organization has been able to provide technical assistance, training, and grant funding to support Indigenous-owned businesses and enhance the visitor experience.

“To date, we’ve been able to award directly to our tribes just over $2 million so it’s these types of projects that enhance the visitor experience and allow our businesses to grow and thrive, to meet the unprecedented demand for indigenous tourism,” Rupert said.

However, Rupert emphasized that continued investment in the NATIVE Act is crucial to sustaining the industry’s growth and self-determination. She called on the administration to increase NATIVE Act funding and include it as a line item in the president’s budget, stating that it is “imperative that we increase the support” for this critical sector.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Lionel Bigthumb, the CEO of Adventurous Antelope Canyon, it was his mentor who asked him if he would set up his folding chair under his awning and sell his work to tourists. That encounter set Bigthumb on his journey to eventually operating a multimillion-dollar Navajo tourism business.

This mentorship inspired Bigthumb to approach his business as more than just a source of income.

“From what we’ve done as a family, … creating opportunities within our community,” he emphasized.

A cornerstone of Bigthumb’s business philosophy is the integration of Navajo culture and teachings into the visitor experience.

“We wanted to implement customer service. We wanted to implement our culture, our teachings of our operation and who we are and how we live among the land,” he said. “And that’s the resources we use—the slot canyons and the terrain that we see, the water that we see, the air that we see out there.”

Upper Antelope Canyon, known for its stunning slot canyons and awe-inspiring terrain, holds a special place in the heart of Bigthumb. For him, this natural wonder isn’t merely a business venture—it’s his home, his blessing, and the foundation for his philosophy on opportunity and community growth.

“So, you know, I’m blessed to say that’s my backyard,” Bigthumb shared with pride. “And you know being blessed, you know, it’s all about giving opportunities.”

Experience for travelers

As visitor numbers rose, particularly after the pandemic, Bigthumb and his family recognized the importance of creating a meaningful experience for travelers while fostering community growth in their hometown of LeChee. Reflecting on his journey, Bigthumb credited a pivotal conversation with a tourist who would become his mentor.

Beyond offering tours, Bigthumb and his family have expanded into air tourism and remain deeply committed to respecting and honoring the land.

“For my family, we do offerings to the elements that exist in the canyons and outside of the canyons, to be able to operate what we’re doing and keep continuing to create opportunities,” he said.

Operating a business on trust land presents unique challenges, but Bigthumb has embraced innovative strategies to thrive.

“You gotta learn. You gotta be able to capital stack what you’re doing because you’re on trust land,” he explained. “So, you know, I’ve had to look into the new market, tax credit, loan guarantees, and, you know, talking with the Native American bank. There’s a lot of resources out there.”

By leveraging federal programs and working with entities like the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development, Bigthumb has used these resources to expand his business while honoring his Navajo heritage. He said he remains optimistic about the future, confident that his community-centered approach will continue to foster growth and opportunity.

Workforce readiness

While economic expansion is crucial, another challenge that remains is workforce readiness. Many high-paying industries, including technology, health care, finance, and energy, require specialized training and education. However, only 5% of the Navajo population holds a bachelor’s degree, compared to 15-20% in neighboring states. To bridge this gap, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy report recommends the expansion of vocational training programs and apprenticeships in industries such as construction, solar installation, and healthcare. Partnering with tribal colleges and universities could help provide hands-on training that leads directly to employment opportunities.

The broader economic context, however, presents additional challenges. According to the latest Consumer Price Index report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation in the Western U.S. increased by 0.6% in February, with food, rent, and energy costs remaining high. Restaurant prices have risen 4.3% year-over-year, driven by higher labor costs and strong consumer demand. Gasoline prices also surged 5.1% in February, making transportation more expensive for families in rural areas like the Navajo Nation. Housing costs remain a significant burden, with shelter expenses increasing 3.1% in the past year.

Given these economic pressures, some tribal leaders have begun looking at large-scale investment models that could generate revenue for their communities. Jesus cited the Seminole Tribe’s acquisition of the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, as an example of how tribal enterprises can achieve financial success.

“I really think that is the way to have Navajo Nation prosper,” she said.

However, she also noted the importance of careful financial analysis, adding, that the tribe needed information from the controller on how these bigger investments would look for Navajo Nation.

Diné teaching

For business owners like Bigthumb, who said the company is projecting $10 million this year, the Navajo teaching, “T’áá hó’ájitéégóó,” has been the cornerstone of his life.

Bigthumb attributes much of his drive and philosophy to the lessons instilled in him by his grandparents and parents. Behind his achievements lies a story of resilience, generational teachings, and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for others.
“You know, that’s definitely what they instill into me, and it goes to my grandparents, then my parents,” Bigthumb shared, reflecting on his upbringing. He witnessed his family’s struggles firsthand, growing up amid generational challenges and economic hardships. “I saw them struggle.”

Shaping character, values

Bigthumb’s mother, Carol Bigthumb, played a pivotal role in shaping his character and values. Despite the challenges she faced, she demonstrated resilience and determination.

“My mom, you know, she went to school, got her degree, she read to me, she taught me what I needed to know,” Bigthumb recalled. “She stood up as a resilient woman. And she taught me what it meant to really be kind and create opportunities.”
For Bigthumb, the lessons from his grandparents and parents laid the foundation for his approach to business. Inspired by both the hardships and the strength he observed, he developed a deep sense of responsibility to create opportunities within his community.

“For me, the biggest thing (about) going into business was being able to create that job for that mom and dad to stay in town,” he emphasized.

He spoke about the unique challenges faced by Native families, with parents often traveling for work as tradesmen, welders, or ironworkers, leaving one parent to manage the household. This dynamic inspired Bigthumb to establish opportunities that would allow families to stay together.

“You know, parents can stay home and take care of their kids. And, you know, I see that being able to be done in the nation,” he said.

Bigthumb’s journey underscores the importance of using trauma as a catalyst for growth and change.

“The inspiration does come. You know, a bit of it has to come from trauma,” he reflected. “Just like I said, a little bit of that trauma has to really inspire you to, you know, go further and create those opportunities.”

Tourism, private sector

Today, Bigthumb sees the tourism and private sector as crucial players in the Navajo Nation’s economy, creating jobs and fostering growth. His dedication to his family, community, and culture continues to guide his vision and aspirations, serving as a powerful example of resilience and opportunity in action.

From the teachings of his grandparents to the resilience of his mother, Bigthumb’s story is a testament to the enduring strength of family and the profound impact of cultural and generational values on his path to success.

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