Confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers.
Now that former President Ben Shelly can no longer fire him, Navajo Nation’s Natural Resources division director has issued a memorandum opposing the Grand Canyon Escalade.
Moroni Benally issued the memo on the same day Shelly left office, May 12, saying that the place where the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers meet is “a place of significant spiritual value to the Navajo people.”
“It is therefore unwise for any development to occur in this area that will disturb wildlife and plants and disrupt the cultural and spiritual value this area offers to the Navajo people,” Moroni wrote.
Proponents of the Escalade project, which would put a gondola tram down the cliffs to the Confluence, have contended there is nothing sacred about the area, and that no sacred sites would be impacted.
Supporters have included former Navajo Nation President Albert Hale, who was forced from office due to a financial and marital scandal.
Ironically, the memo is on letterhead of Ben Shelly and former Vice President Rex Lee Jim.
You must be logged in to post a comment.