The Confluence Partners LLC have until Dec. 31, 2012 to shore up community support for the proposed gondola tram/luxury resort on the northeast rim of the Grand Canyon. Nearly two weeks ago, the Bodaway/Gap Chapter asked Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly discontinue a memorandum of agreement he signed with Scottsdale-based Confluence Partners LLC for an economic feasibility study.
Download the letter (3.8 MB PDG, requires Adobe Reader.)
URGENT UPDATE: We’ve learned this week that the administration of Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has been telling the national news media that there is NO opposition to the proposed development at The Confluence. Also, we have learned that either the Shelly administration or the developers are telling the public that no one lives in the areas proposed for development.
Let’s set the record straight:
How dare these corrupt politicians lie to the media. (And, news media — do your jobs and be sure to double check anything a politician tells you. Politicians should never be trusted.)
A Scottsdale developer on Monday unveiled new proposed plans that include a restaurant and an amphitheater on the floor of the Grand Canyon, which tourists would access by riding a gondola tram down to the river. Continue reading
UPDATE: Shelly says he has other important business to attend to, and won’t be meeting with us. Anyone know what time is tribal plane is touching down at Tuba City International Airport? He will land there briefly on his way to some other rez community.
The coalition of the Confluence stakeholders plan to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday (March 17) at the Quality Inn, 10 N. Main St., in Tuba City, Ariz.
Navajo Nation President Shelly, staff members and other tribal officials were invited and reportedly will show up. Many agreed to attend including Deswood Tome, who reportedly was selected by Shelly to carry the Confluence project through. Continue reading
Here is audio of what Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said to the people when he visited Grand Canyon East June 4, 2011. He spoke in Navajo about standing with the people who do not want development at the Confluence.
Read the English translation:
“And then the work (economic development) to be moved here where The Two Waters Meet (Confluence), this will not happen. I will support you on this and stand with you with a ‘No’.
And, then, I don’t know what you think – maybe you want development. I will listen for this, as well. If it is ‘no,’ then it will be ‘no.’ What else is to be said? That is the way it is and I want to tell you this: This will be it and I will stand behind you.”
Click the play button on the link below to hear what he said in our native language:
Listen to Mr. Shelly speak:
Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly Does Political Backflip by CanyonClouds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A coalition of landholders and grazing permit owners on the western Navajo Nation are opposing an effort by the Navajo Nation to use a trio of individuals who gained favor with Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly to develop a tourism-based economy near the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. Shelly signed a memorandum of understanding with Fulcrum Group, LLC to explore the feasibility of building a tram from the rim to the Colorado River, an airport and other tourism amenities. Continue reading
Western Navajo residents oppose resort at Grand Canyon’s East Rim
March 13, 2012
Contact:
Tyrone Tsosie: 480- 577-0623
Francis Martin: 928-814-1177