Saaniis cooking food at a feast near The Confluence on the Navajo Nation. Photo by Peter McBride.
We apologize for not posting new material on the Save the Confluence website.
We have not forgotten the enormous help offered to Save the Confluence families by supporters, who gave their time to write letters, sign petitions, contacted their leaders, researched and created a global awareness to preserve a national treasure. To these folks, we express great gratitude.
The Navajo Nation President’s support of our cause gave many members and families a much-needed rest. President Russell Begaye gave the heave-ho to proposed plans by Scottsdale-based Confluence Partners LLC in May.
The partners want to build a tram and a mega tourist site-unofficially named the Grand Canyon Escalade-on the eastern rim on the Navajo Nation.
Begaye’s decision sent many STC families into ecstatic joy.
The break from stress and anxiety allowed them to pay attention to other matters including family, work and care for livestock. They butchered a sheep at Tliichii da’hiiskiid, two-red pointed hills, near the edge of the confluence of the little and larger Colorado Rivers in November.
The mutton ribs, roasted intestines and fry bread tasted delicious.
The Save the Confluence families understand there are challenges in 2016.
The Confluence Partners are not giving up. They continue to look for investors to pay for the Escalade. They are also lobbying the Navajo Nation Council to approve an agreement that does not fulfill the proper development process outlined in federal and tribal laws. This battle is far from over.
Other projected issues include preserving traditional Navajo prayer sites along the northeastern rim and encouraging descendants of southern Bodaway to rebuild home.
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