THE KAYENTA

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The Final Chapter: Lady Mustangs: 21st Century -ism THE NEWSPAPER OF THE KAYENTA TOWNSHIP AND COMMUNITY Volleyball and Success TODAYA Free Publication from the Kayenta Township

December 2010 WWW.KAYENTATOWNSHIP.NET Book Celebrates the Pictorial Kayenta Rural Alternative Hospital to Begin Construction History of Monument Valley By Malcolm Benally and Kayenta KAYENTA, AZ – Three of the larg- est development projects in Kayenta today: the Kayenta Alternative Health Care Facility, the Native America Technical Institute for Vocational Education (NATIVE) Campus and the Kayenta Public Safety Building are all at various stages of beginning construction. Currently, work is underway on the $150 million dollar, 182,000 square feet Kayenta Alternative Health Care Center and is scheduled to take 3-years. The project will include 129 staff housing units for By Malcolm Benally non-local professionals. Although the KAYENTA, AZ – A book entitled new facility will be about three times Conceptual view of the new Kayenta IHS facility. Images of America: Kayenta And as large as the current facility, it will the local leaders, I would really like To begin the preliminary Monument Valley celebrating a continue to focus primarily on outpa- to encourage the youth to consider a work for the hospital, the Kayenta 100-years of the Kayenta commu- tient care. career in the health care profession,” Township Commission passed a nity as the Gateway to Monument During the groundbreaking she said. The current I.H.S. clinic in resolution on August 09, 2010 dur- Valley recently hit the bookshelves ceremony, Linda White, Indian Health Kayenta is now over 50-years old. ing its regular monthly meeting in early October. The book pub- Services CEO for the Kayenta Right now, Flintco, Inc. is do- approving the release of funds in the lished by Arcadis Publishing, Ltd., Service Unit, explained that although ing what is called “make ready” work, amount of $14,210.30 for the phase is co-authored by Carolyn O’Bagy the clinic has grown throughout the which is work that must be completed I underground electrical service Davis and Harvey Leake. years, it was never really able to pro- before actual construction on the main along the access road to the Kayenta The book, probably targeted vide quality services to meet the needs hospital can begin. At this time, the Health Center. The Phase I project for European travelers and the and demands of the community, said construction site has been set up, fenced is also necessary to pave the way for tourism industry, is also perfect for the CEO. “But, now with the promise in, and appropriate safety measures infrastructure for future development the Navajo family who may want of this new state of the art facility, the (such as signage asking people to wear within Township boundaries. to take a look at how photographs future is bright. And like a lot of safety gear on-site) have been put in and the written word help define the place. Continued on page 3 history of a people and their com- munities. Each photograph, out Local Community Organizations of a total collection of at least 200 photographs, some maps, and draw- Address “Forty Town” Label ings comes with short explanatory By Malcolm Benally So, here at the Kayenta District narrative of Kayenta set in its time KAYENTA, AZ – Over the phone with Court, in partnership with the Proba- and place. Beginning with a sort Judge Jennifer Benally of the Kayenta tion Office, we decided to do some- of photographic tour of the major District Court, she responds to the most thing about it,” she says. Since the monoliths in Monument Valley, aggressive effort so far to respond to the program’s inception, the 40 bottles Oljato, and Navajo Mountain, we 40 ounce liquor bottles that are littering the community, as though it were a pan- have noticeably disappeared. To are treated to a three page spread demic. It is definitely an epidemic res- address the problem head on, people of Rainbow Bridge and its sur- ervation- wide. “I heard a lot about the who are charged with a criminal mis- roundings, which was subsequently trash problem from the public reaction demeanor at the Kayenta District declared a National Monument by to the photo that was published several Continued on page 7 months ago in the Navajo Times. Continued on page 7 2

Kayenta Township Commission Town Manager Message P.O. Box 1490 Kayenta, 86033 Phone (928) 697-8451 Fax (928) 697-8461 As I am becoming more familiar with the Kayenta Township ANNOUNCEMENT TO SERVE AS A BUSINESS SITE LEASING COMMITTEE and its residents, issues and problems, POSITION: Business Site Leasing Committee Member I would like to convey the follow- OPENING: For One (1) Committee Member ing message to our readers and their DUE DATE: Open Until Filled (OUF) families. ESTABLISHMENT AND COORDINATION OF COMMITTEE: The Township has received The Kayenta Township Commission adopted and approved the Business Site Leasing Committee by Resolution No.: KTCM-09-08 (March 15, 2008) to be an oversight and approving entity that will have numerous telephone calls and let- the authority to approve Kayenta Township Business Site Leases and Related Documents in accordance with Subchapter 2 of Chapter 9 of Township Lease Ordinance, Regulations, Management and ters from local residents complaining Administrative Plans. about the presence of livestock on or The Business Site Leasing Committee will consist of five (5) members as follow: near their properties. Consequently, I • Township Town Manager • Township Director of Finance Department would like to remind everybody that • Township Director of Community Development Department • Kayenta Community Members (2) home site lessees are to keep their

 The BSL Committee by-laws and rule of orders has been established and approved. home sites in a clean and sanitary

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: condition. • Abide by the established Committee by-laws and rule of orders It is my understanding that when • Ensure the compliance of BSL Regulations, Administrative, General Management Plans of the Township and the the land withdrawals which created along with each other. Particularly, in • Ensure compliance of Township rules, regulations, ordinances, policies and procedures these tough economic times, it is all • Ensure all appropriate protocol were complied and adhered the land base for the future Kayenta • Ensure that fair, reasonable and equitable lease rate was negotiated the more important that we set aside • Will review and discuss the resolution to approve or disapprove the business site leases Township went into effect, no live- • Will approve or disapprove the business site leases stock, such as horses, cows, sheep personal differences and make this QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGEMENT: etc. were to be kept within the Town- Township a better place for adults and • Be a Kayenta Chapter and Township registered voters children alike. • Committee member cannot be a public official; elected or appointed office in any governmental ship. body of the Navajo Nation, including grazing committee members While the Township has not • Must have knowledge in real estates, business, finance, planning, community relations In light of this development, • Must have knowledge of management and leasing activities I am appealing to all residents of experienced economic growth at the • Must have knowledge of municipal government law, regulations and ordinances • Must have knowledge and understanding of a small community economic development Kayenta Township to move their rate it may have expected, it will be If interest in applying for the BSL Committee Members, contact the Kayenta Township Administration at (928) 697- livestock to alternate location(s) much more attractive to the business 8451. When applying for the BSL Committee, please submit your letter of interest and resumé. For further and additional information, please contact Mr. Hygi Waetermans, Town Manager or Ed Whitewater, Director of Economic outside the Township. I realize that community to create new opportuni- Development Department at the above telephone number. the implementation of such a move ties for the residents, if we present may take some time; therefore, the Kayenta Township as a place that is Kayenta Township Commission residents keeping livestock within the truly ready to bring about vast im- P.O. Box 1490 Kayenta, AZ 86033 Phone (928) 697-8451 Township shall act promptly making provements throughout the commu- Helen Bonnaha, Chairperson the necessary arrangements to comply nity. Helen Bonnaha is the Chairperson for the Kayenta Township Commis- Thank you for your under- sion 2009 to 2012. She is Bit’ahnii, Within His Cover people born for with the home site lease agreements. Tsénahabiłnii, Sleeping Rock clan. Her maternal grandparents are Tł’izi Please, understand that we all standing and support! Láni, the Many Goats. Kinyaa’aanii, the Towering House people are her live together within this autonomous paternal grandparents. She has been a life long resident of Kayenta, AZ. geo-political entity and I would like Hygi Waetermans nothing more than for everyone to get Kayenta Town Manager Alyce M. Yazzie, Vice-Chair Commissioner Alyce M. Yazzie has been a resident of Kayenta, AZ all her life. She is Todichii’nii, Bitter Water born for Dibé Łizhini, Black Sheep. Her maternal grandparents are Tsi’naajini, Black Streaked Wood people and her paternal grandparents are Nanesht’ezhi Tabaaha, the Zuni Water Edge clan. She has been a Commissioner since March 2006. Happy Holidays from the Richard Mike, Secretary Richard Mike, a native of Kayenta, AZ is serving his third term as Kayenta Township Commissioner. He is Bitter Water born for the Big Water clan. His maternal grandparents are Many Goats and his paternal grandparents Kayenta Township! are Jemez Coyote Pass.

Delores Greyeyes, Commissioner Delores Greyeyes, originally from Black Mesa, AZ, is one of the newly elected Kayenta Township Commissioners. She is Bitter Water born for Near To Water, her maternal grandparents are Ashiihi, the Salt Clan. The Bit’ahnii, Within His Cover people are her maternal grandparents.

Carol Todecheene, Commissioner Carol Todecheene, a life long resident of Kayenta, AZ, is serving her first term as Kayenta Township Commissioner. She was born in Gouldings, . Carol is Dził Natohnii Tachii’nii, Mountain Tobacco Red Streak Run- ning Into Water clan born for Todichii’nii, the Bitter Water clan. Her mater- nal grandparents are Bit’ahnii, Within His Cover people. Her paternal grandparents are Kinyaa’aanii, Towering House people. 3 Continued from page 1 The Kayenta Steering Com- As far as concept design for Also, at the same meeting in August, mittee and surrounding communities the site, the website explains: “The the Commission passed a support- request the Congress, design for the building emphasizes a ing resolution for NTUA to “install the President of the United States, sensitive response to the site which 1,738 ± feet of Temporary Over- and I.H.S. to provide construction offers outstanding views at the edge Head Single Phase Power Line” to funding in the amount of $6.0 mil- of Monument Valley, a rigorous allow Flintco to start working with lion and $56.0 million, respectively. reflection of the building’s program- temporary power to their staging Funding for construction of the facil- matic requirements, and an integra- area. The temporary power line will ity has since become shovel ready. tion of the cultural context, both of come down once permanent power is The hospital entrance will the Navajo (Diné) culture, as well as routed to the I.H.S. hospital. face the east like the entrance of a the operational culture and values of The groundbreaking cer- traditional Navajo Hogan. The the staff and administration of the ex- emony for the Kayenta Alternative entrance to the hospital and main isting facility that will be replaced.” Health Care Hospital took place in lobby area will feature a wellness September 2009, and the civilian center. The hospital departments construction drawings can now be will also have a day surgery, a 10- found on-line at http://www.dpsde- bed short stay, a drive-in pharmacy, sign.org/kayenta-health-center and physical therapy, a CAT scan facil- gives an in-depth background of the ity, three birthing units, emergency project. A kick-off celebration to room, 30-dental chairs, ambulatory begin construction was also held No- surgery suite, diagnostic imaging, vember 30, 2010 at the Flintco, Inc. behavioral health, and a community staging area. outreach office. The official ground work According to Ramona Tayah for the new hospital began in the in a conversation over the phone early 1990s, and the Kayenta Hos- explained, actual hospital construc- pital was selected for evaluation tion can begin in the spring, possibly through a study called I.H.S. Facili- in March 2011. “Most of the fall ties Construction Priority System, and winter months will be dedicated which was a study applied to health to identifying and constructing the care programs nationwide. In 2004, underground utilities,” she said. the Kayenta Health Center project received priority status for healthcare facilities construction. The report highlighted the fact that the current facility, which is still in use today, is inadequate to “support an accessible modern health care delivery pro- gram.” Since 1959 when the clinic was first built, it has gone through two major renovation projects, but it still does not fully meet community needs. 4 21st Century Navajo-ism rich here quick; an exception might be companies purchasing natural By Ken Whitehair resources at way below wholesale The Final Chapter: prices. So, there is a good guy bad The movie Milepost 398, guy tension, but it’s hidden. Housing a production of Sheephead films, usually has a ‘married housing’ qual- is a complete departure from what ity seen at university campuses. It’s 21st Century Navajo-ism can only be called the ‘status quo’, a dump. It’s also cheap and needs or ‘Main Street’, or ‘mainstream constant attention. The houses are Forward by Shonie De La Rosa American’. Because it’s a departure, built by private companies. Which all sorts of unexpected things can is also to say, Navajo men have lost Ken Whitehair was a regular them, where we made them, how did happen. The actors, actresses, stage the art and knowledge of building contributor to the Kayenta Today you shoot that, where is that, and so hands, sound types, police, truck structures for family use. with his 21st Century Navajo-ism much more. His most favorite films owners, Chapters, coyote, James & articles. His articles were insight- from us were “The Last Great Hunt”, Ernie, the Richard Mikes, the Nina ful and straight to the point and I “Mile Post 398” and most nota- Heflins—each is heartily commend- Land: almost no one has rights enjoyed reading them very much. I bly “D.C. Navajo” for all the press ed. Each volunteered. to land in its complete sense. was on location out of town shooting coverage and controversy it caused It was the young Navajo The land with Navajo is a documentary my wife Andee and I with our Navajo Nation President Joe people who pulled this off. The —well--a tourist attraction. had been working on for a number of Shirley JR. young people are fed up with living years when I had gotten the message When everything about in a clean environment stained with - Ken Whitehair that Ken had passed away suddenly. D.C. Navajo was going down in the booze. Along with booze comes My heart immediately began to beat newspapers papers, I was sitting empty bottles along roadside, trash, There are some tidbits about hard and I could feel my throat begin there wondering if I had gone too far violence, the put downs, seeing what Navajo style that makes 398 very to swell, soon tears filled my eyes. as a film maker, Ken came up to me, is a waste of life. The young people agreeable. One is the music/people I was so sad and found it extremely shook my hand and patted me on the want a booze-free environment and combo. It will be noticed there is no hard to believe that my good friend back for a job well done. As my wife they mean to have it! radio station, blasting its Air America Ken Whitehair was gone. said to me at the time, “You hit the 398 is a young people’s propaganda. I had just seen him the other hornet’s nest with a stick.” Boy did movie. The age range is 20-30s. One has a choice—one can day at the office. He had stopped by I ever! And Ken loved every minute The youngest actor, KJ White, is a listen to radio noise, or one can listen like he usually did to visit and talk. of it. After the whole ordeal settled strapping 10 year old. With the ex- to sounds one lives in like the silent Ken was wearing his camouflaged down, I gave Ken the original DVD ception of a few seasoned actors (i.e. treatment, which is medicinal. The t-shirt that day, I walked right by him of D.C. Navajo because he loved it James & Ernie, Gerald Vandever, and music provided in 398 was by four totally ignoring him and he looked so much. I remember him telling me Beau Benally), all are stage rookies groups. The lead-in is Young Na- at me surprised because I didn’t say that he was proud of me for making in terms of acting. tives from Monument Valley, a CW “hi” and talk to him like I normally that film. “It’s about ****ing time Is there a comparable movie? group. Keddah, a metal group from do. I walked around the corner of the someone showed what Navajo Na- I think not. This raises a question of Phoenix, then performed at the first wall and immediately turned around tion government is really like! I love how status quo show , espe- party scene, to bring the script into and said, “Oh hi Ken! I didn’t see that film!” he said. cially in recent times. Almost invari- current times. you, must be that camouflaged shirt I also gave Ken an advanced ably the today Navajo is shown as a The music is original. The you’re wearing.” We both laughed copy of Mile Post 398 before its drunk, sitting down, accomplishing predominant music, performed by and he said I wasn’t the first person premiere. I wanted to hear what he nothing, amid a dump-like setting Coalition of Tuba City, was also the to say that to him. We talked and thought of it. Ken was always honest saying nothing. Well, 398 blows source of inspiration of 398. Coali- laughed for a minute or two and I with me and I knew he’d give me an that to smithereens! 398 is involved tion’s music is also original. Then, went back to work. That was the very honest review of the film. Ken came with something I’m going to call to accompany loss of will or the last time I would ever get to see and back a few days later and said, “You ‘self definition’. The 398 group are slide into the drunken state, a local talk to Ken. guys hit the nail right on the head!” busy showing their public and some metal group, Ethnic De Generation, Ken was a regular attendee He then handed me a floppy disk and intimate home action of their lives. performs a loud, means, in your face at the Monument Valley film festival said he wrote a review of the film. A part of Navajo living comes alive. set. Their music is also original. that my wife and I coordinate every Over the years I have pub- Since the setting is on Na- Each music style coexists with other year. Ken loved all the Native mov- lished everything Ken has written vajo, there are certain things one groups, and each almost has its own ies that were screened every year for the Kayenta Today with the has to know, in order to navigate the distinct dress. It’s flexible. No al- and always had great admiration for exception of this review of Mile Post Navajo style. There is no bad guy— legiance. the people that made the films. He 398. I have known Ken ever since the bad guy is the good guy. 398 is A dominant architecture in always said that non-Natives have no I started working here at the Kay- not a simplistic status quo statement 398 is the sky with clouds and the business telling our stories and that enta Township nearly seven years about an outback ‘Indian’ reserva- bright starlight. The starlight plays more of us Native Americans need ago. Ken was my friend and I will tion. Rather, it’s a contemporary on the black hair and the black al- to tell our own stories and that it was miss our long talks, teasing and the statement about very limited eco- most shows the spectrum of a prism. our responsibility to do so. laughter we shared in these few short nomic opportunities, and the reasons The constant moving and changing Ken was a big fan of the films years. or causes of a bleak economy with of light are like large living walls. my wife and I had made over the God bless you Ken, I will almost no employment opportunities What does this do to a personality? years and would ask a million ques- miss you my friend. are left unexplored. The Rez life is a tions about them. How we made - Shonie De La Rosa marginal existence—no one gets Continued on page 5 5 Benally Translates a Book Bringing Voice to the Contested Lands of Black Mesa Many know that the removal and relocation of Indigenous peoples from traditional lands is a part of the United States’ colonial past, but few know that—in an expansive corner of northeastern Arizona—the saga continues. The 1974 Settlement Act officially divided a reservation established almost a century ear- lier between the Diné (Navajo) and the Hopi, and legally granted the contested land to the Hopi. To date, the U.S. government has relocated between 12,000 and 14,000 Diné from Hopi Partitioned Lands, and the “Rez life is a marginal existence—no one gets rich here Diné—both there and elsewhere— quick; an exception might be companies purchasing natural continue to live with the legacy of this relocation. resources at way below wholesale prices.” Bitter Water: Diné Oral who have lived it—in their own Histories Of The Navajo Hopi Land words in Navajo as well as the Eng- - Ken Whitehair Dispute presents the narratives of lish translation. The result is a living four Diné women who have resisted history of a contested cultural land- Continued from page 4 logical makeup that motivates an removal but who have watched as scape and the unique worldview of Maybe it leads to mysticism. obedient son to his mother’s wishes their communities and lifeways women determined to maintain their Of course, the rugged land forms add is missing. In due course the final have changed dramatically. The traditions and lifeways, which are a dimension that puts 398 in another beer party ends. book, based on 25 hours of filmed so intimately connected to the land. class, altogether. 398, because of site loca- personal testimony, features the This book is more than a collection 398 centers around a merry tion about Kayenta, its cast of young women’s candid discussions of their of stories, poetry, and prose. It is a band of three, we can suppose, were people, the volunteers of individuals efforts to carry on a traditional way chronicle of resistance as spoken dadless boys. Two for sure lost their and groups (in the credit list there of life in a contemporary world that from the hearts of those who have dads at a young age. The formative was not a single right wing bible includes relocation and partitioned lived it. years were spent being sent here group, or church), the drug effect— lands; encroaching Western values The book is scheduled to be and there, to relatives, or to board- hangover—was the theme, and its and culture; and devastating min- in stores May 21, 2010. Pre-order ing schools. Three near consecutive obvious generational explosions. eral extraction and development in your book today at the University of scenes arrive at denouement. First, This means the drunken dad, beating the Black Mesa region of Arizona. Arizona Press. http://www.uapress. a talk with a friend (portrayed by up on his wife, causes a long lasting Though their accounts are framed arizona.edu/BOOKS/bid2269.htm Ernest Tsosie III) at a farm up a can- terror in the child, that the child is by insightful writings by both Bena- Malcolm Benally studied yon shows the aspiration of a wan- unable to arrive at maturity with all lly and Diné historian Jennifer Nez Navajo and English at Northern Ari- nabee good dad, against the history necessary tools, one might say. The Denetdale, Benally lets the stories zona University. He is currently the of being a dadless boy. Meaning, the child becomes a cripple, psycho- of the four women elders speak for Community Involvement Coordina- principal, Cloyd (portrayed by Beau logically, temperamentally, doesn’t themselves. tor for Kayenta Township in Kay- Benally) did not have the psycho- quite fit into Navajo society, ‘can’t Scholars, media, and other enta, Arizona. He continues his work logical tools to become independent fix a flat tire’, runs with what looks outsiders have all told their versions documenting the stories of Navajo of friends and their habits. Second, like an anti-authority squad, and is of this story, but this is the first book elders and is an advocate for cultural an intimate scene with wife (por- an accomplished dead beat dad type that centers on the stories of women literacy in his community. trayed by Kim White) reveals almost with clean pampers. These factors her fearful premonition, and insists combine to place 398 in a class of its to her husband to cut ties with his own. There is nothing comparable. friends. Third, the Auntie scene is The young people involved in the most revealing: Auntie (portrayed production of 398 want an end to by Ruth Bradley) says in a nice way the drug problem and that was their what she wants of her nephew’s motivation. This movie is recom- behavior. Essentially to avoid his mended to Navajo and non-Navajo friends and become totally fam- like. The social comment of this ily oriented. But the demons of his movie is its devastation. formative years exert their influence. Fortunately not all Navajo The wannabee good dad does not have drug problem. The drug-free commit himself to an out loud verbal families are stable, show traditional ‘yes’; he only looks on. The psycho mores, and are the majority. 6

Natural bridge exploration.

From December 1910, the asapparitions of the past in the back Wetherills made the transitional ground tells a deeper history most move from Oljato, Utah to Kayenta, readers of this book will not be a Arizona so they could be 30-miles party to. A little boy sitting outside closer to Gallup and also because the Trading Post, my grandma said, Continued from page 1 For some people, a picture is they did not have to make the in- “Look! The Baking Powder! I really worth a thousand words. My evitable crossing of Laguna Creek, traded a sheep for one of those canis- U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt auntie Mary Lou has an old Polaroid which was often dangerous back in ters once!” The little boy was sitting in 1908. Finally, until 1913 after picture of her out herding sheep in the day due to flash floods and quick on a big canister of Calumet Baking he left office, President Roosevelt Black Mesa. Her Navajo preacher is sand. From a manual day camp Powder from back in the day. Also, finally made his way to stay at the kneeling down holding a Bible, and set up near the Toes, to the building what are make-shift wooden doors Wetherills in Kayenta and made the she subtly leans towards the Bible to of a big house, the Wetherill home made from Arbuckle Coffee at the expedition to Rainbow Bridge. see the verse. The sheep are grazing became a bed & breakfast, a family Wetherill homestead in the photos We see in black and white photo- around her. It’s my favorite picture home, and a community trading post; probably serve as the eerie remind- graphs, the U.S. mail being carried and I never get tired of looking at it. thus came to fruition the root begin- ers of Arbuckle Coffee boxes that at on horseback. Not exactly the trap- Of course, the picture is staged, but nings of the community of K-town. one point served as baby caskets and pings of the good life, but beloved it represents a lot of positive image The hardships of isolated adult caskets during the epidemics country nevertheless for its deep of family life, for me. I even retain a country, the obligatory photographs and pandemics that wiped out thou- mysteries - and The People being copy of it on my iTouch. of Navajo women weaving at the sands of Navajos during tragic epi- discovered by artists, scientists, One could say that a history loom, a man, woman, or child on sodes in this same period in Navajo and the greater public. The deep enthusiast and someone who appreci- horseback, a beautiful but dirty history. mysteries are what intrigued artists ates all things K-town, each photo Navajo child with disheveled hair, For this reason, this book is the most, and at first came paint- in this book would carry the same a Navajo family standing outside sure to become a cultural treasure. ers, sketch artists, and writers who weight as history being told in an up- the Hogan, or smiling with a flock After 1928, came the first hospital logged their time staying with the per level University history class. of sheep, and the proud photos of and sanitarium to address tuberculo- Wetherills each time they visited the Before the automobile, we a Navajo couple standing behind a sis patients (where mostly children rugged homeland. see several photographs of a team of finished rug entered the imagination lived to get well), and the begin- Soon came the works of art, horses tied to a wagon navigating the of the greater public and definitely nings of what we know today as Sunday comics of the desert lands in rugged country. One photo’s narra- become the hallmarks of this photo- the Kayenta Service Unit through the Saturday Evening Post – a col- tive describes a return trip from Gal- essay and book. (My personal favor- Indian Health Services, an outpatient lage of which you will find through- lup, New Mexico (over 200 miles to ite in the book is of two guys playing clinic. Like the Hollywood insider out the book. Then the Hollywood the north) to the Oljato Trading Post, the Ouija board, circa 1930s). that they truly were, the lived lives sets of John Ford in Monument Val- says in print: “…with the heavily There are the eerie reminders of John and Louisa Wetherills brings ley, and Clint Eastwood climbing the loaded wagons roped together and of the deeper history behind those us through their family collection Totem Pole in Monument Valley in pulled by teams of 8 to 10 horses. family portraits. If a Navajo Elder of photos the details we enjoy today the move The Eiger Sanctions. We Advancing only 5 miles a day, the studies these photos, what appears mostly on Direct TV. learn that Kayenta’s very own prodi- journey could take more than a gal son Bill Crawley has ownership month.” The town of Gallup was the of a significant part of this illustrious closest, most accessible place to the history. railroad.

John Wetherill’s mule drawn wagon of goods. 7 Continued from page 1 Court each week, and cannot af- ford to pay their fine, can now opt to choose Community Service Work and pick up trash around town, to pay off their fine. The Public Works Depart- ment which is managed by Bill Cly of the Kayenta Township will waive delivery of the 40 bottles if they are brought in - in a plastic bag. Lately, since Community Service Work- In one particularly dense for- tires that are thrown away are also ers have been leaving the trash bags est of tamarisks, home furniture that hauled away to Holbrook, Arizona. beside the public road ways in town, was thrown away as trash are stand- According to one of his monthly the Arizona Department of Trans- ing upright, and makeshift couches, reports, the costs over time for a fleet portation have been hauling the trash boxes, and large rocks served as management upgrade is scheduled to bags to the transfer station for dis- an outback living room for vagrant cost $158,238.00. posal. The Public Works Department parties. A mattress lay to the side A recycling program for the also provides sturdy 13-gallon trash as if the place also had a bedroom. community of Kayenta is a long time bags, which is donated by the Navajo There is even a fireplace. It looked coming. With a larger progressive Generating Station in Page, AZ. like a hoarder’s paradise with trash crowd migrating into town with the “This community service and beer bottles strewn about every- new detention facility, alternative effort to address this problem is not times 4 to 5 in a given week come where. Not too far down the road hospital, and a vocational college, only specific to the community of in to the probation office, sometimes from this area looked like a place the demand for a recycling program Kayenta,” Judge Benally says. If none for the week. Probation Of- people come to dump their waste oil is sure to become a major issue, if you are from another community sur- ficer Genevieve Brady explains that from their oil changes. It is a sight it is not addressed right away. The rounding Kayenta, you can arrange if a person chooses to do commu- that would make Exxon suits cringe. placement of recycling bins around to pick up trash in your community nity service, the value of the work One of the biggest dreams of local town will reduce the waste stream through the Chapter or a local gov- is measured at $7.25 an hour. Two leaders is to restore the canals to and possibly bring in revenue. The ernment or non-profit organization. thirteen gallon bags usually fills up Dry Lake and revive the surround- price tag to start this program: As long as your hours and amount of with 18 malt liquor bottles and is ing farmlands near Diversion Dam $57,000.00. Placing recycling bins trash you bring is accounted for and worth 10 hours of work. Eight bags by restoring the reservoir lake. But, at strategic places like the hospi- documented, you can work off your of trash equals a 40-hour work week with the trash problem in its present tal, schools, businesses, and local fine,” she says. or $290.00 in paid off fines. state, it is a fantasy. In order for the agencies will cost an additional The Probation Office oversees the One community service lake to be useful as drinking water $25,000.00. Community Service Workers once worker, whose name is withheld for for livestock and farmlands, it is Purchasing a weight scale to sentencing takes place. Sentencing confidentiality reasons, holds the obvious and a looming reality that a weigh all waste that comes into the takes place each week, but the num- record at 112 bags of trash. That massive effort must be made to clean transfer station will make the point ber of people who opt for community would be equal to fourteen 40-hour up Dry Lakes. of sale for trash dumping accurate. service varies, some work weeks of community service or This brings us back to the The weight scale will eliminate $4060.00 in paid off fines. positive community programs within monetary exchange, and people who There are several glitches in the Kayenta community. The Public dump trash at the Transfer Station the trash pick-up program that would Works Department recently com- will become card carrying members require strengthening the existing pleted public hearings, and at its who can pay a weekly or monthly partnership between ADOT, Proba- November 08, 2010 Kayenta Town- fee at the Kayenta Township. Such a tion Office, Public Works, and the ship Town Hall meeting addressed program will strengthen the internal Kayenta District Courts. Due to the the issue of raising prices at the controls for taxpayer money. Esti- need for supervision of the com- Transfer Station. Bill Cly, Public mated cost: $45,000.00. munity service workers, the work Works Director testified before the The trash problem in Kayenta focuses on local roadways in town. Kayenta Township Commission and is becoming more of an opportu- However, if you take a drive his demeanor and positive outlook nity. As local programs partner and in the scenic Dry Lake roads towards was affecting as he talked about the find innovative ways to address the diversion dam, one quickly learns improvements that can be made with problem, the community becomes that it is a sight for sore eyes. Strewn the increase in prices at the Transfer pro-active. Because most of these in between the picturesque tamarisk Station. partnerships are among government bushes and turquoise greasewood For one, with an increase programs, the need for documenta- bushels are bags of trash torn open in prices, the Public Works Depart- tion also presents another opportu- by feral dogs. Diapers, forty bottles, ment will be able to upgrade its fleet nity: grant writing. When documen- and even kitchen appliances makes management, to meet t he demand tation of a community’s efforts are the tourist wonderland into a waste- of hauling waste to White Mesa in place, it can become an immediate land reminiscent of the movie Blade Landfill just past Bluff, Utah, over resource for future planning. Runner. 70-miles to the north. All the used 8 Uranium Compensation Program Seeks Claimants By Malcolm Benally certain cancers and other serious dis- From 1942 to 1971, the eases due to their exposure to radia- United States financed the thriving tion from above-ground atmospheric uranium industry, buying ore from nuclear weapons tests, or exposure an estimated 1,200 mines on Navajo from employment in the uranium land. Though this was a large source industry. of jobs on and around the reserva- With countless potential tion, employees in the uranium claimants remaining, Assistant At- industry, including the many Navajo torney General Tony West developed miners, millers and ore transporters, a two-week training program, aimed never understood the lasting effects to instruct college students from the that their workplace exposure would Four Corners Region to participate in have on their health. Many Navajo outreach work among their commu- miners reported that they were not nity and surrounding areas. Denise educated about the hazards of urani- Begaye and Julie Holiday of Kayenta um mining. They worked in poorly Arizona were 2 of the 15 interns se- ventilated areas without fresh water, lected to travel to Washington D.C., protective clothing, or respiratory to become acquainted with the filing protection, greatly increasing their process. chances of contracting diseases. Currently, the Radiation Ex- Kayenta Township Commissioner Alyce Mae Yazzie After the Cold War ended, posure Compensation Act Program Outgoing Commissioner Reflects on the Kayenta Township class action lawsuits were filed, is looking for individuals who may but later dismissed. In response, qualify for a claim. If you would By Malcolm Benally thought I would support bringing however, Congress established the like further information, or need as- Alyce is Todichii’nii, Bitter business and economic develop- Radiation Exposure Compensation sistance filing a claim, please contact Water born for Dibé Łizhini, Black ment to the community,” she says. Act (“RECA”) for uranium miners, Denise Begaye (928-225-3477), or Sheep. Her maternal grandparents “Although we only have 5-acres, I millers, and ore transporters who had Julie Holiday (435-444-0171). are Tsi’naajini, Black Streaked Wood think we can do a lot with that if we become ill with specified diseases re- RECA has given over $1.5 people and her paternal grandparents implement the Kayenta Township lated to exposure to uranium. Later, billion to those affected by uranium are Nanesht’ezhi Tabaaha, the Zuni Master Plan. Most of the work I do Congress amended the Act to in- exposure. Ten percent of those Water Edge clan. She graduated from on behalf of the community is so that clude people who developed certain claims were filed within Native Monument Valley High School in our youth can return here and have specified cancers as a result of living American communities; however, 1966. Commissioner Yazzie has also employment.” Probably the granting downwind of atmospheric nuclear there are many more that need to be been active in her community as the of home-rule authority by the Navajo testing during the Cold War. found. RECA’s main outreach goal Kayenta Chapter Vice-President in Nation to the Kayenta Township, This Act, which was estab- is to contact eligible people and their 2000 to 2006. which allowed the organization to lished in 1990, is administered by the families to educate them about pos- She is a graduate of Lansing approve business site leases, is the Department of Justice and it offers sible compensation. Business College in Phoenx, AZ with biggest milestone during her term. an official apology, explaining that You can also visit www. a major in Secretarial Science. She The Business Site Leasing Commit- monetary compensation should be justice.gov/civil/torts/const/reca/ for is also a graduate from the Northern tee recently send its year- end report given to individuals who developed more information. Arizona Institute of Technology from to the Navajo Nation Economic De- Flagstaff, AZ. She is a three time velopment Committee for review. honor student at the Institute. She is still a big supporter In her professional life, she of the Native American Technical worked as a Media Specialist for Institute for Vocational Education the Kayenta Unified School District. (NATIVE), the Headstart school, and She was also a dorm attendant for the Detention Facility - all capital 5 years for the Kayenta Commu- improvement projects she enjoys nity School. Later, she took care of seeing come to fruition. She says payroll for Peabody Western Coal she will continue to support it. “I Company for 9 years. Then she also want tourism attraction to be worked for the Office of Environ- improved upon within our Township mental Health as a Secretary to the boundaries. With the Public Works Engineering and Sanitation Depart- department consistently working on ment until her retirement in 1991. and improving on the Transfer Sta- For about 3 years, she worked as tion makes me proud of my commu- an intake specialist for the Navajo nity and the Township,” Alyce says. Housing Authority. You might see Alyce campaigning “I became more interested in becom- again for Commissioner in 2016. ing a Commissioner because I saw Until then, as she always is, she will that more jobs would be coming to continue to be visible in the commu- Uranium miners in Cameron, AZ 1956 Kayenta. As a Commissioner, I nity. 9 Local Teacher and Counselor to do a Dissertation Study School Basketball Players and Their student-athlete academic success. about the Lady Mustangs Volleyball and Success Post-Secondary Academic Suc- To paint a quantitative pic- cess” (1997). In this fifteen year old ture of the sample, part of the data By Malcolm Benally Education. Her study of high school qualitative study, Nemechek used a compiled would be demographical athletes and their eventual success in total sample of 18 former basketball (i.e. age, year of graduation, years The Monument Valley High the “real world” are success stories players, former non-athletes, family of college, highest degree attained, School Lady Mustangs Varsity Vol- vital, and in this case innovative, to members, high school teachers and college/university or training at- leyball team has chalked up a win- community development. On No- staff whose identity and exact loca- tended, current occupation, current ning four year season, and won three vember 08, 2010, she presented her tion of school and community name address, etc.). Student-athletes would back-to-back AAA State Tourna- dissertation study during the call- were kept confidential. Nemechek be asked to provide transcripts from ment Championships at the Toyota to-public portion of the Town Hall formulated two main hypotheses: high school and post-secondary Center in Prescott, Arizona. Long meeting at the Kayenta Township female Navajo participation in high education. Most of the data collected time coach, Lucinda Nash, has won Commission’s monthly meeting on school basketball does contribute to will be qualitative and collected by accolades and honorable mentions in the second Monday of each month. future post-secondary academic suc- way of the interview process. The local media and beyond for her suc- Although the call-to-public only al- cess and that the basketball players’ sample size will consist of former cess at Monument Valley throughout lows three minutes for presentations, support system played a significant participants of Mustang Volleyball, the years. Treva spent about 15-minutes as the role in the student-athletes future current student-athletes at MVHS, As a study of women’s people attending the meeting picked academic or athletic success. and former and current coaching sports, she has addressed the stigma her brain with questions that went so The study by Nemechek was staff of MVHS Volleyball from of underpaid women coaches, as well far as asking her about her definition written in 1997 and was based on a 2001-2010 seasons. The study by as a sort of an institutional “ho-hum” of “success” for the study! high school in Arizona. The data was Nemechek used a sample of 18, but attitude towards women’s sports Women’s studies, their lived collected from a sample size of 18 the current study would include a throughout the years. Yet, people lives, personal histories, and support and kept at a low number because the larger sample size with 25-30 partici- learn that reservation-sports are systems have become an institu- author felt that a ‘smaller sample size pants. much different. Every time the Mus- tion unto itself. And more and more would be easier to contact and inter- Previous research by Nem- tangs make a trip to State Tourna- women in society are climbing the view’ and that the sample size would echek has allowed a formulation of ments, in any sport, we see the whole corporate ladder, chalking up their allow the interviewing process to questions and assumptions, and also town become empty as the whole stats in Forbes magazine, and sports facilitate ‘common experiences’ with a continuance and an elaboration of town makes a bee-line for the Glen- stars are becoming household names. an ‘established relationship of trust’ previous questions and assumptions dale Arena or the Prescott Center in Gilmore’s study will document a and finally, Nemechek focused on made during the 1997 study. Partici- Prescott, AZ. milestone, in the span of 10 years, Navajo females because it provided a pants of the research will be asked Now, we have Treva Gilm- she says, of success in ‘solid data base’ for the future (Nem- questions that fall under one of the ore, a Student Counselor and Teacher interscholastic sports on the Navajo echek, 1997). following headings: self image/self at Monument Valley High School reservation. This story begins with The replication of this study efficacy of female student-athletes; who is working on a dissertation in the Lady Mustangs. would compare the results of her cultural influences on female stu- Navajo Female Participation in Volleyball: Its Impact on fifteen year old study to results dent-athlete’s participation in sports gathered with the current results col- and higher education acquisition; Success in Higher Education lected from former volleyball play- leadership skills and implement in ByTreva Gilmore female student-athletes apply to their ers. The replication would also allow female student-athlete’s life, athletic Volleyball at Monument Val- own lives; therefore, mimicking the for elaboration on previous research career; and female student-athlete’s ley High School is one of the most same success Nash executes in Mus- with current data and literature. The value of education. reputable and respected programs in tang Volleyball. data compiled, as a result of a big- the state of Arizona. Lucinda Nash, ger sample size, would also allow head coach of the MVHS Mustangs, Dissertation topic for additional in depth analysis of says the number of female student- The purpose of this research established veterans coaches with athletes she has coached since her is to identify, describe, and analyze solid programs and how the solidity career commenced in 1974 numbers Navajo female participation in high of such programs has any influence well into the thousands. The pro- school volleyball and the impact/ on the success of the athletes. gram, according to Nash, was not correlation it has on the success Another area that will be explored always successful. She remembers a in higher education. The research is how the role of athletics shapes time when MVHS was not invited to would be an opportunity to gain an and molds student-athletes’ leader- the Farmington Invitational because in-depth understanding of the impact ship abilities. The study, inessence, tournament sponsors felt that MVHS athletics, Diné culture, coaching/ would describe how Navajo female was not competent enough. This ex- mentoring of student-athletes, and participation in high school volley- perience and others like it prompted the community has on the lives of ball paves way for post-secondary Nash to strengthen her program, to Navajo female student-athletes in academic success; it would also ana- prove naysayers wrong, and to win. their post-secondary success. lyze the coaches’ and other mentor’s Nash’s desire to win, dedication to What do you want to know about it? role in the molding of the student- the sport, ability to lead, and love The research would be a rep- athlete’s character; and finally, the of volleyball all birthed solidity and lication study of Traci Nemechek’s study would identify key elements success with her volleyball program. “Navajo Hoops & Higher Learning: of Diné cultural beliefs, teachings The model for success is a path that A Study of Female and values that contribute to overall 10 Three Northeastern Arizona Chapters Partner Navajo lands?” he asked. needed so we can get this project un- Some of the cost-effective ben- derway.” In the Kayenta community, a With Utah Chapters for a Major Water Study efits of this water study is that Kayenta, water study has been an issue because By Malcolm Benally Water Plans and Analysis of the Existing Chilchinbeto, and Rough Rock Chapters three major projects are now shovel KAYENTA, AZ – The result of Public Water System Project. are already on the NTUA water system, ready: the Kayenta Alternative Hospital, a November 04, 2010 meeting between “What we need from each Chap- so a lot of the technical questions of op- the Kayenta Detention facility, and the Kayenta Chapter, the Kayenta Chapter, ter is a Memorandum of Understanding, erational maintenance, which stumbles Native American Technical Institute for and Rough Rock Chapter officials, an a support resolution, and a cost-sharing most water projects, will already have Vocational Education campus. water study agreement is forthcoming payment of $109,000 (from each of answers. Michael Benson will also walk After some discussion with from a long awaited seven month water three areas) to do a detailed water study the water study proposal for approval Chapter officials and comments from the master study that has been in the plan- for each of the Arizona Chapters,” through the Navajo Nation SAS approv- Kayenta Township Commission, Stan- ning stages and will be implemented Maryboy said at the meeting at Kayenta al process. ley Clitso, Kayenta Chapter President through a partnership between southeast Chapter, as representatives from the “I’ve been aware of this water expressed the importance of a water Utah Chapters and the three northeastern Township, Kayenta Chapter, and Rough study for some time now,” said Delo- study. “It is true. We would like some Arizona Chapters. Rock Chapter listened in. res Greyeyes. “I attended the Kayenta cooperation. The lack of communica- The study will analyze the costs Michael Benson from the Water Chapter meeting when you passed the tion we’ve had between the Chapter and and implications of taking water from Management Office, who will handle the resolution for the water study and Township really hinders progress. But, the San Juan River to the state line Ari- Request for Proposals once the monies discussed the Memorandum of Under- I have faith that we can work together,” zona-Utah border just east of Monument are secured, chipped in, “Things begin standing. I’ve had several opportunities he said. Valley-Gouldings, Utah. Mark Maryboy to happen when you have a plan. Along to hear the concerns of the community The goal of the project is to have access says initial funding for the study was with Mr. Maryboy, I will be working and I understand it. And as time passed, to clean, safe water. So, the study will made possible by the “37.5 oil royalties with you every step of the way.” Re- I began to wonder what happened to the evaluate water resources, water qual- and severance tax” that is available to cently, the con- water study? Since it is a tool that will ity, water needs, and water distribution. southeast Utah Navajos. vened for a special session on November not only benefit the Kayenta Township At this time, not everyone is served in On Tuesday morning, Novem- 04, 2010 and approved the Northeastern and the Kayenta Chapter, I see this water the said communities, so, according to ber 16, 2010 the Kayenta Township first Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement project as a way to show other com- Bureau of Land Management water use met with Mark Maryboy, Consultant and on a vote of 51-24. As of November munities what we are capable of doing,” rates are low with up to 82% water loss liaison with Brown and Caldwell (BC), 18, 2010, Navajo Nation President Joe she said, “So, let’s take a look at our from each of the participant communi- and Michael Benson from the Navajo Shirley, Jr. signed the water rights settle- budget and find the monies that are ties each year. Nation Water Management Office, to ment on behalf of the Navajo Nation provide some background on the study stating to the Arizona Republic that he that will eventually result in a 30 to 40 had “confidence in those who negotiated year a water distribution system master the settlement.” The Council voting to plan with delivery of water from the San approve the settlement is the first step Juan River through proposed treatment towards securing the Navajo Nation’s facilities and transmission pipelines. water rights to the Lower Basin of the Brown and Caldwell, who is spearhead- and Little Colorado ing the project, is an environmental River. engineering, consulting, and construc- Seven Utah Chapters: Navajo tion management firm for community Mountain, Oljato, Aneth, Mexican and economic development projects. Water, Dennehotso, Teec Nos Pos, and According to its brochure, in 2010, En- Red Mesa are scheduled to partner with gineering News Record ranked Brown Kayenta Chapter, Kayenta Township, and Caldwell 53rd among the top 500 Chilchinbeto, and Rough Rock Chapters Engineering Firms and 34th among the in northeastern Arizona for the Project Top 200 Environmental Firms in the study. As a part of the study, individual United States. Chapter water plans and systems will be Mr. Maryboy, a former Council developed and defined. Delegate from the Aneth Chapter, repre- According to the water settle- sented Aneth, Red Mesa, and Mexican ment, the Navajo Nation secures 31,000 Water for over 16-years. During that acre feet per year of water from the main time, he chaired both the Navajo Nation stem of the Lower Basin of the Colo- Budget and Finance Committee and the rado, un-appropriated water flows from Transportation and Community Devel- the Little Colorado River and a nearly opment Committee during his term. As unlimited supply of ground water from the first Native American to be voted for the Coconino and Navajo aquifers are office in the state of Utah, he also served both located under Navajo lands. Mr. as the San Juan County Commissioner Maryboy said the study will be based for 16-years. During the 2002 Winter on this recently passed water settlement Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah he was combined with the 1948 Navajo Nation elected Mayor of the Olympic Village, water settlement (20,000 acre feet per and under his tutelage, set a milestone year of water) which gives water rights with the “2002 Discover Navajo: equal to 51,000 acre feet per year that People of the Fourth World” cultural Navajos have access to today. “This exhibit. Now, sitting in a meeting with study will be based on science,” said Mr. the Kayenta Chapter and Township, he Benson, “so it will be a test of the water played the role of ambassador for the settlement. Do we have the capacity to Navajo Utah Chapters Regional Water support the next 40 years of growth on 11 Prescott, Arizona about six months A John Wetherill Monument with Depiction apart in time. Both of their bodies By Richard Mike were shipped back to Kayenta for burial. Recently, the Kayenta Town- There should be a monument ship Commission tore down the old arranged at the Wetherill Gravesite fence erected in September 1969 and depicting the contributions of John replaced it with a new one made of Wetherill and a separate one for his cinder-block pillars and chain-link wife Louisa Wetherill. Presently, the fencing. The original graves remain Wetherill gravesite has been cleaned untouched. up and a new fence has been erected JOHN WETHERILL “HOSTEEN JOHN” 1866 – 1944 protecting the graves. Still, as things John Wetherill and his brothers discovered the ancient cities of Mesa Verde. This simply kindled his interest in stand, it is just a gravesite. K-Town searching out more ruins. He discovered Betatakin and Inscription House. He also discovered and researched many other smaller sites like the ancient remenants of the Lakes of Tsegi. He has also been credited for being the first should honor its first citizens and white man to discover Rainbow Bridge although he said that many prospectors had been there first as they left their founders with a description of their initials carved into the great arch. In addition, he relayed the fact that most Navajos didn’t know about Rainbow Bridge and the Indian guides who took him there; one was a member of the Ute Tribe – Jim Mike and the other, a accomplishments. Paiute Indian by the name of Nasja Begay. John Wetherill didn’t care much for bargaining in a trading post. He pre- It is ironic that such a famous ferred to be out on the trail for a scientific or archeological exploration of ancient sites. He turned over the business details to Clyde Colville and wanted his wife Louisa to manage the Kayenta Lodge. His health began to fail in 1942 explorer is buried here in Kayenta Clara Bernheimer Arch so he went to stay at Long Beach, California for the summer with his brother-in-law, Jim Wade. The next summer, yet most of the Kayenta Town’s John set out for a lower altitude again, this time he planned to stay with his grand-daughter, Juanita Louise Minkler An example of John Weth- at her home in Needles, California. He never reached Needles as he died aboard the train at Ash Fork, Arizona on people are unaware of the gravesite. erill’s characteristic behavior of November 30, 1944. John Wetherill was 78 years of age at the time of his death. A monument would tell the story letting others take credit for one of LOUISA WADE WETHERILL 1877 – 1945 of both John Wetherill and his wife his discoveries would be the Clara Louisa Wade Wetherill was born Mary Louise Wade on September 2, 1877. At eighteen years of age, she married John Wetherill, age thirty on March 17, 1896. In 1900, she and her husband took over the management of one of Louisa and could be a tourist stop Bernheimer Arch. Harvey Leake, the Richard Wetherill’s Trading Post at Ojo Alamo, located 15 miles north of the Pueblo Bonito ruins. It was at Ojo Ala- here in Kayenta. John Wetherill is Great-grandson of John Wetherill is mo where her son Ben lost his eye and her brother John Wade nearly died from pneumonia. Because of the isolation of the reservation, she vowed to learn the Navajo language, the uses of native herbs and understand the Navajo way probably laughing at us right now reported to have said about his Great of life. The Navajo people called her “Slim Woman” (‘Asdzaa ts’osi ) and she recorded the legends and folk tales from the other side of life’s curtain. Grandfather: as told to her by Wolfkiller. Many Navajos were astounded that a white person could understand and speak their language so well. Louisa had two of her own children, Ben and Georgia Ida. Georgia Ida Wetherill was nicknamed Laughing? Why? Because he was “Sister” and Sister died after being hit by a drunk driver at a 4th of July parade in 1935 in Mesa, Arizona. When renowned for letting you find things “Zeke Johnson of Blanding, her own children left home, John and Louisa “adopted” 3 Indian girls out of the Tuba City Boarding School. The first, Ester had TB and she died from the flu in 1921. The second, was named Frances Virginia and became “Fannie and letting you get the credit even Utah and I (John Wetherill) were Wetherill”. The third child was a sickly child when adopted but soon became a healthy child and became known though he had discovered it years with Charles Bernheimer that sum- as “Betty Zane Wetherill”. Both Fannie and Betty received their 8th grade diplomas in Kayenta on May 19, 1933 and went to live with “Sister” and attend Mesa High School. Fanny married Lutey Mahan, a construction manager prior to your discovery. A case in mer of 1927. We knew he wanted and they moved from place to place all over the world. Betty went back to Kayenta and met Cecil Howard “Buck” point would be the Clara Bernheimer to discover a bridge, so we decided Rodgers. They got married and opened a trading post at Cameron, Arizona. Buck Rodgers passed away in 1975 and Betty recently died at age 94, Saturday, August 7, 2010 in Page, Arizona. Arch. to arrange it. We knew there was a This Natural Arch is lo- bridge out there and we thought it Louisa was renown for her study of Navajo ceremonialism (sand paintings) and her collection of legends and herbs. Louisa was left lonely and rudderless after the deaths of husband John and partner Clyde Colville within 6 cated approximately 15 miles east would be nice for him to discover it. months of each other. She sold Kayenta Trading Post and moved to her small ranch in Skull Valley, 25 miles from of Kayenta along the road to Cane We took him to it, and he thought Prescott, Arizona. There she sought solace with her son, however, Ben turned out to be of no help as he was rooted to alcohol. Suffering from uremia and high blood pressure, Louisa Wetherill was admitted to the Community Hospi- Valley which parallels Comb Ridge. he was the first white man to see it. tal in Prescott, Arizona. She died the next day on September 18, 1945, at the age of 68, less than one year after her Less than 100 people have visited Hell, Zeke and I knew it was there husband. Clara Arch and most of the Kayenta all along” - John Wetherill BEN WETHERILL Dec 28, 1896 – July 15, 1946 Benjamin Wetherill was the only son of John and Louisa Wetherill. Ben lost his right eye at six years of age after citizenry are totally unaware of its being kicked by a horse. His family was en route from Chavis to Pueblo Bonito when they frantically returned to existence. It is probably the second Indeed, Harry Gouldings the railroad at Thoreau. Ben’s right eye was removed in Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory. He tried to enter the military service in WWI but was turned down. He married a Kayenta schoolteacher Myrle Jeanette Davis in 1923 largest Arch on the Navajo Nation in his book, Tall Sheep talks about and they had four sons. In 1941, Myrle Davis Wetherill divorced Ben taking the four boys with her. On a job assign- after the largest Natural Arch - Rain- the Clara Bernheimer Arch. “When ment in Alaska, Ben lost one leg and turned to drinking. He became quite despondent after the deaths of both of his parents and Clyde Colville within the previous year. At age 50, he died of alcoholism and loneliness in a Winslow bow Bridge. we were in the tents (1925 – 1927, hospital on July 16, 1946. Even Rainbow Bridge was before Gouldings Trading Post was CLYDE COLVILLE Sept 1881 – Mar 1, 1945 renowned for the question of who constructed), there was a Navajo Clyde Colville never married and lived with both John and Louisa Wetherill joining them at Ojo Alamo in 1902. He discovered the bridge? Byron Cum- accompanied the Wetherills to Oljato in 1906, then Kayenta in 1910. Clyde Colville was a better trader than John who told us where there was quite a Wetherill as he kept the books and handled the business details. He was the Post Master at the Kayenta Trading Post mings, a University of Utah archae- big arch, a natural rock arch. … Mr. and did the water coloring for Louisa Wetherill of the intricate sand paintings she collected. He also decorated the ologist rivaled a U.S. Government Wetherill home with colorful murals using many of these same sand painting motifs. Mr. Colville was also Kay- Wetherill had been in there; he took enta’s only notary public for many years to come. After John Wetherill’s death, both Louisa Wetherill and Colville Surveyor, William Boone Douglass Charles Bernheimer, the geologist, being in poor health, decided to sell the trading post and lodge. Before any deal was consummated, Colville died on even though John Wetherill was the in. There was an old Prince Albert March 1, 1945, at the age of 63. guide who took both men on their FREDERICK F. CORRIGAN KANSAS CPL US MARINE CORPS can in there with the date that they WORLD WAR I July 4, 1898 – Aug 9, 1945 first trip to Rainbow Bridge. There went in with Mr. Wetherill. Wetherill Fletcher Corrigan was the son of Ethel Corrigan, who was the sister to Clyde Colville, general business partner to were so many inconsistencies, bick- the Wetherills. Fletcher visited his uncle a number of times and at his request, was buried beside his uncle after his called it Bernheimer Arch. If you’d death on August 9, 1954. Clyde Colville died six months after John Wetherill’s death leaving $24,000.00 accrued to ering’s and controversy surround- ask him about it, he’d say, ‘Well, we a mutual trust known as Wetherill and Colville. Mrs. Ethel Corrigan (Clyde Colville’s sister) of Hutchison, Kansas ing the question as to who actually claimed to be her brother’s sole heir. Clyde Colville however, left a will dated December 27, 1944 (a month after were just going along and Mr. Bern- John Wetherill’s death) turning over his entire estate to Louisa Wetherill so the court refused to consider Ethel Cor- discovered Rainbow Bridge that the heimer was there, and he happened rigan’s complaint. U.S. Park Service finally credited to see it first’. Something like that.” the two Indian guides who took John Wetherill died in Ash John Wetherill and the “Douglass/ Fork, Arizona on his way to Needles, Cummings Party” to the great arch: Arizona. His body was transferred Jim Mike, a Ute Indian and a Paiute back to Kayenta for burial. Lousia Indian, Nasja Begay. Wetherill and her son Ben died in Christmas Blues Show - Sponsored By -

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