Daley, Lindsay
From: Christelman, Jason Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 3:24 PM To: Daley, Lindsay; Winkeler, Rose Cc: Andreani, Lucinda Subject: Fw: 210510-BOS-Removal of Tipis & Hogan's Attachments: 210510-BOS-Removal of Tipis & Hogans.pdf
Good afternoon Lindsay,
Mr. Gunderman with Two Guns would like the Board to receive this letter which states that the proposal will no longer include tipi's, hogans, or any other culturally insensitive uses.
Jay Christelman Director, Community Development Coconino County 928.679.8867
From: [email protected]
Good Afternoon Jay,
Here is our letter to the Board of Supervisors giving my word we will be removing Tipi's and Hogan's and anything else that would be considered culturally incorrect. Please upload into the packets for the BOS.
Thank you for ALL you do, JOHN D. GUNDERMAN 317.605.1070
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210510-BOS-Removal of Tipis & Hogans
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May 10, 2021
Director Jay Christelman Coconino County Community Development 2500 North Fort Valley Road Flagstaff AZ. 86001
RE: Historic 2 Guns Board of Supervisors Request for the Removal of Tipi s and Hogan s from Project
Dear Mr. Christelman,
It appears that the presence of Tipis and Hogans continue to represent a cultural affront for Coconino County, even though several other resorts in the area employ tipis (and/ or Conestoga style wagons) as part of their glamping experience. This includes the Sash Dine’ EcoRetreat resort on the Navajo Reservation.
Since the inception of the project, we have endeavored to be respectful of the many positions of the local residents. Due to this principal and some very recent and influential discussions, we have decided to remove all elements that either celebrate or borrow from the cultures of Native America, including • Tipis • Hogans • The Native People Interpretive Center • The Event Plaza will not be programmed with any specific focus on Native American culture. • While partnerships with local people will be sought out, they will not be focused on the Native American experience.
The removed items may be replaced by different but similarly scaled and non-culturally- referential glamping units, or with additional types of units already planned for the development (safari tents, cabins, etc.).
Sincerely,
John D. Gunderman
John D. Gunderman T (317) 605-1070 E [email protected]
Immediate Release: May 10, 2021
Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission calls to postpone vote on Public Hearing adoption of Ordinance 2021-05, changing the zoning of Two Guns interchange.
St. Michaels, Navajo Nation (ARIZ) – During the May 7th Commission meeting, the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) was informed of a proposed Two Guns Resort to be built at Two Guns interchange on I-40 near the Twin Arrows Casino. The Commission is proposing to Coconino County Board of Supervisors to postpone their vote until all concerns are address by Two Guns Resort. The concerns consist of cultural property appropriation, and the disturbance of archeological sites.
It is important the appropriate indigenous human rights standards be employed in this matter. The human rights standard is free, prior and informed consent. This process requires transparency. With multiple indigenous nations, expressing their apprehension of the development, it would be in the best interest to postpone until all concerns are address.
Coconino County Board of supervisors will host an online public hearing Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 5:00pm. The public hearing is to approve or disapprove to expand the General zone from 10 acers to a Resort Commercial Zone that will be 246.7 acers. For more information of the Zoom public hearing, please visit Coconino county BOS video stream link: https://www.coconino.az.gov/1589/BOS-Video-Stream.
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From: Alicia M. Chee
Hello Esteemed Leaders,
I hope this email finds you well. Please see attachment, a press release sent from the Office of the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission.
Ahéhee',
Alicia Chee
Council Delegate Thomas Walker, Jr.'s LDA
Birdsprings, Cameron, Coalmine, Leupp, and Tolani Lake Chapter [email protected] / 928-326-4841 [email protected] / 303.817.4005
From: Thomas Walker Jr. Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 4:36 PM To: Alicia Chee; Alicia M. Chee Subject: Fwd: Immediate Release: Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission calls to postpone vote on Public Hearing adoption of Ordinance 2021-05, changing the zoning of Two Guns interchange.
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Tiffany B. Charley"
Immediate Release:
May 10, 2021
Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission calls to postpone vote on Public Hearing adoption of Ordinance 2021-05, changing the zoning of Two Guns interchange.
St. Michaels, Navajo Nation (ARIZ) – During the May 7th Commission meeting, the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) was informed of a proposed Two Guns Resort to be built at Two Guns interchange on I-40 near the Twin Arrows Casino. The Commission is proposing to Coconino County Board of Supervisors to postpone their vote until all concerns are address by Two Guns Resort. The concerns consist of cultural property appropriation, and the disturbance of archeological sites.
It is important the appropriate indigenous human rights standards be employed in this matter. The human rights standard is free, prior and informed consent. This process requires transparency. With multiple indigenous nations, expressing their apprehension of the development, it would be in the best interest to postpone until all concerns are address.
Coconino County Board of supervisors will host an online public hearing Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 5:00pm. The public hearing is to approve or disapprove to expand the General zone from 10 acers to a Resort Commercial Zone that will be 246.7 acers. For more information of the Zoom public hearing, please visit Coconino county BOS video stream link: https://www.coconino.az.gov/1589/BOS-Video-Stream.
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Tiffany Bah Charley, Public Information Officer
Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission P.O. Box 129 St. Michaels, Navajo Nation (AZ) 86511
T: 928.871.7436 | F: .928.871.7437 www.nnhrc.navajo-nsn.gov "Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development … " United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, G.A. Res. 61/295, U.N. Doc A/RES/295 (Sept. 13, 2007), 46 I.L.M 1013 (2007). This communication is confidential and privileged and is not intended for public dissemination. Please advise if you received this email in error and delete the message.
From: Isha Braun
Dear County Board of Supervisors, I live in Flagstaff, and I am writing regarding your upcoming consideration of the zoning change to RC (Resort Commercial) on May 12 for the "2 Historic Guns" proposed development. I urge you to consider the implications of such a development on our lands and in a world cherished by indigenous tribes for hundreds of years. The 2 Historic Guns resort website is is laced with cultural appropriation and demonstrates a business plan that is tone deaf to its location on Diné, Hopi, and Havasupai land (as well as many more Nations). One important issue I would like to raise is the business' reliance on tipis to sell romantic getaways with big screen TVs and king sized beds. Tipis are a sacred part of the Indigenous cultures of the Great Plains; a part of these cultures that was shamed and subjugated by the delusion of "Manifest Destiny" in the 1800's. An endless chain of wagons (also a part of the resort's lodging plan) brought thousands of gold-seeking European settlers who slaughtered nearly all the buffalo, took the land, and forced L/N/Dakota and other Plains peoples onto reservations, where they were impoverished for the sake of settler profit and "freedom." Prohibiting the Plains' peoples traditional way of life (including tipis) was essential to settler domination and control. I find it obscene that the 2 Historic Guns resort is now planning to profit from glamping in tipis. Another critical issue is the trauma that was perpetrated on Diné people with the westward expansion of settlers. The Navajo Long Walk of the 1860's forcibly displaced Diné people from their ancestral lands; destroyed their homes, crops, and livestock; resulted in the cruel deaths of many Elders, women, and children; and enabled sexual violence and starvation in a concentration camp for four years. After the people returned home (part of the 2 Historic Guns business narrative), the United States government kidnapped Diné children and forced them to attend boarding schools, where cultural genocide was facilitated by physical, sexual, and emotional abuse for generations. Diné people are still struggling to heal from the historical trauma, current impoverishment, and gender-based violence of colonial agendas. Using romanticized, white supremacist ideologies for profit is nothing new in this country. However, we are at a critical juncture at which these patterns need to be challenged and disrupted. Perpetuating these narratives is a pattern of erasure and ongoing racist violence. Instead of enabling this business, why not build a Long Walk memorial in that space? Why not invest in the Indigenous communities of the region to recover from this history? Why not facilitate Indigenous peoples to tell their own histories and stories? Thank you for your consideration of these thoughts. Sincerely, Isha Braun 101 E. Terrace, #1 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 -- Wolff, Julian
From: Horstman, Patrice Sent: Friday, May 7, 2021 10:40 To: Eric Nolan Cc: Wolff, Julian; Begay, Judy Subject: Re: Two Guns Luxury Glamping Resort
Thank you for your concerns. I am giving this serious review. I appreciate your input. Patrice Horstman
From: Eric Nolan
Hello County Supervisors,
I have been asked by a friend to comment on the upcoming rezone proposal for Ordinance 2021-05 (Two Historic Guns Luxury Glamping Resort). Rezoning this land would increase economic activity for the area, but at a cultural cost that is not appropriate especially at this time in our country's history.
The link below is to a recent story where Native sacred sites have been further defaced, devalued, and disrespected. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/vandals-deface-native-american-petroglyphs-utah-racist- phrase-180977630/
Given that tourism in the southwest is a large portion of income for any city or town, should cashing out now on colonial narratives take precedence over unifying a greater country? Nevermind the violence that is glorified on the development's website (in a time when Native women are being abducted, raped, and murdered), is it appropriate to open up colonial narratives to tourists who will then take those experiences and impressions back to wherever they came from without current Native interpretations?
Please consider rejecting the request to rezone. Native victims of all sorts are trying to establish their truths
1 without ol' Billy the Kid continuing to take up narrative spaces. Let Indigenous communities define the land rather than wealthy travelers looking for a profit opportunity. If I'm understanding the development's website correctly, the lead on the project seems to have just traveled to the West for the first time in 2018 and based on that experience decided to set up shop with a glorified fascination of the land and its history. I implore that you listen to local Indigenous voices in their struggle to regain back their lands.
Thank you for your time, Eric
~~~ Eric Nolan, Ph.D.
"In fact, at this point in history, the most radical, pervasive, and earth-shaking transformation would occur simply if everybody truly evolved to a mature, rational, and responsible ego, capable of freely participating in the open exchange of mutual self-esteem."
~Ken Wilber Up From Eden (1981)
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Daley, Lindsay
From: Carmenlita Chief
Dear Coconino County Board of Supervisors:
I am a voter and resident of District 2 in Coconino County. I am also a Navajo Nation citizen and identify as a Dine' (Navajo) woman. I am writing in regard to your upcoming consideration of Ordinance 2021-05 regarding the zoning change from G Zone to RC Zone on May 12, 2021, for the proposed "Two Historic Guns Luxury Glamping Resort" development. I respectfully ask you to reconsider approval of the zoning change due to heightened concerns with the proposed development's plan to incorporate egregiously harmful misrepresentations, cultural appropriation, and exploitation of Indigenous cultural and historical identities.
I am in strong opposition of the zoning change approval until these concerns and social harms are addressed in good faith and in consultation with local Native Nations (i.e. Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe, San Carlos Apache Tribe) and urban Indigenous community advocacy groups such as the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff, Native Americans for Community Action, Inc., and your own Indigenous Peoples' Advisory Council.
The 2 Historic Guns website is riddled with disparaging stereotypes and misperceptions of the land, people and history of this region such as:
non-Native imaginations and narratives of the "Wild West," which glorify settler violence and propaganda against Indigenous people that were historically used to justify westward expansion and control of the "Indian problem" via the idea of "Manifest Destiny"; showcasing historical news articles that portray Indigenous ancestors in a dehumanizing light (ex: "wily Apaches", Native people being on "the warpath"); and erasure of Indigenous-based history and narratives that dignify our existence and our connection to this land since time immemorial.
Even developer John D. Gunderman himself characterizes the Two Guns location, this region and its history on the "2 Historic Guns' website's 'Our Story' page in the following manner: "From old west shoot-outs and gun fights to Native American raids and kidnappings, it's a standing vestige to the real wild west." This is blatantly disrespectful to the many Native Nations and Indigenous communities that have stewarded care for this land in accordance with sophisticated Indigenous knowledge systems that pre-date colonial presence and formation on this continent.
The inaccurate and one-sided narratives of this region and its Indigenous caretakers perpetuated by the "2 Historic Guns" Development have very real and negative social, political, and environmental implications for Indigenous people and communities today. In fact, it is those racist and discriminatory attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs which color those narratives that have directly contributed to the intergenerational traumas and health and social inequities experienced by Indigenous individuals, families and communities today...and that which we are now confronting and demanding justice and due support for. These sorts of narratives, coupled with the disrespectful cultural appropriation of Indigenous facets of living and being, contribute to the general public belief that the discriminations faced by Indigenous people today are not real, which "provides a politically convenient excuse to ignore poverty, serious health issues, suicide, and income inequality by blaming Native peoples," according to rigorous research conducted by the nationally-recognized IllumiNatives organization. Their full reports can be found here and here.
1 It would be socially irresponsible and unconscionable for the Coconino County Board of Supervisors to allow this proposed development as imagined and planned to proceed forward without modifications that uphold social and health equity for all Coconino County residents, especially its First Peoples.
Thank you for consideration of these thoughts I have presented.
Sincerely, Carmenlita Chief District 2 Resident - Flagstaff Coconino County
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CHANGE.ORG Petition Opposing 2Guns Glamping, STOP Commercializing NativeAmerican Culture: Diné Hogans & Tepees
219 have signed the petitions on Change.org as of 11:41 a.m. May 12, 2021.
Violet White signed this petition
Violet White started this petition to Coconino County Board of Supervisors REZONING FROM G (General) to the RC (Resort Commercial) Zone PROTEST PETITION AGAINST We, hereby protest the granting, by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, Approval of Ordinance 2021-05, approving a zone change from G (General, 10-acre minimum parcel size) Zone to the RC (Resort Commercial) Zone with approval of a master development plan by Historic Two Guns, LLC, for parcel number 406-62-001A, a 246.7-acre property located at the Two Guns interchange on Interstate 40, not limited to the following reasons:
1. The Two Guns was the site of a mass murder of Native Americans in 1878 and development of the site would further desecrate our Native American/ Indigenous Ancestors who were murdered, and the sacred site ought to be left in reverence to honor their lifeway tragically cut short by violence. 2. We strongly disagree with the use of “Teepees” and “Hogans” to be utilized at the proposed Historic Two Guns Glamping Resort for lodging/camping or desecration of the Native American/Indigenous Lifeway or other purposes that would promote degradation of Native American/Indigenous culture and traditions, and ceremonies. 3. The Historic Two Guns Glamping Resort development will adversely affect the established character of the surrounding neighborhood, including the Navajo Nation Leupp Chapter residents, wildlife, livestock grazing areas and sacred endangered species of herbs that grow in the area; detrimental to the natural ecosystem of the Canyon Diablo including disturbance of routes into the canyon by elk mares for calving and eagle nesting sites in the canyon. 4. The Developer failed to consult with the Navajo Nation especially the Leupp Chapter members who reside directly north of the project site, spiritual leaders who utilize the Diablo Canyon for ceremonies and herb gathering, and the Leupp Chapter elected leadership, Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Department, Fish & Wildlife Department, and Department of Justice regarding development of the site, potential adverse impacts to Navajo Nation property, and to properly develop plans to mitigate adverse impacts. 5. The Developer did not consult with the Navajo Code Talker Association or the Navajo Nation Veteran Administration officials on development of a Code Talker Museum or veterans’ memorial; the Navajo Code Talkers have not endorsed a Navajo Code Talker museum or memorial to honor their contribution to preserving democracy in the world.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public hearing on the Community Development – Ordinance 2021-05-Two Guns Resort Zone Change on Wednesday, May 12 at 5 p.m.
Start a petition of your own
Office of Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission
P.O. Box 129 | St. Michaels, Navajo Nation (AZ) 86511 Phone: 928-871-7436 | Fax: 928-871-7437
STATEMENT BY NAVAJO NATION HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ON THE TWO GUNS DEVELOPMENT
May 12, 2021
Good evening Chair and Supervisors. On behalf of the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, we would like to express our concerns to the Two Guns Resort zone change and ask the county supervisors to postpone their vote until all the concerns are addressed ranging from the use of lodging like teepee- like structures for commercial purposes and Native and Diné cultural property is not only appropriate, but invasive and unethical because these uses are intended to profit off of Native and Diné cultures. Further, archeological sites that indicate ancient indigenous presence must be dealt with in consultation with Arizona tribal nations who have a stake in these sites. The Commission adds its concerns to Arizona citizens, many of whom are Native and Diné, and call for a consultation process with the Navajo, Hopi and Apache nations.
While we understand the consultation process started in Spring 2020 with virtual participation and telecommunications, it failed to reach many of our citizens who don’t have the means to object or support the project. If members of the board recall, in Spring 2020 the pandemic shut down businesses and government operations and forced limited hours of operations. Faced with the health crisis of the pandemic, the Navajo Nation shuttered its operations, imposed curfews and strict travel bans to protect its people.
We recommend that the supervisors utilize the international standard of free, prior, and informed consent as it deliberates about the proposed Two Guns Resort zone change. (FPIC is a specific right of indigenous peoples and recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) The standard of free, prior, and informed consent, from an international perspective, requires businesses to respect human rights based on the Guiding Principles of Businesses and Human Rights. These international standards call for the Navajo, Hopi and Apache nations to be fully involved in the process and give their consent, or not, when all the information is shared. Again, we are asking the county supervisors to postpone their vote until all the concerns are addressed.
HWY 264, 100 Taylor Road | Karigan Professional Building, Suite 111 | St. Michaels, Arizona 86511 www.nnhrc.navajo-nsn.gov