Letter of thanks and appreciation

02 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 NNDCD DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE C O N T E N T S Yá’át’ééh! vation to build Welcome the homes with to the fourth funding from issue of our the $2.3 mil- Navajo Na- lion grant. LGA CERTIFIED tion Division These de- Navajo chapters have been of Community v e l o p m e n t s empowered with the Local Development are proof posi- Governance Act fast track n e w s l e t t e r. tive that Presi- certification process, using We continue dent Barack to promote vi- Obama’s goal outside CPAs to conduct able commu- of creating jobs auditing requirments. nities through and rebuilding Navajo val- America with ues. We are stimulus fund- PAGE 16 c o m m i t t e d ing is working, to empower- despite the po- ing Navajo litical rhetoric communities disputing these with decision- facts from making, in- the other side frastructure of the aisle. development, housing and technical ARRA has made a tremendous ELECTRICITY NOW services provided by NNDCD. impact on the Navajo Nation and Navajo families in the Churchrock Chapter will finally Navajo chapters have made much Indian Country. progress since the enactment of the On the Navajo Nation, infra- receive electricity after 11 years of setbacks, delays and Local Governance Act in 1998 and structure development is some- development. we continue to provide them with the thing every chapter requests, necessary tools to make a difference whether it is an electrical power in their communities. LGA certified line extension or waterline ex- chapters are on the rise and we now tension to provide basic services have 27 certified chapters after - pro to Navajo families. We have two ducing a standardized Five Manage- stories on such need in Navajo PAGE 11 ment System manual for use by chap- communities and we continue ters for fiscal accountability. to make every effort to stretch Earlier this month, we hosted the our funds through supplemental Navajo Nation Post Local Govern- funding sources. ance Act Certification Chapter Sum- The Community Development mit in Flagstaff, bringing together Block Grant continues to ensure chapters, Navajo leaders and panel the Navajo Nation receives the experts from various tribal programs necessary funding to make these NEW HOMES and departments to discuss LGA au- infrastructure projects come to Navajo elders enjoy the thorities. We interacted with chapters fruition. amenities of 22 new homes through question and answer sessions Finally, Community Develop- built across the Navajo and we are developing policies based ment is proposing amendments Nation with American on those discussions. to the Local Governance Act, the LGA certified chapters recently first in its history, to address the Recovery and Reinvestment executed contracting authorities with chain-of-command at the chap- Act funding. tribal programs after signing a mem- ters and the issues of financial orandum of understanding with the mismanagement. Weatherization Assistance Program. We are on the doorstep of a Under terms of the MOU, certified new fiscal year and Community PAGE 7 chapters will have a chance to weath- Development is prepared to face erize up to 10 homes in their respec- these challenges head-on, to pro- tive chapters with funding provided vide our Navajo people with the by WAP’s $9.3 million grant from the best services in the Navajo Na- American Recovery and Reinvest- tion. WHITE ROCK CHAPTER ment Act. Ahe’hee. The smallest chapter on the Navajo Nation continues Speaking of ARRA, we are also to move forward after acheiving Local Governance Act proud to report 22 Navajo elders now Arbin Mitchell, Director have decent, sanitary housing across Navajo Nation Division of certification in December 2010. Like most chapters, the all five agencies of the Navajo Nation. Community Development focus is on waterlines and power lines for the New Mexico The Housing Improvement Program San Juan County community. built homes for the “neediest of the needy” and employed a workforce of over 50 carpenters across the reser- PAGE 5 SEPTEMBER 2011 03 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org Navajo elders rest easy inside new homes funded by ARRA

Betty and John Nez of Mexican Springs, New Mexico were extremely thankful and appreciative of the new home they received in July 2011. The elderly Navajo couple previously lived in crowded housing conditions and now have enough room to stretch out in comfort. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Nellie Lee of Rocky Ridge, Ariz listens to instructions from Housing Improvement Office staff on the care and maintenance of her newtwo- bedroom, one-bathroom home. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Eunice Wauneka’s new home in Fort Defiance, Ariz. Wauneka was blessed twice in the same day, first with her home and second, with visiting dignitaries, including Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, First Lady Martha Shelly, Community Development Director Arbin Mitchell and Bureau of Indian Affairs Navajo Area Director Sharon Pinto. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Far left, the rugged terrain of Hard Rock, Ariz. Left, the new home of Betty Burbank, Blue Gap, Ariz. elder. Above, Charlie and Helen Begay of Pinon, Ariz. hold their certificate of home ownership. Top, Construction workers from the Chinle Agency share a private laugh. Below, previously, elders were living in dilapidated hogans like the one below in Pinon, Ariz. (Photos by Rick Abasta)

Alice Willie of Pinon, Ariz. received the keys to a new two-bedroom, one- bathroom home in June 2011. Willie was one of 22 new homeowners. The funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act housed the Betty Burbank of Blue Gap said she was happy with her new home. Burbank neediest of the needy on the Navajo Nation and brought temporary employment spends her free time at the Cottonwood Senior Citizens Center and previously to a workforce of 50-plus carpenters. (Photo by Rick Abasta) lived in substandard housing. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

04 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Navajo chapters execute contract with Weatherization Program Rural Addressing The contract was created between and entered into by Authority works the Navajo Nation Division of on E-911 initiative Community Development and LGA certified chapters, as a WINDOW ROCK-On July cooperative agreement that is 25, 2011, the 22nd Navajo implementing the lead agency Nation Council Law and Order policy for procurement and Committee convened for their project management related to regular meeting in the north construction projects. conference room of the Navajo Arbin Mitchell, director of Nation Council Chambers. NNDCD, said opportunity is The committee received a what the agreement is all about. report from the Navajo Na- “It’s all about opportunities. tion Division of Community Opportunities for the chapters Development and the Navajo to determine the future of their Nation Telecommunications chapters,” Mitchell said. “We Regulatory Office on efforts are giving them an opportunity with Enhanced 911 initiatives to weatherize homes and learn on the reservation. about contracting with tribal The initiative first came into programs.” light in January 2003, when the Reducing the heating and former General Services Com- cooling costs for a safer energy mittee passed resolution for Local Governance Act certified chapters gathered at the Navajo Nation Museum on July 15, 2011, to signanew efficient home is the goal. the Navajo Nation to establish memorandum of understanding with the Weatherization Assistance Program to weatherize up to 10 homes within their The dwelling unit must be E911 for emergency response. respective chapters and learn the concept of executing contracts with tribal programs. (Photo by Rick Abasta) existing and occupied by eli- “The E911 is a very critical gible owners. The home has issue for the Navajo people,” WINDOW ROCK-Recently, erization Assistance Program Act on April 1, 2009, to provide to be substantially complete, said Brian Tagaban, executive certified chapters took a leap on July 15, 2011. repairs addressing general heat meaning permanent foundation, director of the NNTRC. forward with their authorities. This is the first time certified waste, insulation, lack of storm floor, walls, roof, windows, Tagaban said E911 is a The Local Governance Act chapters have contracted with a windows and incidental repairs doors and a heating system. process whereby a caller is certified chapters gathered at tribal program. on Navajo Nation homes. “This contracting is a new able to dial a simple code and the Navajo Nation Museum and The WAP received $9 million The deadline to complete opportunity. We have funds receive emergency response. signed a new memorandum of in funding from the American the weatherization projects is See CHAPTERS/page 22 “Now, in the age of comput- understanding with the Weath- Recovery and Reinvestment March 31, 2012. ers, internet and voice over IP, the regulatory issues are plac- ing a burden on the telecom- munications providers,” he White Rock Chapter lauds LGA certification said. WHITE ROCK-Arbin Mitch- reigns for the chapter and found In 2005, the GSC estab- ell, Navajo Nation Division of out it was in a state of disarray: lished an E911 subcommittee Community Development Di- missing reports, financial num- consisting of former council rector, said Local Governance bers not balancing out. delegates Orlanda Hodges, Roy Act certification is the law “At that time, my chapter Laughter and Danny Simpson. and will help chapters become was not really doing a good The subcommittee coordinated more self-sufficient in terms job,” Henry said. with the Navajo Nation Tel- of streamlining a lot of the ap- Personnel and financial mis- ecommunications and Utilities proval processes. management were an issue. Department on the project. LGA certified chapters are Felix McDonald, accountant The NNTRC is not author- able to approve home site with the Eastern Agency Local ized to operate any type of leases, pass ordinances such as Governance Support Center, operations on telecommunica- taxation and alternative forms said the previous chapter ad- tions. Rather, the commission of government, and execute ministration left chapter financ- is charged with the regulation contracts. es in a state of mediocrity. of telecommunications industry “When people ask does LGA “We found a lot of mis- White Rock Chapter President Lucinda Henry signs the memorandum of on the Navajo Nation. certification work, my simple posting and some of the finan- agreement with the Weatherization Assistance Program, as Raymond Tsosie and Chavez John witness. (Photo by Rick Abasta) The sticky point on the ini- answer is yes,” Mitchell said. cial documents were not even tiative was the public safety an- “The chapters right now can completed. Cash receipts were the office specialist resigned. she worked toward chapter cer- swering point, or lack thereof. run a balance sheet. The Five not being reported,” McDonald Faced with two vacant po- tification. “The PSAP needs to be a Management System we have said. sitions Henry decided to call “I wanted somebody that was facility or building that is what is up-to-date and we are mak- He said that the LGSC re- Nancy Brown back to duty for trying to get their chapter certi- we refer to as ‘hardened,’ or ing significant headway on the ported the findings from the the chapter. Brown worked for fied, somebody that knew what latched into critical events that issue of accountability.” monitoring and within three the chapter as a volunteer first, they were doing,” Henry said. may damage its operation,” White Rock Chapter Presi- months, there were personnel before getting hired on perma- “My goal was to get the chapter Tagaban said. dent Lucinda Henry said LGA changes. nently. certified within one year.” Community Development certification is working for her At the end of 2009, the chap- Filling the administrative McDonald commended the became involved in the E911 community, creating an atmo- ter coordinator opted for the assistant position was Tabitha work of Harrison and said she efforts in October 2009, when sphere of fiscal accountability. early retirement package and Harrison, who transferred from knew her finances in and out. the Navajo Nation Addressing In 2009, Henry took over the left. A few months later in 2010, the chapter of Nageezi, where See WHITE ROCK/page 22 See E911/page 20

SEPTEMBER 2011 05 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation connects Navajo Nation chapters Nation. DCD basically took the of many chapters was finding with finding free services on the responsibility for these grants.” funds to maintain the systems, Internet. The Gates Foundation has Jordan said. Nez said it’s an opportunity worked with 43 tribes in Ariz., To address this issue, she for chapters to take ownership Colo., New Mex., and Utah to trains chapters to troubleshoot of the devices and find funds provide computers, peripherals, their computers and find free for upgrades and maintain the training and technical support resources that meet their needs. momentum in the public access for a total investment in excess “It’s going to be difficult to computing effort. of $9.6 million, according to a try and service 110 chapters but DCD’s Woven Integrated news release from the Gates we do the best we can,” Jordan Navajo Data System has given Foundation. said. “It always feels good to chapters a robust set of tools Denise Copeland, princi- help our chapters because their and transparency. pal archaeologist for the Capi- resources are low and they don’t “We started doing some tal Improvement Office, said have very many places to go.” e-Government applications, the grants have increased the Phase Two of the PACHUG which eventually became knowledge of technology at the created seven computer labs on known as the WIND System. community level. the Navajo Nation, with 10-12 It’s a suite of web applications “In the beginning, most of computers at each location. that work together,” Nez said. the chapters were afraid of the With the completion of Nez foresees a leap forward computers. I don’t think they grant funding from the founda- in progression after the broad- have that perception anymore,” tion, NNDCD is seeking other band efforts of Navajo Tribal Copeland said. grants and funds to sustain the Utility Authority are finalized. Nez and Copeland formed the programs that brought chapters “Looking forward, with Navajo Technology Empower- into the digital age. the coming of all this fiber ment Center in March 2005 to “The next step is to continue and wireless connectivity, you utilize electronic solutions to working with the chapters. The know the applications are just provide support and training to division has limited resources going to grow,” Nez said. the chapters. and we don’t have these grants The principal information anymore,” Nez said. systems tech Sylvia Jordan and Community Development information systems technician is working with chapters for Roymond Willie assisted, as the the transition of support for the NavTEC team laid the back- PACHUG devices. The division Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Computer Operations bone and improved information also continues to assist chapters Manager Norbert Nez said the Public Access Computer Hardware Grant from services over the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was critical to establishing a computer the years. network infrastructure for Navajo Nation chapters. All 110 chapters received Both tech- computers through grant funding. (Photo by Rick Abasta) nicians joined the team WINDOW ROCK-The Gates improve education includes the when the the Foundation developed a new focus area of U.S. Libraries, via P A C H U G advanced infrastructure on the the Public Access Computer R e p l a c e - Navajo Nation. Hardware Upgrade Grant. ment Grant Arbin Mitchell, Navajo Na- NNDCD Computer Op- took effect in tion Division of Community erations Manager Norbert Nez, 2006, which Development Director, said said the chapter houses grew a d d r e s s e d Bill and Melinda Gates pulled technology in the last decade, the obsoles- Navajo chapters into the digital thanks to PACHUG funding. cence of the age. “The Gates Foundation has In May 2011, Community c o m p u t e r s provided Navajo communities Development closed out the purchased in with advanced technological support and sustainability grant 2000. infrastructure most cities and portion of the PACHUG, known Willie said, towns take for granted,” said as the closeout grant. The di- “When we Mitchell. “Our Navajo chapters vision closed the funding with first began appreciate this major step into the creation of a new online switching out the modern world.” file management system, SAS the old com- Chapter houses are now all tracking system, server hard- puters with connected on the wide area net- ware and software upgrades. new ones work of NNDCD, through the The Gates Foundation’s through the Internet. Since 2000, chapters Native Americans Access to Gates Foun- have served as community li- Technology program funded dation, there braries and received grant fund- NNDCD $6,632,615 since 2000 was over 400 ing from the Bill and Melinda to provide chapter houses with computers.” Gates Foundation. computers and Internet access. The new The foundation makes grants Chapters received two to four c o m p u t e r s in three program areas: Global computers per community. were wel- Development, Global Health, Nez said, “Since 2000, the comed at the and the United States. For the Gates Foundation has made chapters but United States, the mission to several grants to the Navajo the reality

06 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Housing Improvement Program conduct final inspections for ARRA homes SOME OF THE poorest the hot conditions of her hogan elders on the Navajo Nation to walk the perimeter of her new now have homes. Funding from home and inspected the interior the American Recovery and with the construction crew. Reinvestment Act built 22 new Willie said she was thankful homes in all five agencies of the for the new home but became Navajo Nation. emotional when she spoke of Navajo Nation President Ben her old home that sheltered her Shelly said ARRA funding has family for a generation. made a positive impact on the Her new home features partial needs of the Navajo Nation. disability amenities such as “The Navajo Nation has been wide doorways to accommodate strengthened by these funds a wheelchair and a spacious from the American Recovery kitchen and bathroom to match and Reinvestment Act. Not only the same. Low windows, lever were homes constructed, but door openers and a ramp with new jobs were also created,” railings were also included. Shelly said. LaVerne Benally, program ARRA funds were funneled manager for HIP, said the through the U.S. Department program has helped a lot of of Interior to the Bureau of Navajo elders with needed Indian Affairs and finally, to housing. “We’re building these the Navajo Nation Housing homes at a cost of $107,045. It’s Improvement Program. like an eye opening experience Arbin Mitchell, director of because a lot of these elders Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly shares the certificate of homeownership with Eunice Wauneka of Ft. Defiance, Ariz. Navajo Nation Division of never had a home like the ones Community Development Director Arbin Mitchell and Bureau of Indian Affairs Navajo Area Director Sharon Pinto look on and listen closely. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Community Development, we built for them,” Benally said. said the new homes improved “They’re so overwhelmed.” the quality of life for Navajo Blue Gap resident Betty income, proof of substandard the new homes built atop the NAVAJO NATION families. “These new homes Burbank also received keys housing, confirmation they old site. This was a streamlined HOUSING were built to meet the needs and certificate of home have no other resources for process for home site leasing of the elderly homeowners,” ownership after returning from housing, home site lease, that could take years for IMPROVEMENT Mitchell said. “Now, they have an afternoon of activities and elderly or handicap status, and approval. PROGRAM FUNDING a house that will not only shelter visiting at the Cottonwood verification they received no Funded by ARRA, the FY 2010: $1 million them but keep them relatively Chapter Senior Citizens Center. assistance since 1986. new homes not only changed 8-10 units at $129,600 per unit comfortable.” Burbank was thankful for the On June 16, John and Nellie the lives of the homeowners Lee received their certificate but also provided work for FY 2009: $1 million NNHIP conducted final new home and said the winters 10 units at $107,045 per unit inspections from June through were always a concern. Her of homeownership and keys to many working on the project. September 2011. Darrell new home was sealed against their new home. John Lee was The funds gave temporary FY 2009 ARRA: $2.3 million Jimson, ARRA Planner and the elements. herding sheep and had to return employment for over 50 Navajo 22 units at $107,045 per unit to sign the necessary paperwork. carpenters. Administrative costs Estimator, hit the road with his Carpenter Aaron Denny FY 2008: $1.5 million construction crew for months, worked on all five homes within The couple said they previously from the $2.3 million project 35 units at $69,000 per unit turning keys over to excited the Chinle Agency and said he lived in cramped quarters and amounted to 20 percent and the new homeowners. has been a carpenter since the would turn out the lights early remaining 80 percent was for FY 2007: $2.6 million 44 units at $68,637 per unit Jimson said his crew also age of 17. He said the clients each evening and retire for the direct services associated with fixed any issues that were were all very thankful for the day. “Now we have all this construction activities. FY 2006: $2.4 million uncovered during inspection. new homes. “Some of the space,” Nellie Lee said. Administrative costs 40 units at $66,625 per unit On June 15, Charlie and houses that were here before Archie Becenti, building covered grants management, inspector for HIP, oversaw the project management, project FY 2005: $3.8 million Helen Begay of Pinon, Ariz. were nothing like these (new 65 units at $77,923 per unit received keys to a new two- homes). It’s a big deal for the completion of all 22 homes, monitoring, project inspections, bedroom, one bathroom home. homeowners,” Denny said. from the ground up. Becenti was accounting, procurement and FY 2004: $2.8 million The couple was appreciative Navajo Housing Improvement also the architect that designed reporting. The direct services 31 units at $64,923 per unit the homes. “They’re designed portion included equipment and thanked the construction repaired any warranty issues on FY 2003: $3.6 million crew for work on the new the homes for a period of one for older people,” Becenti said. rental, labor costs, building 69 units at $52,877 per unit home over the past six months. year, after which, all repairs Becenti has over 20 years materials and other construction Charlie said the new home was will be the responsibility of experience in construction, in related services. FY 2002: $3.2 million 60 units at $56,210 per unit a major improvement over the the homeowner. NNHIP was all phases of the industry. He Karlene Zajicek, housing couple’s previous home. awarded one-time funding in said the Navajo Nation needs program officer for BIA, said FY 2001: $3.9 million Chinle Agency lead carpenter the amount of $2,355,000. The new homes throughout the the new homes are beautiful. 90 units at $51,100 per unit Timothy Tsosie said he ensured funding began on Sept 24, 2009 reservation for the homeless. “I think the elders, the grandmas “When (homeowners) signed and grandpas, are going to FY 2000: $3 million the construction went according and the deadline to expend 60 units at $43,700 per unit to the blueprints. He has worked funds is on September 30, 2011. up for the homes, it was 10 to enjoy them,” Zajicek said. “The as a carpenter for over 13 years The NNHIP served the 15 years ago,” Becenti said. importance is that families are and has been employed with “neediest of the needy” “They were healthy and by finally receiving and having The Housing Improvement Program was NNHIP for the past four years. and clients selected met the the time their home was built, access to standard, sanitary established in 1980. HIP is 100 percent “We should build more homes eligibility requirements of 25 they’re old.” homes that are warm in the federally funded and was established The homes were built on winter and cool in the summer.” to meet the living standards of Navajo like this for our elders,” Tsosie CFR, Part 256. Applicants were families and individuals through the use said with a grin. ranked and provided certificate approved home sites. The old Information: of modern methods and techniques in Alice Willie of Pinon exited of Indian blood, evidence of low homes were demolished and www.nndcd.org the construction of new homes.

SEPTEMBER 2011 07 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org Weatherization Assistance Program partners with LGA certified chapters

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Alton Shepherd sat in on discussions about the memorandum of understanding between LGA certified chapters and the Weatherization Assistance Program in July 2011. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Top, Navajo Nation Department of Justice Attorney Brian Lewis said the MOU is a contract to provide services. Above, Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director signs the memorandum of understanding to empower LGA certified chapters with their contracting authorities. A total of 26 of the 27 Chavez John, program manager for Community Housing and Infrastructure Department, said the memorandum of certified chapters signed the MOU. (Photo by Rick Abasta) understanding is a chance for Local Governance Act certified chapters to learn about their authority to contract with tribal programs and departments. John said it’s up to the chapters what direction they take next. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Left, the Weatherization Assistance Program had a number of items on display, including a blower door kit and the thermal imaging equipment used to detect leakage in a home. Kin Dah Lichii’ Chapter President Johnny Curtis Sr. signed the MOU as (Photo by Rick Abasta) Raymond Tsosie and Chavez John look on with smiles. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

08 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Community Development Block Grant expends funding, submits reports CDBG FY 2011 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The CDBG program completed eight power line projects to serve 318 households and one waterline serving 126 families. Grant total of CDBG funds in the amount of $6 million was expended to complete the projects.

The eight communities served were Cornfields, Inscription House, Kinlichee, Dennehotso, Kaibeto, Shonto, Tonalea and Chinle. The lone waterline project was for the Ramah community.

On June 15, 2011, the CDBG program submitted FY-2011 ICDBG application to HUD online in the amount of $5.5 million. The application includes eight infrastructure projects (seven power line and one waterline to serve a total of 208 households. HUD award letter is expected in October 2011.

The seven communities to be served with power line extensions are Dennehotso, Kayenta, White Rock, Cornfields, Mexican Water, Red Mesa and Oljato. The single waterline project is for the Lake Valley Community Development Block Grant Senior Program and Projects Specialist James Adakai said closing out a grant community. is a tedious process. Adakai has faithfully served CDBG for over 20 years and was nominated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Most Valuable Partner award for FY 2012. (Photo by Rick Abasta) On April 6, 2011, the Navajo Nation was sucessfully awarded FY- 2010 ICDBG funds in the amount of $3.7 million to fund four power lines and one waterline activity to serve a total of 93 households. WINDOW ROCK-Closing scale to determine funding Program administration cost out a grant is a tedious process. allocations. The Navajo Nation for the grant totaled $580,138 Power line extensions are for the communities of Klagetoh, Nobody knows this fact competes with 171 tribes in the and project cost amounted to Chilchinbeto, Jeddito and Ganado. The waterline extension is for the more than James Adakai, southwest region. $3,765,809. The grant was Ramah community. senior programs and projects Management of the ICDBG originally for eight projects but specialist for the Community begins with the signing of was stretched to 11 with grant On July 14, 2011, HUD approved $198,000 program amendment Development Block Grant. the grant agreement and ends amendments added from cost request from 2005 left over funds to supplement two waterline Adakai recently closed out two after the project has been savings. projects under the 2005 grant. Each project was approved for block grants and sent reports to completed and final project Two waterline/wastewater $99,000 and this will help to expend project savaings before the the U.S. Department of Housing reports submitted and accepted. disposal projects were funded, grant closeout. and Urban Development. The management of existing totaling $2,584,798. CDBG His workspace tells the tale grants is evaluated as part of the worked with Indian Health The first project to be served with the program amendment is the of a man on a mission. review process for future grant Services to provide water Oljato community, for a waterline extension providing service to 132 Adakai’s horseshoe-shaped applications. services, indoor plumbing, homes. The second program amendment is for the community of desk is clean, except for a Eligible activities for block septic tank and drainage field Little Water, which will extend a waterline to provide services to 49 computer, phone and two grants include public facilities systems to 52 homes in the homes in the area. monstrous stacks of paperwork. and improvements, housing communities of Kayenta and A bookshelf in the corner is rehabilitation, and economic Tolani Lake. The CDBG currently has a total of 16 projects currently in packed with 19 years of three- development. The grant also funded eight development at a total cost of $25,107,187, which will provide ring binders from CDBG grants “We were successful in the power line extension projects needed infrastructure services to 687 homes. A total of 229.72 miles dating back to 1992. close out of FY 2003 and 2004, with Navajo Tribal Utility will be covered for waterline service and a total of 99.41 miles will be Arbin Mitchell, director of after using project savings Authority and Jemez Mountain completed to cover power line services. Navajo Nation Division of to finance an additional four Electric Cooperative in the Community Development, projects,” Adakai said. “They amount of $2,325,059 for 166 said the goal of the division is were very small projects, under clients and an electrical line to help Navajo communities $100,000 each, which really mileage of 90.1 miles. become self-governing and to helped communities assist The communities served improve their standard of living more families with needed were Coyote Canyon, Dilcon, for infrastructure growth. infrastructure.” Mexican Water, Sanostee, “We are here to help the Adakai filed a narrative Sweetwater, Whitecone, Wide Navajo people,” Mitchell said. report, close out agreement and Ruins, and Tsaile/Wheatfields. “CDBG does a lot of work to final financial status report with Two power line projects that end.” the HUD Southwest Office of were also completed as an Established in 1974, Native American Programs on amendment to the grant and HUD’s Indian Community April 28, 2011, for FY 2003 served 24 households with 5.23 Development Block Grant was grant B-03-SR-04-0281. miles of electrical extension created to help Indian tribes and The grant amount totaled in the communities of Indian Alaska Natives to meet their $4,345,947. Pursuant to the Wells and Torreon. community development needs. close out process, a check in On June 4, 2010, HUD ICDBG is a competitive the amount of $11,463.51 was approved to have two projects program and governed by also submitted to HUD as a added, which were originally Seeing electrical line extensions stretching across vast expanse of the Navajo Nation are a common sight. For most chapters, the strict federal guidelines where reimbursement for unused approved in the 1998 ICDBG development of power lines and waterlines are the priority. This projects are rated on a 100-point funds. See BLOCK GRANT/page 20 power line dissects the town of Hard Rock. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

SEPTEMBER 2011 09 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org Community Development works with chapter ICIP reporting efforts

All 110 chapters are contained within this Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan compiled by the Capital Improvement Office. Navajo Nation chapters gathered at the Navajo Nation Education Center on August 15 to discuss the ICIP with the 22nd Navajo Nation Council Resources and Development Committee. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Navajo Nation Chief Justice Herb Yazzie said although the focus of the ICIP was on chapter projects, the committee needs to give serious considerations to funding government facilities, like a new Navajo Nation Supreme Court building. Yazzie said it’s embarassing when outside officials visit the Navajo Nation and ask where the Supreme Court is located, which was confined to a mobile home for years. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Navajo Nation chapter officials stepped up to the mic to discuss their issues and concerns with the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan. Many officials cited the lack of adequate funding as an impediment to getting the projects to fruition. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director Arbin Mitchell said Navajo Nation chapters have the advanced tools of the Woven Integrated Navajo Data System to work with when it comes to capital improvement plans, SAS tracking, budgeting, project authorization and project management. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Chapter officials and staff gathered at the Navajo Nation Education Center on the Navajo Resources and Development Chairwoman Katherine Benally said the ICIP was Code Talkers Holiday to discuss not a source of contention, but rather, the processes involved with the plan. their Infrastructure and Capital Benally said potential funding options include funding the chapter projects Improvement Plans with the through the Permanent Trust Fund, if enough support is gained when the Resources and Development proposal goes to referendum vote. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Committee. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

10 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Church Rock electrical line extension slated for September 2011 completion Jensen said. The biggest hurdle to pass was the right of way granted south of Fire Rock Casino, which became an issue when New Mexico Department of Transportation disapproved of plans for an aerial power line This view of Pyramid Rock includes crossing Interstate 40. the electrical line extension for Jimmy Francis, utility fore- families living off the grid in Church man for Community Develop- Rock Chapter. (Photo by Rick Abasta) ment Block Grant, said plans now are to bore underneath the freeway for the power line ex- tension. “The project contract was ex- tended to September 30, 2011,” Francis said. “Power line con- struction was completed on July 22, 2011, for primary line only.” The next project meeting up- date is scheduled for September 13, at Fire Rock Casino, begin- The Church Rock electrical line extension has been in development for the past 11 years. The project is slated for a ning at 10:00 a.m. Septermber 2011 completion date, bringing electricity for over 107 families, via 27.5 miles of electrical service line. The project was stalled until Fire Rock Casino stepped into the picture to provide support. (Photo by Rick Abasta) For more information: www.nndcd.org CHURCH ROCK-Residents Communication, Fire Rock Ca- October 8, 2009 and Continen- in the Church Rock Chapter sino, Economic Development tal Divide’s subcontractor start will soon receive an electricity and the Eastern Local Govern- date was on October 25, 2010. service line extension for 107 ance Support Center. Navajo AML Program and families in the communities “Fire Rock paid for the power Projects Specialist Marietta Families living in the remote expanse of the Peretti Canyon area will soon of White Cliff, Sundance, Re- line up to their place. We tapped Jensen said the $300,000 con- have electricity. (Photo by Rick hoboth and Peretti Canyon. off from their line, going south, tribution was a part of the Pub- Abasta) A total of 27.5 miles of pri- over I-40,” Begay said. lic Facilities mary line have been laid by The CIO contributed Project fund- Continental Divide Electric $190,000 and Church Rock ing. Cooperative, providing three- Chapter contributed $232,000 “We award- phase power to Fire Rock Ca- to provide electrical services to ed Church sino and single phase electricity 30 clients. New Mexico Tribal Rock Chapter to homes in the area. Infrastructure Funds contribut- $300,000 for Casey Begay, department ed $300,000 and Navajo AML FY 2010,” manager for Capital Improve- contributed $300,000 to pro- Jensen said. ment Office, estimated the vide services for 77 clients. “They re- project has been in develop- Begay said CIO’s contribu- ceived the ment for at least 11 years. tion was actually more, when PFP award for Everything from checker- you factor in the free in-kind their claim on board land status to inaccurate contribution of the cultural re- uranium min- land withdrawals to simple source inventory completed by ing impact for non-cooperation slowed the archaeologist Denise Copeland. their chapter.” progress of the project from “Our commitment would She said reaching completion. have been well over $300,000 Navajo AML “There’s over 150 families because that work is expen- has also pro- that are being served,” Begay sive,” Begay said. vided techni- said. The CIO assisted Church cal assistance The power line extension Rock Chapter with writing pro- with securing for Church Rock Chapter was posals and completing feasibil- match fund- a multi-agency effort, Begay ity studies before submission to ing from the said, with collaboration from the State of New Mexico and State of New Community Housing and Infra- Navajo AML. Mexico. structure Development, Capital “The chapter didn’t have a “The chap- Improvement Office, Church community services coordi- ter has been Rock Chapter, Continental nator at the time,” Begay ex- very proac- Divide Electric Cooperative, plained. tive, which Gallup Joint Utility, Navajo In August 2008, Crownpoint is very good. Abandoned Mine Lands, Land BIA granted power line right Not too Administration, Office of En- of way approval to Continental many chap- vironmental Health, Bureau of Divide. Subsequently the con- ters are that Indian Affairs, Sacred Wind tract start date was initiated on i n v o l v e d , ”

SEPTEMBER 2011 11 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org Post Local Governance Act Certification Navajo Nation chapters receive valuable information during chapter summit He said Navajo people today NAVAJO NATION CHAP- are too dependent, the complete TERS converged at the Flag- antithesis of Navajos thriving staff Woodlands Radisson Ho- before the Long Walk. Hale said tel on August 30 – September 1, Navajos today have the mental- 2011 for the Navajo Nation Post ity of “sha,” or do this for me. Local Governance Act Certifi- “Sha. That became our think- cation Chapter Summit. ing. When did this happen? Let Hosted by the Navajo Na- me tell you, in my opinion. We tion Division of Community started thinking that way after Development, the aim of the the Treaty of 1868,” Hale said. chapter summit was to provide He explained that the treaty LGA certified chapters with a outlined boundaries for Navajo roadmap of what to do next, af- land and the federal govern- ter attaining certification. It was ment stepped in to say, “Let me also an opportunity to hear the take care of your housing. Let concerns of Navajo chapters. me take care of your school- Community Development ing.” Director Arbin Mitchell said “Since then, we’ve been certified chapters have the op- looking to Washington, D.C. portunity to make a difference asking, ‘Do this for me.’ It’s in their communities through still like that today. When I took certified chapter authorities that office, the thinking changed and have not been wholly realized Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director Arbin Mitchell said the Local Governance Act is all about shifted,” Hale said. by chapter officials. opportunity and streamlining government. Mitchell gave opening remarks on the purpose behind the summit during the What he wanted to see was “(Certified chapters) ask us, opening day on August 30, 2011. (Photo by Rick Abasta) an orderly development moving ‘Now that we’ve been certified, toward local empowerment and what next?’ Hopefully, we can September 1999. Nahata Dziil Shelly spoke about fiscal periods allowed the audience reaffirming that power comes share what we need to next for would be next for certifica- year 2012 and beyond, outlin- to ask questions about each re- from the people, not from Win- your people, your community,” tion in August 2002, followed ing the future of the Navajo Na- spective panel and panelists to dow Rock, not from the Coun- Mitchell said. by Cornfields Chapter in May tion. He said technology is an provide answers and advice. cil. He explained the purpose be- 2003. Five more chapters be- important part of that future and The second day of the sum- “It all starts with understand- hind the summit that feedback came certified in 2007 and encouraged chapter officials to mit featured Arizona Represen- ing that power is inherent in the from the chapters is essential to 2008. not be afraid of the digital age tative Albert Hale (D-District people. It doesn’t come from the process, rather than utiliz- However, the certification and what it brings to the table. 2), who provided an overview anywhere else other than the ing a conference format, where process stalled in 2008 and Chief Justice spoke about the of local empowerment. people,” Hale said. information is only presented would not pickup again until Navajo Nation Judicial Branch Hale said LGA is about em- Day two concluded with pan- and the audience does not have 2010, when Community De- and how courts relate to LGA. powering Navajo communities el discussions on Comprehen- an opportunity to interact with velopment worked with the Yazzie emphasized the courts and giving the decision making sive Land Use Planning, Taxa- panelists. Department of Justice, Office are an adversarial system of back to the people. tion, Business Site Leases and “We want to hear your ideas of the Auditor General and the adjudication and encouraged “All of your authorities have Home Site Leases, and Non- and what you have to say. When Controller’s Office to produce a chapters to work things out been given to the central gov- Profit Organizations, For-Profit you’re in conference mode, the unified Five Management Sys- through peacemaking, a tradi- ernment and Window Rock,” Organizations and the Navajo presenters just present their ma- tem manual. tional Navajo concept that has Hale said to the chapters, speak- Corporation Code. terials,” he said. Mitchell said once the man- been lost through the years. ing in Navajo. “When did this LoRenzo Bates, Chairman of Sharing a brief history of the ual was produced things moved Naize spoke about the happen and how?” the Budget and Finance Com- Local Governance Act, Mitch- forward and 12 chapters at- Nabik’iyati’ and the reorgani- He said chapters identify mittee, kicked off the final day ell said the first discussions tained LGA certification in a zation process for the Navajo problems in their communities of the summit with discussion on decentralization of govern- two-year period. Nation Council, which was and all they can do is point it on chapter accountability. Bates ment authorities happened in “Now we have 27 certified reduced to 24 members from out to the central government stressed the importance of hon- the 1980s, when former Chair- chapters. We have five more the previous council of 88 del- authority and say, “There’s a esty and fiscal responsibility. man Peterson Zah was in office. that are ready to go and by the egates. problem over there. Can you fix All five Local Governance What followed was President end of the year, our goal is to Pinto said she was happy to it?” Support Centers provided a pan- Albert Hale’s successful bid have 40 certified chapters. Be- be a part of the summit, espe- Using the example of graf- el discussion on the Five Man- for Navajo Nation President on ing certified is all about stream- cially since the BIA was usually fiti in Chinle, near the hotel for agement System and answered the platform of local empower- lining,” Mitchell said. left out of such tribal functions. visitors traveling to see Canyon questions from chapters. The fi- ment. The opening day of the chap- She shared information about de Chelly, Hale said such blight nal panel discussion focused on “In 1998, the Local Gover- ter summit featured Navajo Na- land concerns from both the bu- is not only an eyesore, but evi- Audits, Legal Representation nance Act came into existence,” tion President Ben Shelly, Na- reau and chapters on the Navajo dence of societal problems that and Local Ordinances. Mitchell said. “It’s been over 12 vajo Nation Chief Justice Herb Nation. could easily be addressed lo- The summit accomplished years this law has been in place. Yazzie and Speaker Johnny The remainder of the first cally. the goal of empowering Navajo “But to me, LGA and those Naize. Resources and Develop- day focused on three panel “Fixing those types of prob- chapters with new ideas and working with it are barely on ment Committee Chairwoman discussions: Post LGA Certi- lems at the local level was what tools to utilize at the local level their feet now. We will move Katherine Benally also ad- fication, Alternative Forms of local empowerment was about. to make a difference in the lives forward with it,” he added. dressed the audience, as well as Government, and Contracting, Local empowerment is nothing of their community members. Shonto Chapter was the Bureau of Indian Affairs Nava- Agreements and Procurement. more than doing for yourself,” first chapter to get certified in jo Area Director Sharon Pinto. Hour-long question and answer Hale said.

12 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Historic chapter summit unites Navajo leaders with chapters

Arizona Representative Albert Hale said power is inherent in the Navajo people and lies with the people, not the central government in Window Rock or the Navajo Nation Council. Hale said the premise behind local empowerment is simple: “Do for yourself.” (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Navajo Nation Chief Justice Herb Yazzie attended all three days of the chapter summit and said certified chapters need to closely examine the law before creating ordinances for the communities. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Carol J. Davis, community services coordinator for Dilkon Chapter, spoke about the need for more communications with chapters and the central government. Davis spoke during the second day of the chapter summit. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Navajo Nation Department of Justice Attorney Brian Lewis attended all three days of the summit and provided legal advice on post LGA certification Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly and Speaker Johnny Naize spoke during the opening day of the summit. Resources authorities. Lewis maintained that certification does not cut chapters off from and Committee Chairwoman Katherine Benally spoke on the opening day and attended all three days of the chapter tribal government services because they will always be a political subdivision summit. (Photo by Rick Abasta) of the Navajo Nation. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

SEPTEMBER 2011 13 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org The many faces of GPS Wheatfields Senior Citizens Center By Jimmy Francis

BACK IN THE days of man- determine locations. kind and society, directions to By 1983, this technology was locations or places was word of modified for civilian use due to mouth, a form of communica- a North Korean airplane drift- tion. Some even said the world ing into USSR air space and was flat. Exploration took this was shot down. niche of science to a new level. From that day forward, more The basic compass had its sophisticated electronic instru- heyday as a tool for directions. ments were developed for civil- As society grew, the sun, stars, ian use and the driving forces planets and moons were used to of saving time, money and navigate in and around earth’s lives became synonymous with surfaces with little known sig- Global Positioning Systems. nificance to accuracy. Today’s equipment is much As technological advances more sophisticated and the ac- were made, more accurate in- curacy was beyond anybody’s struments were developed to expectations. As the world uses better determine the exact accu- GPS more often, more accurate racy of the use of an instrument. maps can be developed, loca- Then the earth was no longer a tion accuracy tolerances be- flat surface, but a sphere. come commonplace. The Tsaile-Wheatfields Chapter celbrated the groundbreaking ceremony on June 30, 2011. Community elders and So how was this sphere to This program is currently chapter officials gathered for the ceremony, which included a blessing of the grounds by a medicine man. Current and be used as a universal form of utilizing the technology to map former council delegates also joined the festivities. (Photo by Rick Abasta) communication between dif- projects of different types all fering continents on the earth’s over the Navajo Nation. surface in relation to location? The more accurate informa- The keyword was location, a tion we can have will assist pro- driving force in the understand- grams with adequate planning ing of the unique geometrics activities, long range goals, en- that make up the geometrics of gineering of construction proj- spheres. ects and the ability to commu- What developed over time nicate on a even playing field. was the revelation that the earth For the Community Housing is not a true sphere, but rather and Infrastructure Deparment, an ellipsoid, similar to being one initiative is the Navajo Na- egg shaped. Most instruments tion Rural Addressing Author- were of a mechanical nature, ity, which is responsible for meaning the person behind the mapping all addressable struc- instrument had to know what he tures through GPS, which will was looking at or for, the proper work toward meeting the needs use of the instrument and under- of emergency services provided standing of the data collected through various Navajo Nation from the instrument readings. programs and the general pub- This mechanical method of lic. data collection was interpreted As with the cell phones in by the user of the instrument. use today, compared to the large So each individual would come instruments of yesteryear, GPS up different results and the cul- has gone through the same ad- mination of all these results vances in physical size. would leave mankind to get at best, interpreted results and be Editor’s note: Jimmy Francis is the accepted. senior program and projects specialist As the day and age advanced, with CHID. technology continued to move forward with the state-of-the- art instruments, but use was left to high military programs. This equipment was in essence ad- vanced beyond the mechanical instruments of the past. This article sheds light on some of the advances made since 1960, when the U.S. Navy Branch of the military was the only forces utilizing this ad- vanced electronic technology to

14 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Mitchell is confirmed as division director by 22nd Navajo Nation Council with chapter staff, reducing the cost for travel and time spent on the road. “I’d like to meet with the delegates here that want to use that method to talk to your chapters,” he said. Mitchell said another area goal for the division that was revealed by the Nabik’iyati’ Committee of the council is the Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) designation. “(Housing) is something that all Navajo chapters want and right now, I only oversee BIA monies, which we only get $1.2 million,” Mitchell said. “The rest of the money is with NHA and people always ask where is the money, where did it all go?” Aside from housing, another major aim for the division is the Five Management System (FMS) and chapter certification through the Local Governance Support Centers (LGSC). Streamlining the certification process with the Navajo Nation Department of Justice and other The 22nd Navajo Nation Council confirmed Arbin Mitchell as Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director on April 20, 2011, inside the Navajo approving offices has been Nation Council Chambers. Mitchell is pictured here with Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly and Resources and Development Committee Chairwoman Katherine critical for the certification Benally. (Photo by Rick Abasta) of chapters, embodied by the WINDOW ROCK-During working for the Navajo Nation With help of leadership from in with chapter resolutions, FMS. the waning evening hours of has always been trying to get the legislative and executive allowing for easy creation of “For so long, we only certified April 20, 2011, Arbin Mitchell monies for our Navajo people, branches Mitchell said chapters Capital Improvement Plans 10 chapters,” Mitchell said. was confirmed as Navajo trying to get monies for our received $180,000; $200,000; (CIP). “Then doing the streamline, we Nation Division of Community people at the local level,” $100,000; and within this Mitchell said the system managed to certify 12 chapters Development Director by the Mitchell said. budget, $36,000 for capital allows for immediacy regarding within a year.” 22nd Navajo Nation Council. During travels to Washington, outlay. queries on projects, whether Five chapters are currently Seated next to council D.C. he was able to do exactly “We have done much work they are power line or water line on the waiting list for delegate Katherine Benally that, securing $48 million for for our people at the chapter projects. certification and the division (Chilchinbeto, Dennehotso, school shortfalls at Tuba City, level for funding,” he said. “We can just go to the system anticipates the certification of Kayenta) and Navajo Nation Wingate, Leupp, Wide Ruins Improving communications and say give me all these 30-40 chapters within this fiscal President Ben Shelly, Mitchell and Mariano Lake. He was also with the chapters is a major projects,” he said. year. The Community Land provided the council with his able to bring in $5 million for priority of the division and Other technological Use Plan (CLUP) recently had strategic plan and vision. scholarships. Mitchell said transparency is innovations still under two chapters certified and are “From the Shelly-Jim Mitchell found success in the goal. One tool utilized to construction are the project looking to have more qualified. Administration, in the effort to procuring funding in other areas that end has been the Woven authorization and project The Local Governance Act move the nation forward, we as well. He said $1.2 million Information Navajo Data administration, which allows (LGA) proposed amendments picked the best and brightest was secured for the Bennett (WIND) System, which is people to track work projects are another division priority. servants for you and our Navajo Freeze area through a line item available to the general public online. This will be used in Mitchell said the overstrike people,” Shelly said. “We because Washington, D.C. does at www.nndcd.org. tandem with the SAS Tracker, and underscore portion of the believe that and so here I present not like earmarks. “We’re the only division which will provide chapter amendments are completed and to you, Mr. Arbin Mitchell, “We’ve created that line item in within the Navajo Nation expenditure and balance they are awaiting the Title II Division of Community so leadership in D.C. can funnel that does budgets online,” he information. amendments to be finalized. Development Director.” monies into redeveloping said. “You can log on to any Plans are to have the chapter “A lot of roles and Mitchell introduced himself the Bennett Freeze,” he said. chapter’s budget and go back monthly reports online as well. responsibilities were not in (the to the council in Navajo and “(Bennett Freeze) is so far about six years and look at their “That way, we’ll have a Title II amendments) and we spoke of his upbringing herding behind, something like 40 years budget. That’s transparency.” lot more eyes looking at the want to include that in this LGA sheep and taking care of the behind.” Technology has been a main expenditures,” Mitchell said. amendment,” Mitchell said. land. He has been leading the Funding has also trickled concern for the division and “It won’t just be two people “People just blame each other division since 2005 and said the down to the chapter level. the Infrastructure and Capital looking at the information. out there on the chapter level.” goal is to improve the quality of “With the leadership of Mr. Improvement Projects (ICIP) That’s probably why you are Finally, the reorganization of life for Navajo people. He said (LoRenzo) Bates, we managed are no exception. The ICIP missing funds.” departments within the division the division works with chapters to get $30 million in capital allows the chapters to complete The division currently is another goal of the division’s in providing infrastructure such outlay using the general funds their capital priorities online, utilizes GoToMeeting, which strategic action plan. as power lines and water lines. money and that hasn’t happened prioritized from one to five allows Mitchell and other staff Information: “My main focus while since 1997,” Mitchell said. years. The priorities are tied to have online conferencing www.nndcd.org

SEPTEMBER 2011 15 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org ‘It’s all about opportunity’ Five Navajo Nation chapters achieve Local Governance Act certification Teesto Chapter was certified proval for certification. by a vote of 3-0. “They’ve done a remarkable Tsidii To’ii Chapter Vice job. From our standpoint, we President Isabelle Walker was issued a letter of assurance and thankful for the opportunity to they are ready to be certified,” become certified. Joe said. “We are very thankful to all By a vote of 3-0, Tiis Tsoh the people who spent their time Sikaad was certified. preparing and reviewing our Delegate Walter Phelps said documents,” Walker said. he was happy and thrilled to be Chapter secretary-treasurer before the Resources and De- Mitzi Begay said the Tsidii To’ii velopment Committee with Le- Chapter maintained contact upp Chapter. with the Western LGSC through “I just want to share that this emails, phone calls and visits. work, the Five Management “I’d like to thank the LGSC System, started many years office and their team members. ago,” Phelps said. “It dates sev- They worked very hard with our eral years back, to 2006.” chapter coordinator and office He said the chapter received specialist,” Begay said. the financial system in June Delegate Roscoe Smith was 2010, which was reviewed appreciative during the report. a couple months later by the “I want to express my appre- LGSC in August. Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director Arbin Mitchell pointed out that LGA certification ciation to the chapter officials The public comment period is all about opportunity on July 11, 2011. Five chapters became LGA certified on that date, after the Resources and Development Committee approved their Five Manual System. (Photo by Rick Abasta) and the LGSC administration,” took place during the same time Smith said. “It was a major un- and by January 2011, the three- WINDOW ROCK-It was a He counted off the oppor- Teesto Chapter was the first dertaking at the local level and month review was completed good day to be certified. tunities available to chapters: to become certified on July 11 I’m proud of that accomplish- by the Auditor General. There were five Navajo Na- business site leasing, home at the Navajo Nation Council ment.” “On April 14, the compliance tion chapters that received Lo- site leasing, alternative form of Chambers. By a vote of 3-0, Tsidii To’ii review was very favorable and cal Governance Act certifica- government, local ordinances, It’s an honor to come before Chapter became LGA certified. that is what we brought before tion on July 11, 2011. and streamlining expenditure the newly established Resourc- Tiis Tsoh Sikaad brought you,” Phelps said. The 22nd Navajo Nation processes. es and Development Commit- supporters with them from New Regina Allison, senior pro- Council Resources and Devel- “It gives you that opportu- tee of the 22nd Navajo Nation Mexico, including reigning gram and projects specialist for opment Committee approved nity to go into contract, into Council,” said council delegate 2011-2012 Miss Tiis Tsoh Si- Western LGSC, said her staff is the Five Management System sub-grant agreements with the Elmer Begay. kaad, Gavelita Bitsui. charged with the responsibility policies and procedures for Navajo Nation central govern- Begay said Teesto met the Council delegate LoRenzo of preparing chapters. Chilchinbeto, Leupp, Teesto, ment,” Mitchell said. “It’s all safeguard of property and pro- Bates was thankful. “I have a wonderful account- Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, and Tsidii about opportunity and it’s up to vided financial reporting -com “On behalf of Tiis Tsoh Si- ing staff and they have worked To’ii chapters. you to get it done.” pliance with applicable laws kaad, we appreciate this op- very hard with the Leupp Chap- A quorum was reached with Stanley Yazzie, deputy di- and regulations. portunity to come before you ter in providing technical assis- Katherine Benally (Chilchinbe- rector for Community Develop- Navajo Nation Auditor Gen- today for this very honorable, tance, administrative support,” to, Dennehotso and Kayenta), ment, agreed with Mitchell and eral Elizabeth Begay concurred well-thought out, and featured Allison said. “I do also want to Leonard Pete (Chinle), Ros- said the opportunities available and said the purpose of her re- event for Tiis Tsoh Sikaad,” say congratulations to the Le- coe Smith (Crystal, Ft. Defi- are contrary to conventional view was to determine whether Bates said. upp Chapter for their tireless ef- ance, Red Lake and Sawmill), wisdom floating around out the chapter’s financial transac- Bates gave thanks and ap- forts to reach this point.” and David Tom (Toadlena- there at the chapter level. tions are authorized, valid and preciation and said the previous Leupp Chapter President Two Grey Hills, Red Valley, “I wanted to cover one properly recorded to permit the council delegate, George Ar- Thomas Cody was elated and Tse’alnaozt’ii, Sheep Springs, thing,” Yazzie said, “Some peo- preparation of accurate finan- thur, was also a major contribu- optimistic about the future. Beclabito, Gadiiahi-To’koi). ple, even the delegates, say that cial statements and other finan- tor to the chapter’s certification “I think our community re- Absent were George Apachito when you become certified, you cial reports. success. ally supports us in what we’re (Alamo, Ramah, Tohajiilee) and no longer receive help from the “Therefore, in accordance Arthur was afforded an op- trying to do,” Cody said. Leonard Tsosie (Baca-Prewitt, Nation. with the authorities vested in the portunity to speak. He said the community’s Casamero Lake, Counselor, “Regardless of certification, Office of the Auditor General, “For 20 years, I’ve been com- land use planning is in place Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Pueblo the Local Governance Support we recommend to this commit- ing in here and doing business and they are now looking to- Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Centers still have the respon- tee, the Resources and Develop- on behalf of Tiis Tsoh Sikaad,” ward Community Land Use Lake). sibility to assist all of the 110 ment Committee, to approve the Arthur said. “It is an honor to Planning certification. Navajo Nation Division of chapters,” he added. Teesto Chapter for governance be here today and I give a lot “I just want to say give us Community Development Di- NNDCD worked with the certification,” Begay said. of credit to our leadership and the chance to grow our commu- rector Arbin Mitchell said LGA Office of the Auditor General The chapter also received the the local people of Tiis Tsoh Si- nity,” Cody said. certification is an opportunity and paid an outside consultant blessing of the Ft. Defiance Lo- kaad. Leupp Chapter was certified for chapters to build their com- to conduct the FMS reviews, cal Governance Support Center. “I appreciate the opportunity. by a vote of 3-0. munities. at a cost of $5,000 per chapter. Cecelia Largo-Nez, senior I’m humbled by being in these Delegate Katherine Benally “When you become certified, Dreams Come True Incorporat- programs and projects special- chambers,” he added. sponsored Chilchinbeto Chap- you’re given that opportunity ed of Albuquerque conducted ist for the Ft. Defiance LGSC, Roger Joe, senior program ter for certification. to use those five manuals out the reviews via certified public said, “I do fully recommend for and projects specialist for Speaking in Navajo, Benally there,” Mitchell said. accountant Eliot Stenzel. Teesto to get certified.” Northern LGSC, gave his ap- See LGA on page 20

16 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Round Rock Chapter residents finally receive waterline extension ROUND ROCK-Water is emergencies and emphasized a precious commodity and not to drive or park on the drain nobody knows that fact more field. Construction atop that than Navajo families that haul area was also discouraged. water for everyday living. Reed said residents are able For these families, water to see if the septic tank needs conservation is a way of life, to be cleaned by checking not just words espoused in the the red-colored septic tank spirit of ecology. access port. He warned against Arbin Mitchell, director of children stuffing trash or other the Navajo Nation Division items down the port to prevent of Community Development, clogging the system. The blue- said funding waterline projects colored ports represented fresh is a mainstay of the division, water access, he explained. especially since it helps so The biggest warning was not many Navajo families. to connect washing machines “Promoting viable to the septic system because communities through Navajo that would result in immediate values is the mission of the Community members of Round Rock Chapter attended homeowners training on May 4, 2011, to learn about the backup of the system, which division,” Mitchell said. “Water activation and maintenance of the new $3.9 million waterline funded by Indian Health Services, the American Recovery only has a capacity of 1,000 is life for Navajo people and and Reinvestment Act, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Photo by Rick Abasta) gallons. nothing is more important Rather, the grey water from than sustaining this natural “It was two projects in Round IHS headquarters in Rockville, “It’s going to make a huge the washing machine should be resource.” Rock, one toward Rock Point, Md. difference because we actually drained into a separate channel On May 4, 2011, 81 west of town and another going What follows next is the have to go to the windmill to get outside for evaporation, Reed homeowners in Round Rock east, toward Lukachukai. It’s right-of-way package, which water,” Bahe said. said, because IHS wouldn’t gathered at the chapter house to been in development for five consists of an archaeological Her family of six utilizes be liable for repairs in that learn maintenance of plumbing years now,” Ali said. survey, threatened and a 600-gallon water tank that instance. and septic systems. It was the Ali said the total cost for endangered species survey, BIA must be replenished twice a McCray gave instruction on final step in a lengthy process of the project was $3,944,000. road processing permits and month, which entails an hour- the septic tank and the microbes receiving running water. IHS funded $3,538,849. U.S. signatures, Apache or Navajo long process of hauling water that breakdown the solids inside The Many Farms Indian Environmental Protection County road processing permits buckets from the windmill, six the tank. Health Service (IHS) Agency funded $131,000. The and signatures, and grazing miles away. “Don’t use your toilet as a Environmental Health and IHS American Reinvestment permit signatures. Bahe’s message to the trash can,” McCray said. “Don’t Engineering Services provided and Recovery Act (ARRA) “After the right-of-way government is simple: “We poison your septic system. the training. funded $275,000 for the project. package, we receive permission really need this water. Try to Poison or harsh household Round Rock Chapter The Q28 and N75 waterline to construct from the Navajo supply more people with water chemicals can kill the beneficial President Kellywood Harvey Sr. development were part of the Nation,” Ali said. because there’s still a great deal bacteria.” said phase one of the waterline PL-86-121-ARRA project. The design-construction of people out on the reservation Septic tanks need to be checked development was initiated in PL-86-121, or the Indian package is the next step, without running water.” every two years, McCray said, the 1960s, which started in Sanitations Facility Act, was consisting of the waterline Perry translated Ali’s to determine when the system the center of the Round Rock enacted on July 31, 1959. It design and actual construction presentation to the audience must be pumped. She said community and extended out provides authority for providing with backhoes and bulldozers. about the one-year warranty checking the sewage level with over the decades. essential water supplies and The final inspection package period for the water system a six-foot pole or stick is ideal, “What we’re concentrating sewage facilities. comes next, with coordination installed by IHS. He stressed especially when septic service on today is phase six and Under provisions of the act, from local utility companies. that after one year all repairs is performed. seven,” Harvey said. “We will IHS provides water service lines, Work by IHS and Navajo would be the responsibility of “When that contractor shows continue working on phase water wells, water pressure Engineering and Construction the homeowner. up, you need to make sure eight bathroom additions next.” systems, septic tanks and drain Authority is inspected to ensure “Everything inside the house, you’re there to make sure they Bathroom additions are a fields, and sewer service lines all parts are working. everything from the house to do their job correctly and not prerequisite in requests for for newly constructed, recently Next, homeowner training the water meter, and everything just take the water,” Ali said. waterline extensions. renovated and existing medical is conducted and water deposits in the septic tank, and the drain Manual inspection to see Funding from NNDCD referral individual homes. are paid to the utility company. field is the responsibility of the if the solids are cleared from funnels down to the chapters, Joining Ali for the Finally, the waterline is turned homeowner,” Ali said. the tank is crucial, he said. which in turn, construct the final inspection meeting on and Navajo families are Residents were given a 13- Otherwise, the tank will fill up additions for homes before was environmental health able to enjoy the amenities of page guide detailing how to care and need cleaning again right waterline development begins. specialist Jacey McCurtain and running water. for plumbing, water connections away. It is the responsibility of the engineering technician Perry “All of these packages and and septic system. A list of Candelaria Manygoats, a life- chapter to ensure homes have Reed. McCurtain and Reed signatures are required by law contractors was included in the long resident of the community, potable water. addressed the community in and that’s why it takes so long,” handout for repairs and septic said, “It’s important and Ali Ali, field engineer for Navajo for the benefit of many Ali said. cleaning service. great that some of our remote IHS, covered care for plumbing, Navajo elders in the audience. Regardless of the wait, Reed took the residents communities are getting water. water meter, septic tank, and The biggest concern for one community member was outside the chapter house, Water is life and I hope they drain field. Ali worked for many families was the lengthy ecstatic the waterline was where a septic tank, drain field know how to conserve.” Many Farms IHS for over five period of time required to for finally going to be activated. and water meter system was set Information: years and worked on sanitation the waterline to be activated, Ali Angelita Bahe said she applied up for the demonstration. www.nndcd.org project NA-09-S09, which said. He described the process, for running water in 2003, when He showed them how to piped water to Round Rock which begins with funding from she moved back to Round Rock. turn the waterline off in case of southwest and southeast.

SEPTEMBER 2011 17 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org Weatherization Assistance Program making a difference Story and photos by Two new thresholds with Elfina Wauneka vinyl and aluminum weather- stripping were also installed on THIS IS A REPORT of both front and back doors to the Navajo Weatherization prevent leakage. Assistance Program project in Day two consisted of Manuelito, New Mexico. The finalizing the scope of work: client is a 57-year-old Navajo replacing the wall around woman who lives alone. the bathtub area with water The weatherization of her resistant drywall to prevent air home began on January 19, leakage from the exterior walls. 2011. The initial assessment A shower kit was not a part was completed by senior of the weatherization and the carpenter Randy Yazzie and client was advised to purchase Raymond Tsosie, carpenter. one for installation. After interviewing the The old stovepipes were client during the assessment, removed from the ceiling and she complained of migraine roof, after which, the roof headaches. The carpenters was sealed with plywood, felt checked the residence with a paper, roof cement and shingles carbon monoxide detector and to prevent seepage. The learned there was a leak from interior ceiling was patched the propane gas stove and the with drywall patch and joint water heater. compound for a finished look. The gas line to stove was Additionally, foam shut off to prevent further outlet covers were installed health risks for the occupants throughout the home on of the house. The water heater all electrical outlets and leak was fixed onsite by Yazzie light switches to reduce and the initial assessment was air infiltration. Compact completed on Jan. 20. fluorescent light bulbs were This process included a installed to reduce the energy pressure diagnostic test to usage from traditional bulbs. find any air penetrating the The construction crew also home, which also established installed new smoke alarms a target range for the post and carbon monoxide detectors pressure diagnostic test. It was in the kitchen and bedroom determined several measures Randy Yazzie, lead carpenter for the Weatherization Assistance program, was areas for health and safety. commended for services performed on the home of an elderly Navajo woman could be implemented to The final energy conservation living in Manuelito, New Mexico. improve the overall energy measure was sealing all of the efficiency for the residence. interior windows with latex A scope of work and caulking. The exterior windows material listing was developed, were sealed with silicone to illustrating the steps needed to prevent air and water leakage. fix the problems. A timeline After the scope of work of two days was established to was finished, lead carpenter complete the project. Randy Yazzie performed Yazzie ordered materials a post pressure diagnostic from Sunshine Lumber test. Yazzie was assisted by Company of Gallup. The fellow crewmembers Michael delivery of materials was on Legah and Franklin Bahe to July 18, 2011. weatherize the home. Construction activities When the weatherization began on August 1, as was finished, the homeowner carpenters Michael Legah and contacted the crew to inform Franklin Bahe arrived onsite them that since the propane to begin work. Several tasks stove was replaced and water on the scope of work were heater leak fixed, she no longer completed on the first day. suffered from the painful The crew removed an old migraine headaches. wood stove and replaced it The client was so pleased with a Skyline wood/coal with the work performed stove with a blower fan. A new that she contacted the chimney kit with dual 36-inch Weatherization Assistance triple wall stove pipes were Program to commend the installed through the attic and work of the construction crew roof, along with three new six- through a faxed letter. inch black stovepipes from the stove to the ceiling. This crew from the Weatherization Assistance Program perform a cellulose demolition.

18 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 LeChee and Kaibeto attain land use certification James said. something to our children to Transportation was consulted The LeChee Chapter CLUP work with,” Fowler said. for right of way permits, along was approved by a vote of 3-0. Ernest Goatson, vice president with the Bureau of Indian Kaibeto Chapter President for Kaibeto Chapter, said there Affairs Roads Department. Kelsey Begaye spoke in are nine major projects that have “We want to grow, expand,” Navajo and said the community been identified for development Goatson said. “We’re looking has followed leadership and in the next five years. to develop a laundromat, fast planning to this point and is An 80-acre commercial food, convenience store, auto thankful for the opportunity of multipurpose building tops parts, towing center, and self- certification. the list, followed by eight and storage. “Looking back, it’s been over 10-acre business site leasing. “Another good resource is six years now that we’ve really A solid waste transfer station the tourism,” he added. started working on this plan,” and recycling center is also The Kaibeto Chapter Begaye said. planned, along with a 120-acre moved steadily through the He said the community was industrial site. A public safety planning process, utilizing Kaibeto Chapter Vice President Ernest Goatson said economic development involved with CLUP meetings, complex is also planned, plus the marketability studies was an important component to their plan. (Photo by Rick Abasta) emphasizing the need for small a 12-acre senior independent from the Tuba City Economic businesses and employment living center. Rounding out the Development Committee to hit WINDOW ROCK-Planning about or planned on recently. opportunities. development projects are a 1.8- the ground running. for the orderly growth and This all started back in 1997,” “Small businesses are the acre flea market, five-acre one The chapter is also planning development of Navajo Whitekiller said. backbone of the whole Navajo stop tribal building and a one- to become a satellite school communities is the purpose Community members from Nation and the United States,” acre feed store lease. of the Page School District, behind Community Land Use LeChee gathered during CLUP Begaye said. “Orderly growth Land was identified for the nine providing educational services Planning efforts, said Arbin committee meetings and voiced and infrastructure development major projects, followed by the for Kaibeto, Navajo Mountain, Mitchell, director of Navajo their need for development was planned.” completion of archaeological Inscription House and Shonto. Nation Division of Community like a convenience store, The first community store and environmental surveys by The Resources and Development. laundromat, trailer court and in Kaibeto was opened in JJ Clacs. Development Committee On July 26, 2011, the housing complex. Practical 1912, followed by the first BIA The chapter also met with approved the CLUP for Kaibeto 22nd Navajo Nation Council considerations like a cemetery school opening in 1937. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, by a vote of 3-0. Resources and Development and post office were also first Bureau of Indian Affairs where commitments were made Information: www.nndcd.org Committee certified the land included in the plan. elementary school opened for for power line, waterline and use plans of LeChee Chapter Wilfred Lane, community the community in 1965. sanitation. and Kaibeto Chapter. services coordinator, said Navajo Housing Authority The Arizona Department of “We are working with LeChee’s CLUP was developed built 10 homes in Kaibeto in Navajo chapters to grow their according to guidelines 1970, which communities for the future provided by the former was followed generations” Mitchell said. Transportation and Community by the “There are now 95 chapters that Development Committee of the construction are CLUP certified.” Navajo Nation Council. of Highway Legislation sponsor Katherine Public hearings were held to 98 in 1972. Benally (Chilchinbeto, provide community education, The 1980s Dennehotso, Kayenta) said the assessments, prioritizing, and b r o u g h t community land use planning vision for the future of LeChee. h o u s i n g documents were compiled by “We would hold meetings communities, the communities. and everybody would discuss churches and “Moving forward, we have these issues. That’s how this a new IHS planned for the community of document came to be,” Lane clinic. LeChee with this document,” said. Franklin Benally said. The land carrying capacity was Fowler, CLUP Preliminary efforts with studied, along with open space, c o m m i t t e e the land use plan began in residential and commercial c h a i r m a n , 1993, when Cornoyer-Hedrick areas, economic development, s a i d , worked with LeChee to sketch and the thoroughfare for streets “Everybody out early plans. The company and roads. played a role laid the foundation for what “We are thankful and we will in developing would later be built upon by begin to implement this land this.” Randall Ewers and Associates, use plan for the chapter,” Lane Fowler said and Irene Ogata. said. the purpose Utilizing the consultant Sarah Dale, chapter secretary behind the services of outside architects and CLUP committee member, plan was to and planners provided education said the community supports the create jobs for to community members on the renewal for the lease by Navajo c o m m u n i t y development of their chapter. Generating Station, especially m e m b e r s Irene Nez-Whitekiller, since so many community and to bring president of LeChee Chapter, members work there. e c o n o m i c said the CLUP document began “Some of our Navajo Nation opportunity in 1997. tribal members from across for Kaibeto. “This Community Land the reservation work (at NGS). “We Use Plan wasn’t just talked They get a lot of job skills,” need to give

SEPTEMBER 2011 19 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org Block grant close out process Continued from page 9 disposal project funded with the Dennehotso, Inscription House grant to recoup outlay shortage grant funds totaled $1,484,500. and Shonto. incurred in the amount of CDBG worked with IHS to Chavez John, program $512,459 due to expiration of provide water services, indoor manager for Navajo Nation grant appropriation. plumbing, septic tank and Community Housing and The amount approved drainage field systems for 126 Infrastructure Development, was $393,585.32 for the homes. said the nation does not like communities of Whitecone and The grant also funded seven sending money back to HUD. Indian Wells. power line extension projects “We spend all the money,” “We continually coordinate in cooperation with NTUA in John said. “Now, people have efforts with cooperating entities the amount of $3,248,625. A electricity and water. We want and partners to help these total of 70.15 miles of electrical to see them maintain it.” families as much as possible,” line serviced 158 clients in John congratulated all for Adakai said. the communities of Teec Nos the successful implementation Tribal bureaucracy is a hurdle Pos, Wheatfields, Lukachukai, of the projects, including that comes up continually, he Coppermine, Bodaway/Gap, NTUA, JMEC, IHS and Navajo said. Rock Point and Oljato. chapters. He was especially “It’s challenging sometimes. On June 4, 2010, HUD proud of the CDBG staff. I guess that’s how it is being the approved two projects to be CDBG originally began as largest tribe,” Adakai said. “We added that were originally the Navajo Nation Office of just have to continue doing our approved in the 1998 ICDBG Program Development in 1976. work here for the people out grant to have the Navajo Nation The ICDBG program and set there, that’s the main focus.” recoup outlay shortage incurred aside was established in 1978. On May 6, 2011, Adakai in the amount of $512,459 Maximum ceiling grants filed a close out report complete due to expiration of grant were imposed in 1981 at $5 with narrative report, close out appropriation. million. Current ceiling limit agreement and final financial The amount was $118,873.68 was increased for the Navajo status report for FY 2004 for the grant amendment. Nation to $5.5 million in 2003. grant, B-04-SR-04-0877 with On July 13, 2010, HUD The objective of CDBG is SWONAP. approved $230,894 from to develop viable communities The grant totaled $5,491,00. FY 2004 leftover funds to by creating decent housing, Program administration cost supplement four power line suitable living environment, totaled $757,875 and project projects for 11 households and expanding economic cost amounted to $4,733,125. to receive electricity in the opportunities, for low and The Ramah water/wastewater communities of Teec Nos Pos, moderate-income families. Rural addressing and E911 efforts Continued from page 5 every other Wednesday in our Tohajillee currently has Authority stepped under the shop,” Baldwin said. “That’s E911 services after years of umbrella of NNDCD. where we give them maps, development. However, the Stanley Yazzie, deputy guidance and training tools so community still lakes road and director for Community De- they can collect information street signs. velopment, said the primary for us.” “Someone with a landline in responsibility from the division The information is depos- Tohajiilee, if they dial 911, the LGA certification is is the development of rural ad- ited into a database called call will be picked up in Ber- dressing. the Master Street Addressing nallilo County. That is proof M.C. Baldwin is the coordi- Guide, which is shared with that we can have Enhanced 911 finally reached nator for NNAA and previously PSAPs outside the reservation, without a PSAP,” Baldwin said. Continued from page 20 worked for the NNTU prior to which transmit the calls to the Formulating memoran- said, “We usually hear that there is no work coming from the Local FY 2010. appropriate law enforcement dums of understanding with Governance Support Centers. Today is proof of otherwise.” “We’re using the Geograph- agency or jurisdiction. surrounding counties and the Benally thanked the previous delegates for their work in bring- ic Information Systems, where This method is used because Navajo Nation is an intrin- ing the chapter closer to certification and said the standardized you capture spatial information the Navajo Nation does not sic part of the E911 process. FMS manual helped the chapter achieve its goal of certification. that’s referenced in such a way have their own PSAP. Through these collaborative “Moving forward, we will work hard together,” Benally said. that you can generate num- “We’ve launched a web efforts, the NNAA foresees the Lee Gambler, chapter president, said it was a long road and a bers,” Baldwin said. resource mapping tool for our successful completion of the long struggle to get the FMS together for certification. Rural addressing efforts in- chapters so that when they’re rural addressing portion of the “It’s been almost 16 years that I have been in office and I already volve coordination with chap- collecting field information, project. said one day soon, we will have this chapter Five Management Sys- ters via Local Rural Addressing they can review the data from “You can think of the rural tem in place,” Gambler said. “I think this is really going to help us, Committees, which are in place any computer, without having addressing portion as the horse the community. at all 110 chapters. to worry about GIS software,” and the E911 section as the “I am going to say again that this is a good day to be certified,” LRAC activities involve Baldwin said. wagon,” Baldwin said. he added. the collection of field informa- The rural addressing is Information: Chilchinbeto was certified by a vote of 3-0. tion on maps and field ledger still a work in progress but www.nnaa.nndcd.org The certified chapters all received a check for $160,000 and sheets, with resources provided one Navajo community has instructions on how to budget the funds. There is currently 27 LGA to the chapter by NNAA. illustrated the viability of E911 certified chapters on the Navajo Nation. “We have LRAC training services. Information: www.nndcd.org

20 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Bond financing initiative aimed at economic development WINDOW ROCK-The Navajo Nation Division of Community Development presented a report on bond financing to the 22nd Navajo Nation Council on May 5, 2011. Division director Arbin Mitchell was joined by directors from the Office of the Controller, Division of Transportation and Division of Economic Development, to explain the benefits of bond financing for the Navajo Nation. Council delegate Katherine Benally (Chilchinbeto, Dennehotso, Kayenta) said the issue of bond financing first appeared during the 21st Navajo Nation Council. “November 17, 2009, was the exact date we started the discussion on this economic development finance plan,” Benally said. “Summer 2010 was when we finished up the economic development five- year plan.” She said Navajo Nation The 22nd Navajo Nation Council confirmed Arbin Mitchell as Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director on April 20, 2011, inside the Navajo Nation Council Chambers. Mitchell is pictured here with Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly and Resources and Development Committee Chairwoman Katherine President Ben Shelly traveled to Benally. (Photo by Rick Abasta) New York City with controller Mark Grant and speaker Johnny sources for the bond financing is an allowable revenue stream The next calculation was tribal court and tribal law. The Naize to discuss the Navajo proposal is from NNDCD, to leverage or bond against, for the road management fund, timeline for the proposal would Nation’s credit rating. via the Infrastructure Capital stated in federal regulations at which is basically fuel excise start May 18, 2011. Meetings to “We got an A-rating, which Improvement Plan. 25-CFR Part 170. Additionally, tax transfers that were moved discuss the bond proposal are is investment grade for the “Last year, we put a plan NDOT also receives about $9 into the fund, he explained. scheduled for May 16 and 18, (Navajo) Nation,” said Albert together, an ICIP,” Mitchell million a year under the fuel “I used the average number in Albuquerque with KPMG, Damon, director of Division of said. “It was presented to the excise tax program. $9 million,” Grant said. “If we LLC. Economic Development. Transportation and Community “Those are the two revenue used that as debt service at five Tribal officials and the audit, The nation is eligible to Development Committee and streams we have as far as this percent over 15 years, we could tax and advisory firm will receive an AA-rating, according went before the 21st Navajo initiative,” Chaco said. borrow $93 million for the road review the proposal with a fine- to Damon, provided certain Nation Council. Navajo Nation Controller fund.” tooth comb before submitting to provisions are met. “But before we could get Mark Grant said the different The final calculation was on the Navajo Nation Council for According to the Standard and to that document, we lost the types of projects all required the permanent fund. approval and the green light to Poor’s rating system, A-ratings quorum and time ran out,” he different types of funding, “I used the number $25 proceed. represent a “Strong capacity to added. which he reviewed with council. million and calculated five Next comes the road show, meet financial commitments, The proposed ICIP from Capital improvement projects, percent for 15 years and the beginning August 2, for onsite but somewhat susceptible to the division has 61 projects, economic development amount you could borrow investor presentations. adverse economic conditions totaling $69,344,880. Most of projects, local government would be $259 million,” Grant “This is where we take out and changes in circumstances.” the projects progressed past the improvement projects and said. bond out on the road and we try The AA-rating is a “Very planning phase, with chapter essential government projects Still, other options remained to sell it to all the investors out strong capacity to meet financial resolutions, surveys, consents were all reviewed at length and available to the Navajo there,” Grant said. “From there, commitments.” The highest and assessments completed. definitions read into the record. Nation, like tribal economic we’ll go to the closing, which is rating is the AAA-rating, “A lot of these projects are in Grant shared calculations on development bonds, EB-5 on August 25. which is an “Extremely strong shortfall status. Do we use that the borrowing capacity for the bonds, and new market tax “At that point, we would capacity to meet financial for bonding?” Mitchell asked. nation. credits. The New Mexico receive the money and issue the commitments.” “What about for renovation?” “I used the number $140 Finance Authority was also bonds to investors,” he said. Damon said the five-year Another potential funding million (an average) as the another viable option, providing Benally said the bond plan was for a $100 million source to supplement the bond annual recurring revenues for a low interest rate source of financing is an opportunity to infusion. However, with proposal is NDOT, specifically the nation. If you take that funding. address economic development. supplemental funds from other from the Transportation number and multiply it by eight “The projects here are all “For too long, we’ve been funding sources, that amount Improvement Plan. percent, you come up with going to require review and watching the dollar go off could increase to as much as “The Transportation $11.8 million that’s available approval by the respective the Navajo Nation. (Bond $250 million. Improvement Plan consists of for debt service,” Grant said. oversight committees. The bond financing) will pay for itself, “Therefore, more projects all the Indian Reservation Road From that $11.8 million set agreement will definitely need eventually. It takes money to can be put in there,” Damon projects that are on Navajo,” aside from general funds for to go before council to have make money,” Benally said. said. “Remember, this is a loan. said Paulson Chaco, director of debt service, the nation could their approval,” Grant said. Information: It has to be paid back.” NDOT. borrow $122 million over a 15- He said the plan is to try www.nndcd.org. One of the additional funding Chaco said the IRR program year period at five percent. for a bond that recognizes

SEPTEMBER 2011 21 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org White Rock Chapter work on power lines and waterlines Continued from page 5 “It was tough, really tough. “It was exciting, very excit- Henry said the software in- their attention on a new water- “When she transferred, she The previous administration ing,” Henry said. “It was a very vestment was expensive but line for the community. put the finances back together didn’t really help the chapter. big step for White Rock Chap- well worth it. “Our community people still from the previous year and then After they left, it was the best ter. In two years time, it was a White Rock has 362 regis- haul water form a great distance FY 2010, which was the current thing that happened,” McDon- big turnaround.” tered voters but not all live in and we’re really trying hard on budget,” McDonald said. ald said. She said other findings were the community because of the our next project, which will be Working together, the team In July 2010, the chapter be- similar to most chapters, mainly lack of employment opportuni- the waterline,” Brown said. was determined to straighten gan practicing use of the FMS the abuse of travel authoriza- ties. The community’s basic infra- out the accounting. By April for the required three months, in tions. The solution was simple As the smallest chapter in the structure setup is a far cry from 2010, White Rock finally knew accordance with LGSC policy. and straightforward: get rid of Navajo Nation, White Rock has how things used to be. where they were financially. The FMS defines work for the people that were doing it. a BIA school, chapter house, se- “Imagine going to work and What they uncovered was chapters in the areas of account- “I couldn’t drag that on. It’s nior citizens center and a chap- you have to go to the back of the money owed to the Internal ing, personnel, procurement, embarrassing when you see ter house in their community. chapter house and crank up the Revenue Service and Navajo property and records manage- your chapter’s name in the pa- Located in the New Mexico generator,” Brown said. “That’s Nation Tax Commission, which ment. per,” Henry said. “Right now, I county of San Juan and 35 miles the only way you can go into were paid. By Sept. 2010, White Rock think LGA certification is work- north of Crownpoint, White your office and actually start As things fell into place, fi- submitted its financial records ing good for White Rock.” Rock Chapter is situated on a working. nancial reporting was in order for certification and auditors As the first chapter in the dirt road about 5.8 miles off the “You couldn’t stand there and accepted by the LGSC. were called in to review the Eastern Agency to get certified, main highway. and say, ‘I’m the chapter man- Chapter staff busied them- books. White Rock maintained a solid Chapter manager Nancy ager.’ Chapter manager or not, selves with inserting policies, “He told us that when he footing into 2011, when they Brown said the community has you had to have that machine procedures and forms that had opened the folders, the papers See WHITE ROCK on page 13 traveled a long way in a short going,” she added. to be done in the name of White didn’t attack him,” Henry said. Cont. from page 5 amount of time, bringing elec- Despite their remote location Rock Chapter. They held sever- The audit findings were cor- switched over to the Sage Fund tricity to 95 percent of the com- and diminutive nature, White al meetings and strategized on rected and the biggest finding Accounting software. munity. Rock Chapter is a community how to address their financial was the chapter owed money SFA, formerly known as Brown said, “On Dec. 23, filled with growth and a new fu- situation to meet the standards to the Navajo Nation Tax Com- MIP, is the preferred nonprofit 2010, power was turned on for ture. Information: www.nndcd. of LGA certification. mission. financial management solution 23 families. We had some ex- org McDonald said by the first Henry took a check to the used to plan and manage bud- cited community members who quarter of FY 2011, White Rock tax commission the same day gets, maximize grants, manage said they had the lights on all was encouraged by Mitchell to and White Rock Chapter was human resources, and produce night.” use the fast track LGA certifica- officially certified on Dec. 22, accurate customized reports in White Rock Chapter is now tion process. 2010. minutes. switching gears and focusing Chapters take the initiative for community weatherization Continued from page 5 practices and said,“What I look “That puts them on the hook per year. The new multimillion and post-testing. available, ARRA money,” said for is are you related by blood for complying with the code as dollar grant required intense “Our energy auditors are Stanley Yazzie, deputy director or do you have some kind of it exists,” Lewis added. grant management with strict available at each agency. They for NNDCD. special relationship with the Chavez John, department policies and procedures. measure the square footage, Weatherization received person?” manager for the Community “It’s up to you,” John said. height of your house and the ARRA funding for services. LGA certified chapters have Housing and Infrastructure “How big of a dream, how big outside wind. They will walk Under terms of the MOU, much potential for contracting Department, congratulated the of a contract do you want to throughout the home to develop each participating chapter will opportunities in the future, now certified chapters for attending have with these other Navajo the scope of work,” Pahe said. weatherize up to 10 homes that a boilerplate has finally discussions on the MOU. programs?” Utilizing high tech tools like within their chapter. been developed. “You’re paving the way for Stanley Pahe, ARRA WAP thermal imaging equipment, “This is only contracting. “Becoming LGA certified the rest of the chapters. This is Manager, said that no funds or the energy auditors will inspect You have the authority to do doesn’t cut you off. This is the a learning opportunity,” John allocations would be exchanged insulation, windows, doors, ordinances. And then searching grand misconception with a lot said. from the program to the chapter. and weather stripping. They for grants and other funding,” of the programs,” Lewis said. He explained the contracting “We have our own processes will also test levels of carbon Yazzie said. Conversely, revealed that opportunity with WAP would and procedures in place,” Pahe monoxide from wood and coal He encouraged the chapters certification does not relieve create opportunities for other said. stoves, and inspect for propane present and said, “You’re all in chapters of their responsibilities divisions and departments in There are currently over 70 leaks in the kitchen. one effort and that is to assist to the Navajo Nation central the tribe. crewmembers in all Navajo “We also provide technical the Navajo people. government. “It may not be much but you agencies, averaging 15-18 staff assistance for weatherization Yazzie said, “Your presence “You’ll always be a part of are going to learn big things per agency. The weatherization measures, final inspections, the here is indicative of your true the (Navajo) Nation,” Lewis from it because we are going to projects are only “patch-and- priority listings, use of equip- interest to continue the work of said. open up the door for you, using seal jobs,” not to be confused ment, listing of duties for lead your chapter.” He explained that DOJ will this MOU,” John said. with renovations, remodeling, carpenter, confidentiality and Brian Lewis, an attorney with ensure policies and procedures The funding was separated and rehabilitation jobs, he said. records management,” Pahe the Navajo Nation Department are fulfilled. WAP will shoulder into three portions: 10 percent Weatherization personnel will said. of Justice, said the MOU is a the bulk of the responsibilities. to cover administrative costs, assist with the chapter new em- According to terms of the contract to provide services. “Weatherization would han- 10 percent for training and tech- ployee orientations, the scope agreement, four carpenters will DOJ will ensure terms of the dle the big or what I call the nical assistance, and 80 percent of work review, construction take three days to weatherize agreement are met and have no heavy lifting,” he said. “The for projects. safety training, material listing a client’s home, with 10 home conflicts of interest. Weatherization Assistance will Previously, WAP was only orientation, unauthorized work, weatherization projects for each Lewis spoke of new hiring perform the procurement. funded $200,000 to $300,000 blower door testing, and the pre chapter.

22 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org SEPTEMBER 2011 Proposed LGA amendments to empower Navajo chapters

WINDOW ROCK-The Nav- Provisions in the LGA the responsibility of three par- ajo Nation Division of Commu- amendments include identify- ties: the chapter, OAG and the nity Development is currently ing the chapter supervisor and RDC. proposing amendments to Title the duties and responsibilities at In early 2010, DOJ finalized 26 of the Navajo Nation Code, the chapter. Another mandate is a Five Management System the Local Governance Act. to have all of the chapters op- Policies and Procedures Manual On June 20, 2011, the divi- erate on Sage Fund Accounting for all non-certified chapters to sion presented a full report on Software, formerly MIP, which adopt and implement. the amendments and the certifi- is a nonprofit financial manage- DOJ’s standardization of the cation process for chapters with ment system. FMS manual for the chapters regard to the Five Management The title is also proposed to has not only brought account- System and Community Land change from LGA to Local Em- ability but also eliminated costs Use Planning to the Navajo Na- powerment Act, reflecting the for chapters trying to develop tion Council Resources and De- promulgation of certain pow- their own manual. velopment Committee. ers from the central government “Based on that standard man- Community Development down to the chapter level. ual, all of the certified chapters presented the amendments to Perhaps the biggest amend- are required to at least imple- the committee alongside the ment is the inclusion of read- ment the policies and proce- Department of Justice and the only capability on chapter bank dures for three months,” Begay Office of the Auditor General. accounts for the Office of Man- said. At present time, there are 22 agement and Budget, Commu- Brian Lewis, an attorney for LGA certified chapters and 93 nity Development, Local Gov- DOJ, produced the FMS man- CLUP certified chapters on the ernance Support Center and the ual shortly after becoming em- Navajo Nation. Office of the Controller. ployed with the Navajo Nation Five chapters are currently This was designed to prevent on Jan. 19, 2010. on deck for certification and financial mismanagement that Lewis said it was designed to they are Teesto, Tiis Tsoh has plagued chapters in the past. address two main problems fac- Sikaad, Tsidii To’ii, Leupp, and “We’ve been meeting with ing DOJ: white collar criminal Chilchinbeto. Wells Fargo representatives to activity at the chapters and po- NNDCD Director Arbin view these balances online. That litical interference. Mitchell said the LGA amend- way, the chapters will know that “The guiding principle in ments have the underscore and we are also the reviewers on the trying to make this (LGA) work overstrike portion completed account,” Mitchell said. with these amendments is prior- and now, review by the RDC Navajo Nation Auditor Gen- itizing what the chapters need to Brian Lewis, attorney for Department of Justice, produced the standardized Five Management System manual, which led to an influx of LGA certified and then the NNC remain. eral Elizabeth Begay said her do and the persons who admin- chapters after its creation. (Photo by Rick Abasta) The amendments to the Act office is mandated to review the ister the law,” Lewis said. are the first of its kind since it FMS policies and procedures of He noted that people respond was enacted on April 18, 1998. chapters and recommend certi- to incentives and that as policy- access to all of the data, techni- ajo Data System has provided “When people ask if (LGA) fication to the RDC. makers, council delegates need cal assistance and services, he transparency for the division works, my simple answer is yes, “We obtain an understanding to keep that concept in mind added. and was noticed by the Federal it works,” Mitchell said. “On of the internal control policies when creating policies for peo- Lewis said, “There’s a lot of Emergency Management Agen- the federal government side, and procedures established by ple to do one thing or not. talk about weaning the chapters cy when they visited the Navajo independence came in 1776, the chapter’s Five Management “I would say as we go through off the central government. This Nation. but we still don’t have a perfect System, we evaluate the design this, keep in mind that incen- is kind of the intent of the law “FEMA compared Window government. effectiveness and determine tives have to be created and this over the long term, to devolve Rock to the chapters and the “LGA was enacted in 1998 whether such procedures have is a balancing act,” Lewis said. certain authorities like taxation, FEMA representative said the and within a few years, people been placed in operation,” Be- Making sure the all the laws imminent domain, zoning. chapter is better organized be- are questioning if it works,” he gay said. are consistent is important, “Becoming LGA certified cause they had all their files in added. She said LGA certification is Lewis said, because it could doesn’t cut you off,” he added. order,” Mitchell said. lead to inconsistencies and Certification doesn’t mean With the proposed amend- competing authorities. absolute autonomy either, ments to the LGA and continu- “What you need is to do Lewis explained. Rather, chap- ing innovations of the WIND way with the previous Act and ters are still bound by the stat- System, Community Develop- certain items will have to be utes of general applicability. ment continues to strain for amended, namely Title 5, Title “You’re always going to be progress at the local levels of 12 because all of the law must subject to those laws. When you governance and accountability. be consistent,” Lewis said. “The become certified, you’re still The five chapters ready for average layperson reading the bound by the laws of general certification will be initiated on law is going to need some kind applicability that apply to eve- July 11, 2011. of indicator where and how, rybody else, all the other pro- Information: www.nndcd.org wherever things are changed.” grams, divisions,” Lewis said. He said the Act must promote Mitchell said maintaining the political integrity, economic transparency within the division security, and the health and wel- and the chapters is the ultimate fare of the Navajo Nation. goal, to keep an atmosphere of Chinle Local Governance Support Center Program and Projects Specialist LGA certified chapters are fiscal accountability at all- lev Peggy Sue Nez read the proposed LGA amendments into the record in Navajo still a political subdivision of els. on June 20, 2011. (Photo by Rick Abasta) the Navajo Nation and still have The Woven Integrated Nav-

SEPTEMBER 2011 23 | NNDCD | www.nndcd.org 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair brought Navajos together

The Weatherization Assistance Program joined the Community Housing and Infrastructure Department inside the Nakai Hall exhibits, during the 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

The 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair was crowded and started early this year. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Jonathan Davis and Korn closed the 2011 Navajo Nation Fair with thunderous finality. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Jonathan Davis came out wearing a kilt. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

The line for the Korn show stretched out past Gorman Hall. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

Above, Danita Ryan, a Navajo from Flagstaff, is the 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair Fry Bread Champion. Below, Judy Arviso of Historic Preservation Department served food during the Navajo Nation Fair Barbecue. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

The Saturday afternoon grand entry at the powwow arena was packed. (Photo by Rick Abasta)

An estimated 3,000 Korn fans packed into the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Douglas Miles of Apache Skateboards insisted to have his model in this photo Arena to see the Nu Metal band of his artwork and skateboards. Note the Volcom Apache Skateboards t-shirt perform. (Photo by Rick Abasta) and belt buckle she is modeling inside Gorman Hall. (Photo by Rick Abasta)