the journal of the Grand Canyon River Guides, Inc. • voulme 25 number 2 • summer 2012 boatman’s quarterly review boatman’s Prez Blurb•Farewell •BooksKen,2Arts&RonGTSLand • GTSRiver HMcD Signature•Chub Relocation•OverflightsBackoftheBoat Food ForThought •Conflict/Harmony •SpringFlowers Art Gallenson boatman’s quarterly review Prez Blurb …is published more or less quarterly by and for GRAND CANYON RIVER GUIDES. Á’ÁT’ÉÉH, HAPPY RIVER SEASON! It’s already that GRAND CANYON RIVER GUIDES time of year again! Many of you have already is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Yhad a couple or more commercial trips under your belt on the Colorado, Grand Canyon or other Protecting Grand Canyon rivers. As a fellow river guide, I know that the begin- Setting the highest standards for the river profession ning of the river season or before your first trip begs Celebrating the unique spirit of the river community the main questions of “Where did I put that?” or “What Providing the best possible river experience am I forgetting?” At least for me, it’s the stressful part of the beginning of river season but I often remind General Meetings are held each Spring and Fall. Our myself that I’m going to a place of solitude, beauty, Board of Directors Meetings are generally held the first friendship, and adventure. It is also a stark reminder wednesday of each month. All innocent bystanders are that this place we all call home and our “office” is urged to attend. Call for details. always under observation from the constant threats of STAFF exploitation from development, mining and increased Executive Director LYNN HAMILTON visitation. That is why we all need to be aware of these Board of Directors threats and issues, because they all ultimately affect the President NIKKI COOLEY place we love. Vice President LATIMER SMITH One of those threats is the recent proposal by Treasurer FRED THEVENIN the Navajo Nation government to build a resort and Directors ROGER PATTERSON tramway above the Little Colorado River confluence. ROBERT JENKINS President Shelly and his team including several council KIM FAWCETT delegates and folks from the Navajo Nation Depart- ARIEL NEILL ment of Natural Resources signed a non-binding KELLY WAGNER contract with a development company from Scottsdale, GREG WOODALL Arizona to explore the development of the tramway GCRG’S AMWG and resort. This proposed development will negatively Representative SAM JANSEN impact the natural environment that encompasses the GCRG’S TWG Little Colorado River corridor, including grazing land Representative JERRY COX for livestock owned by local Navajo residents, cultur- BQR Editors KATHERINE SPILLMAN ally significant ground to many tribes other than the MARY WILLIAMS Navajo, and to the animal species that depend on this Our editorial policy, such as it is: provide an open seemingly small tract of land. As a Navajo woman, I forum. We need articles, poetry, stories, drawings, want to make it clear that just like any major decision photos, opinions, suggestions, gripes, comics, etc. proposed by governments there are supporters for both Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Grand sides. Although it seems that the voices of the opposi- Canyon River Guides, Inc. tion are louder, the proponents are working behind Written submissions should be less than 15oo the scenes to push this through at the Navajo Nation government level behind the facade that this is a good words and, if possible, be sent on a CD or emailed to economic opportunity for all Navajo people. As I have GCRG. Microsoft Word files are best but we can trans- late most programs. Include postpaid return envelope said in the past, I publicly make my opposition against if you want your disk or submission returned. these types of proposals known. Why do I oppose these potential job-creating opportunities knowing Deadlines for submissions are the 1ST of February, May, August and November. Thanks! that my people, the Diné, are in dire need of employ- ment opportunities on the reservation? I’ve worked as Our office location: 515 West Birch, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Office Hours: 10:30–5:00, Monday through Friday a river guide for over a decade, but first and foremost I am an advocate for the sanctity of the environment, my Navajo culture and people. I believe that we, the PHONE 928/773-1075 Diné, need more sustainable economic and develop- FAX 928/773-8523 ment opportunities that are less invasive, especially E-MAIL [email protected] on large and small scales that respect the people and WEBSITE www.gcrg.org page 2 grand canyon river guides environment. As you launch from Lees Ferry or cross Mike Jackson and Drake Havatone. At my request, through the Navajo reservation boundary via Flagstaff the Hualapai helped open the 2012 GTS by singing and or hike up the Little Colorado River corridor, I urge to praying for a healthy and educational weekend. As in you to be aware of these issues through and through, other cultures and religions, it is common practice because these issues do end on the pages of the New for the tribes to open any event, ceremony or festivity York Times or reported by the Associated Press. Not all with a prayer and song to bless the people, food and media—or for that matter reporters—are accurate in event for balance and harmony. their story telling so be aware because ultimately they It has been almost six years since the inception of will indirectly affect you whether you’re looking for a the GCROA’S Native Voices of the Colorado River Program peaceful day up the lcR or your passenger from Phila- and it has brought together tribal representatives to delphia asks you why the Indians are building a resort share their cultural knowledge with the river guiding and tramway above the lcR. community. When I first began attending the GTS back In other news, the Long-Term Experimental and in 2004, there was a shortage of Native presence and Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement presentations, but with the onset of the Native River meeting was held on April 4 and 5, 2012 at the High Guide Training Program and Native Voices there began Country Conference Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. a tradition of closer cultural sharing. As a friend and There were over seventy people in attendance, includ- fellow boatman said, the native presence in the river ing members of the public, stakeholders, and project guiding community “has been a vital part of helping staff from the Bureau of Reclamation, the National with the understanding of the ‘shareholder’s role’ in Park Service), and Argonne National Laboratory who the care and respect of these Sacred Lands.” After my participated in a two-day meeting on alternatives be- tenure as GCRG President ends in September and my ing considered for inclusion in the Glen Canyon Dam. fellow partner in crime, Latimer Smith’s reign begins, I managed to attend for half of the first day of the I will be (along with my partner Lyle B.) concentrat- meeting, which was comprised of the audience asking ing more on cultivating our non-profit, Fifth World questions or voicing their concerns about the pro- Discoveries, to continue the tradition of sharing tribal posed alternatives. In addition to myself, in attendance cultural knowledge with river guides and anyone was GCRG members Jessica Pope and Rich Turner (on outside the industry who is interested in learning and behalf of Private Boaters Association), executive direc- retaining their tribal knowledge. Native Voices will still tor Lynn Hamilton, and on the second day were AMWG be handled by GCROA and offering tribal information representative Sam Jansen and GCRG member Larry gathered thus far. Stevens. Making our presence known at these types Having said that, this is also where the Boatman’s of events is important to let federal agencies such as Quarterly Review comes in, because you get articles the NPS, BOR and corporations such the SRP (Salt River straight from the sources, and as members you are Project) and APS know that river guides (private and welcome to send in your questions, concerns and commercial) care and will voice their concerns. That opinions to GCRG. This is something many of you have is why we always urge you via the BQR, GCRG list serve, done and I encourage your to continuing doing so. and mailings to attend these meetings in person, or The BQR is a unique, literary gathering place for all submit public comments through electronic or post who care for how the Grand Canyon and Colorado mail. River is managed, and the issues that affect them. If And early spring 2012 brought the 24TH annual you are not a member yet or haven’t renewed your guides training seminar (GTS) to Hatch River Expedi- membership, please do so today. tions at Marble Canyon with over 200 people in at- Have a great summer and be safe and respectful tendance over March 31ST and April 1ST. This amazing Ahéhee’! event brought together an amazing lineup of speakers, which ranged from a geology talk by our own board Nikki Cooley member, Ariel Neil, to a stretching clinic hosted by DINÉ Laura Fallon and Judy Stratton. In addition, Super- intendent Uberuaga stayed true to his word of com- munity building and joined us for the entire two and a half days and made sure to speak to everyone he could. There was also an amazing sharing of culture by the Havasuapi Tribe’s Diana Uqualla and her five young apprentices, and Hualapai Tribe’s Bennett Jackson, boatman’s quarterly review page 3 Farewell TIM WHITNEY, JANUARY 30, 2012 along with a clear-eyed view of what the job asks of you, what it will take from you if you let it, and exactly S NOTED IN THE LAST BQR, we lost long-time what you’ll get back from it (and the free-market) in boatman (and GCRG soldier) Tim Whitney just the end if you’re not careful.