Navajo community divided on Grand Canyon tourist attraction

Thursday, November 29, 2012  

A proposed Grand Canyon tourist attraction is generating controversy in a Navajo Nation community.

The Bodaway/Gap Chapter passed two resolutions against the Grand Canyon Escalade, a project that includes a tramway to carry tourists to the floor of the Grand Canyon National Park. But a third resolution in October saw residents favor the project by a 59-52 vote.

Don Yellowman, who runs a group called Forgotten People, voted against the project. He and others say it will disturb a sacred site at the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers.

Supporters say the $125 million project will create jobs and attract more people to the reservation.

Get the Story:
Tension in Navajo Nation over proposed Grand Canyon tourist attraction (Cronkite News 11/28)

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Hopi Tribe passes resolution opposing Navajo Nation business (10/10)
Navajo Nation sees opposition to Grand Canyon tourism project (7/31)