The Hardrock Chapter is situated within the Former Joint Use Area, now referred to as Navajo and Hopi Partitioned Lands. Navajo Partitioned Lands under exclusive Navajo jurisdiction are less than a quarter of the original chapter land base, thus the federal law affected a majority of the chapter’s population.
The Hardrock Chapter and all of its communities have been impacted by the Healing V. Jones decision, PL 93-531, as amended, and also by the continued expansion of the Hopi Grazing District 6 through out the years. The above decisions have had, and continue to have, devastating effects on the livelihood of all the communities under the Hardrock Chapter for the past 45 years (i.e. the Bennet Freeze which put a freeze on all construction, including: additions and major renovations of homes and public facilities; cancellation of grazing permits - which lead to livestock reduction; the partitioning of Navajo Land to the Hopi Tribe (the original Hardrock Chapter of 305,000 acres was reduced to 78,100 acres), and the relocation of over 50% of the families in the surrounding communities. The uncertainties of the accommodation(s) of approximately 30 Navajo familes who signed the Agreement with the Hopi and the eventual evictions of perhaps 10 or more families who did not sign the Agreement but, continue to, live on land which their ancestors have always resided on.
The Hardrock Chapter conducts monthly meetings to keep residents informed; residents have a forum to express their opinions and concerns to their Navajo Nation Council Delegate, or to decide on matters concerning their chapter.
The relocation program has placed a tremendous hardship and burden on individuals, families, and the chapter government psychologically, socially, and economically. Navajo families on the Navajo Partitioned Lands have allowed affected relatives to relocate onto their land. The reduced chapter land base compounded problems for land use. The chapter wants to expand its public facilities and other developments, but is restricted by lack of available land. Any use of land on the Hopi partitioned side, including rights-of-way, for infrastructure – waterline, and power line, or roads projects – require Hopi government approval. No permanent structures can be built by the Navajo government on the Hopi partitioned lands. There are limited paved roads leading into the chapter area.
Upcoming Chapter Events:
- Planning Meeting - (not yet scheduled for February 2012)
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Chapter Meeting - January 30, 2012 at 10am
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Veteran's Organization Meeting - February 12, 2012 at 1pm
"Servicing the Governmental Needs of the Hardrock Chapter
Residents."
As well as issues pertaining to, and affecting, daily life for residents of Hardrock Chapter.
Navajo Nation Government Link “http: www.navajo.org/
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Image Himalyan Mountain with the Navajo Nation Flag. Photo taken by Richard Manson.
Council Delegate
Dwight Witherspoon
Chapter Officers
Percy Deal, President
Angela Witherspoon, Vice President
Valencia Herder, Secretary/Treasure
Willard Benward, Grazing Officer
Administration
Vacant, Community Service Coordinator
Vacant, Office Specialist
Senior Center 928-725-3726
Lorraine Herder, Supervisor
Helen Tishe, Head Cook
Head Start 928-725-3521
Lillian Whitehair, Teacher
Injury Prevention Program 928-725-3501
Mary Begay, IP Coordinator
Bernice Bert, IP Assistannt
Rural Health Outreach Program 928-725-3800
Danny Kescoli, Family Behavioral Health Specialist
Jay Begay, Youth Program Coordinator
Angela Witherspoon, Project Director
Community Health Workers
Dora Burbank, Temp CHR
REZ VET - Veterinary Services
Dr. Adrienne Ruby, DVM
Cell Phone: 928-521-6241
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