fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Council approved legislation to reopen eight tribal parks on the Navajo Nation. The tribal parks have been closed for over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The legislation passed unanimously following the Navajo Nation’s change from “Orange” to “Yellow” safety status under Covid-19 safety protocols detailed by Public Health Order No. 2021-005

Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.

The Office of the President and Vice President (OPVP) must still approve the legislation. 

Upon approval, the following Navajo tribal parks, entities, and establishments will open: 

  • Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park
  • Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
  • Monument Valley Welcome Center
  • Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park
  • Four Corners Monument and Tséyi’ Diné Heritage Area
  • Navajo Nation Museum 
  • Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park 
  • Navajo Nation Zoo 
During the session, Linda Jackson, a Navajo Guided Tours representative in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park said her employees have been severely impacted by the pandemic. 
 
“[Employees] have been calling in everyday to see if they can work since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Jackson. 

Before reopening, each park will have to submit an outlined safety measure plan to the Navajo Nation Health Commands Operation Center and Navajo Operational Safety and Health Administration, before being authorized to safely open.

Despite hesitation from some Council members about a potential second wave of Covid-19 and differing mask mandates for surrounding states near the Navajo Nation, the amendment passed with a vote of 21 in favor and zero opposed. 

More Stories Like This

San Carlos Apache 22-Year-Old Man Arrested for Setting Fire on Reservation That Destroyed 21 Houses
National Native American Hall of Fame Appoints E. Sequoyah Simermeyer to Board of Directors
State of Michigan to Provide $1.25 Million to Ste. Marie Tribe for Its Homeless Shelter 
Vice President Harris Campaigns in Milwaukee for First Rally
Another Option for VP: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland

Join us in observing 100 years of Native American citizenship. On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting Native Americans US citizenship, a pivotal moment in their quest for equality. This year marks its centennial, inspiring our special project, "Heritage Unbound: Native American Citizenship at 100," observing their journey with stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].