Traveling around southern Utah and northern Arizona, particularly in isolated areas, I’ve observed a wide variety of hogans (or hooghans), the primary traditional structure of the Navajo people. When enjoying the Colorado Plateau, the older hogans seem very much a part of the natural landscape.
As you drive into Monticello, Utah, which I do frequently, there is one solitary stop light. In fact, it is the only stop light in San Juan County. A few years ago, if you’d have turned toward the east, you’d have been on US 666 headed for Colorado and then New Mexico (the Four Corners areas). You’d first be crossing pinto bean country and then into the Navajo Nation.
I left Provo on Friday. Luckily, I didn’t have to drive. I was physically and emotionally beat. I needed a break.
After I crashed in Page AZ for 36 hours, the crew from Engineers Without Borders (EWB) headed out to the lands of the Navajo Reservation. The first day we spent with tribal members living in the very isolated Navajo Canyon. The area is a Garden of Eden, blessed with several springs (of living water). The families living there ned help with further developing their water resources. In the past, there had been water development, but much of the infrastructure is now deteriorated. The old orchards need pruning.
It is estimated that 8,000 homes in the Navajo Nation are without reliable water. And many are without commercial power. The Indian Health Service (IHS) and Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) will not be able to provide services to many of these homes anytime in the foreseeable future because of geographic isolation and cost constraints. At stake is the traditional culture of the Navajos. As they move into subdivision to get “modern” conveniences, they are increasingly separated from their pastoral heritage.
National Geograph claims they have found the remains and burial site of folk- and cult-hero Everett Ruess. Ruess disappeared in southern Utah in 1934. He was 20-years old at the time of his disappearance.
I don’t know much about Della GrayMountain; she is 83 years old and doesn’t speak much English. Della lives near the isolated community of Rainbow Village, in the shadow of Navajo Mountain. The nearest town of any size is an hour and a half away. Until recently her small 2-bedroom home had no indoor plumbing and minimal electrical power. She is a very regal lady and dresses in a traditional Navajo style.
Della GrayMountain feeding her lamb.