Report to the Navajo Tribal Council, November 12, 1968

Abstract

This collection contains a draft and final version of an economic report from Raymond Nakai to the Navajo Tribal Council. He discusses up and coming projects to the major communities on the Navajo Reservation such as: Mexican Springs Job Corps, Tuba City Water and Sewer, Kayenta Civic Center, Navajo Sawmill Cut-Stock Plant, Navajo Town Center Commercial Facilities, the Navajo Irrigation Project, Navajo Community College and the Navajo Police Department. Other up and coming businesses such as stores, motels, plants, recreation areas, post offices, nursing homes and housing are in motion. The anticipation is that new business will boost the Navajo economy and engage Navajo people in work on the reservation. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Raymond Nakai, a Navajo Indian, was born in 1918 in Lukachukai, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation. Raymond Nakai is noted as being the first modern Navajo political leader serving as Chairman of the Navajo Nation from 1963-1971. As chairman, the issues most important during his tenure were self determination in Navajo Education, reservation unemployment, developing Navajo economy, further development of the tribal government and improving relations with the federal government and surrounding states. Nakai had much unprecedented success as Navajo Tribal Chairman: In 1967 the Navajo Nation Bill of Rights was created, in 1968 Navajo Community College opened being the first tribally controlled community college, the Tribal Scholarship Trust was developed, relations with off reservation natural resource companies began, he was supportive of religious freedom of the Native American Church on the Navajo Reservation. Raymond Nakai led an active personal and political life and was an innovative leader for the Navajo People. The Raymond Nakai Collection contains material documenting his activities as Chairman of the Navajo Nation from 1963 - 1971.